As indoor tanning professionals, there are so many positive things in our beloved industry to enjoy. For example, more and more people are following their dreams of becoming their own bosses by opening and operating tanning salons. Since these “newbies” continue to strengthen our industry, ist Magazine wishes to recognize them with this monthly “Welcome Wagon” series. We invite you, our loyal readers, to join us in giving them the friendly greeting they deserve!
- Location: Troy, NC
- Date Openend: June 1, 2013
- Owner: Lindsay & Danny Gray
- Tanning Systems: 6 (Ergoline & SunDash)
- Staff: 3
- Other Services: Sunless Tanning (Mystic Tan) & Boutique Sales
- Lotions: Australian Gold, Devoted Creations, Hempz, Norvell
- Skin Solutions, Supre Tan & Tan Inc.”
- Distribution Partner: American Sun Systems
Named after its owner’s daughter, Delana Kae’s Tanning & Boutique is a salon that little Delana Kae will be proud to own and operate one day!
When Lindsay Gray opened Delana Kae’s Tanning & Boutique, she did so with the intention of bringing something new and different to Troy, NC and all of Montgomery County. “I’ve always been a tanner but our town only had one salon,” said Lindsay Gray. “After tanning at the only salon in Troy for many years, I decided to purchase a sunbed and tan at home,” said Lindsay. “That was fine for a while, but I couldn’t help but think that my town needed the kind of salon that you find in larger, metropolitan cities.” When a storefront in a nearby shopping plaza became vacant, Lindsay decided to leave her old career in insurance sales and lease the building while her husband Danny’s construction company completed the build-out. “We brought the latest Ergoline and SunDash tanning units to Troy and we have the only sunless spray booth in Montgomery County!” she exclaimed. “We also have a unique selection of handbags, clothing and jewelry that our customers can’t get anywhere else around here.”
Wanting her new salon to be a big hit, Lindsay involved Delana Kae’s in a large community event – the local parade. “We built a float that featured the tanning bed I had in my home and we had volunteers pass out free tan and discount cards to the crowds,” she explained. “We also had a booth at the end of the parade route where we sold merchandise and tanning packages discounted 25 percent. From there, the word spread!” Lindsay’s plans for the salon’s future include adding two more tanning units and expanding her boutique sales to include children’s clothes and toys, and she’s leased extra space to accommodate these expansions. “I want my daughter to grow up working in this business so she can own it when she’s old enough,” she added.
Thanks for helping us welcome Lindsay, Danny and eventually, Delana Kae Gray to the indoor tanning community. We’re sure they’ll like it here! In the meantime, look forward to meeting many more new faces and salon places in the months to come. Until then… stay sunny!
