As our prime season begins to wind down, I had the pleasure of doing a little Q&A with Angela Forsythe, Co-Owner of Carolina Sun – this month’s Salon of Distinction. After 16 years in business, it can be difficult to retain the desire and the drive to “make it happen” in any business year after year; but, Angela has proven that she can do it. As we spoke on the phone, I absolutely knew that she really enjoys tanning salon ownership.
Owners: Dwayne and Angela Forsythe
Location: Waynesville, NC
Years in Business: 16
UV Units: 8
Other Services: VersaPro Sunless
Lotions: Devoted Creations, Designer Skin, Supre Tan
Salon Software: SunLync
Salon Training: Sun is Life
Distributor Partner: Four Seasons
Best-selling Lotion: Devoted Creations Black Gem
Most Popular Tanning Package: 30-day Unlimited
How did you get started in the tanning industry?
Sixteen years ago, my husband and I came across a little tanning salon that needed some tender, loving care, but we could really see the potential in it. We felt that with a small investment of time and money, we could make a nice profit. So, we bought it and immediately focused our energy on remodeling the entire building. We also realized that to really turn things around, we would need to upgrade the equipment, and we wasted little time in contacting Four Seasons to purchase brand new, Ergoline equipment. I have to tell you, the investment really paid off quickly!
We operated that salon for over 15 years; the problem was that it was really too far out of town for us, and we knew that if we opened one closer to our home, we could one day realize another nice return on investment. We began the next step back in 2013 by looking for potential locations, and found a very nice spot in the Waynesville Plaza. We paid attention to every detail and it took us three months to finish the project. With high expectations and the relief that our initial work was completed, we announced our grand opening back in February 2014. Again, we knew we had to have premium products and brought in another round of new Ergoline equipment, as well as the new VersaPro sunless system. It was the best decision we ever made. I love our new store!
What is your five-year goal?
With the success of our second opening, we plan to research the demographics of nearby areas and open another salon near our current location.
As a tanning business, what do you feel is the biggest obstacle you face?
Joe, I don’t need to tell you – the media creates a really negative image of indoor tanning, and I believe our struggle is getting people in the community to really understand the benefits and positive aspects provided by the control and moderation of indoor tanning services. Additionally, there are new governmental restrictions on our business – in North Carolina, no one under the age of 18 can tan indoors now, and that could become a federal law in every state. To me, that is ridiculous! It should be about personal choice. Teenagers who were coming to us for a base tan before summer will not have that opportunity any longer. This will certainly increase the number of sunburns, which research shows can lead to a rise in skin cancer incidence. I feel that a stronger move to encourage additional public safety would be to require all U.S. tanning facilities to have every employee certified with accredited salon operator training.
How would you sum up the success of Carolina Sun?
We have a wonderful staff! They are all Sun is Life® certified and educated on how to professionally and correctly offer tanning sessions to our guests. They also do a fantastic job speaking to our tanners in an educated manner about our tanning lotions and the importance of using them.
What drives you to come to work every day?
I love my job! Helping people look and feel good is truly a blessing.
Congrats to Angela and Dwayne on being featured in IST Magazine – we wish you continued success!
