Dear Readers,
Well, I have to say I am growing SO tired of starting my letter by acknowledging the “not great” time in which we’re living – especially for small business owners.
At this time of year, I typically suggest that this is the season when salon operators can take a breath, hit the “re-fresh” button and make plans for the upcoming busy season. The current economic uncertainty could definitely have an impact on your ability to invest in upgrades or improvements to your facility. The tanning business has survived four decades of negative media, over-reaching regulations and bad economies by re-investing in our industry and our facilities. The roller coaster continues – buckle up and keep your hands inside the ride at all times!
Through good times and lean times, so many of us have enjoyed longevity in this industry. Two examples are highlighted in this issue: our “7 Questions” feature with Tony Martin of TSU (nearly 20 years) and the Sun is Life® Salon of Distinction – Sun Seekers, a New Hampshire salon in business for over three decades. Sun Seekers invested in the super-affordable Sun is Life Training and you should, too – your salon could be featured in our next issue!
If you’ve been in the tanning business for a while, you know the value of the annual trade events hosted by product distributors. Show season will soon begin – next month, Four Seasons will host the National Tanning Expo in Nashville (Oct. 24-25) and in November, Tanning Supplies Unlimited offers their Fall Expo (Nov. 15-16) and Ultraviolet Resources International will host the Northeast Tanning Expo (Nov. 18-19) in Connecticut. Details of these events can be found in this issue or visit their websites for registration info.
When I think of trade shows, I think about all the good times catching up with the many people who have been my friends over the decades. That list of friends includes Brenda Fishbaugh of Eye Pro, who recently announced her retirement after 31 years. Eye Pro’s patented products have been a staple in salons all over the world since the ‘90s, and Brenda has been dedicated to educating salon operators about the importance of eye protection and how to, in turn, educate tanners. She also devoted a couple of decades to writing her informative monthly Eye to Eye column for IST. Brenda will be missed but we wish her all the best!
Lastly, it’s time to vote for the 2022 Industry Choice Awards (September 1-30). Show some love for your favorites … vote now at istmagazine.com/ICA!
Thanks for reading,
