House of Tans | Where Tanning Is a Way of Life!

For this month’s feature, we caught up with busy salon operator, Kelli Lookabaugh. After the first House of Tans opened in April of 2009 in Port Richey, the local family-owned and operated chain quickly grew to include five facilities throughout mid-western Florida. Kelli took some time to tell us about how she has built and maintains her business in the Sunshine State – celebrating 15 years of success this month!

IST: How did you get started in the tanning business?

KL: I grew up in a small Oregon town with not a lot to do, and I would go with my stepmom to the local salon when she tanned. Once I was a little older, I got to tan as well, and loved it! I always looked forward to those few minutes spent at the salon. I knew as a teenager that I wanted to one day have my own tanning business. While I was in college, an opportunity arose to take over a salon that was closing. Mark and I jumped at the chance to fulfill my dream of salon ownership – and the rest is history!

Once the Port Richey facility opened, we quickly built positive brand recognition throughout our community and business was better than we could have ever expected. We quickly opened another location, and a third shortly after. Within the first five years, we opened five salons! Store No. 5 (in Gainesville) will always be a special location for House of Tans, as we are close to the University of Florida and blessed to be the “Official Tanning Salon” of the UF Cheerleaders and Florida Dazzlers.

“Our goal is to consistently deliver exceptional experiences to every single person each time they visit any House of Tans.”

IST: What challenges have you faced as a salon owner?

KL: In addition to inflation, a few of the challenges include finding the right staff members to fit our team, as well as retaining them long-term. Ideally, all business owners would like to retain staff as long as possible. We do a very thorough interview process to try to find the best people to join us; however, over the last few years it’s definitely become more difficult. Inflation is at an all-time high and has definitely created challenges as our pricing of products, supplies and replacement parts have all increased. We have had to raise our pricing and that has had an impact – of course, nobody likes that!

IST: What do you feel sets House of Tans apart from your competitors?

KL: The guest experience at our salons is a top priority. Our goal is to consistently deliver exceptional experiences to every single person each time they visit any House of Tans. Our staff is trained very thoroughly on the importance of building customer relationships, as well as ensuring they have proper knowledge of all equipment and tanning products we offer so they can give each and every tanner the best experience possible. In addition, we strive to support and give back to all the communities where our salons operate.

IST: How would you describe the atmosphere at House of Tans salons?

KL: We want every guest to feel like they are right at home every time they come in to tan – like friends and family – and think of us as the 20-minute escape and relaxation they need in their busy lives. We want them to keep coming back to us!

IST: What was your biggest takeaway from the Sun is Life® Salon Operator Training?

KL: As a salon owner, I love the Sun is Life Training program. It is a very affordable way to certify an entire staff. The courses are easily accessible and the flexibility also works great for us. It allows our staff to take their courses and print their certificates immediately after completion. These are all features we hadn’t found prior to Sun is Life, and we are grateful to be able to offer it and prepare all of our employees to work at House of Tans.

IST: What are your goals for House of Tans in the next 1-3 years?

KL: Within the next few years, I plan to expand the UV tanning system mix at our current salons and add more spa equipment at all the facilities. We are also looking to open a couple more locations, as well!

Congrats on 15 years and cheers to 15 more!

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