At IST Magazine, one of the great things we do is shine the spotlight on others achieving success in the tan biz. As a reward for stepping up and earning approved certification with our award-winning Sun is Life® Salon Training and Certification program, we offer salon operators a Salon of Distinction feature. In this photo spread, we highlight their facilities, staff and services. Selected operators are interviewed (by Yours Truly), and we create an article that gives our readers the “skinny” on how the business has succeeded and survived in this up-and-down industry.
The Salon of Distinction feature also covers the back story of how the salon came to be. As I have written these over the years, I’ve heard some amazing and inspiring stories. From the often arduous process of obtaining the financial backing to get going, personal heartaches and tragedies, to overcoming obstacles and learning about future goals and more. It’s a testament that many of our readers faithfully devote time to reading each month; they tell me these stories often remind them of their own individual start in the salon business.
Part and parcel to every Salon of Distinction subject is the fact that these salon teams have all completed Sun is Life Certification, the industry’s premiere training program. Last year, the hosts of every major tanning industry trade event chose SIL to educate their attendees on topics such as UV and skin, photosensitivity, the FDA and state regulations, FDA-compliant eyewear, equipment maintenance, understanding lamps, salon cleaning and hygiene, and customer service. Knowledge of these core principles helps to propel your facility forward to not only maintain, but also surpass your goals. But it all starts with you. Several states do not require salon operators to earn certification, but IMHO, all 50 should!
So, back to your own story … how did you get your start? I “fell” into the industry by taking a sales opportunity to sell tanning beds back in 1986. Clearly, I had no idea that I’d be involved in indoor tanning 34 years later! I got my start in salon operator education by teaching the Suntanning Association for Education (SAE) training format in the early 90s. As Sun is Life Educational Director, I still get fired up when I have the opportunity to teach this fantastic format in person, classroom style, at industry events.
Certainly, the coronavirus has impacted not only all sectors of the tanning business, but our ability to gather at trade expos, as well. But, when we do get back on track, don’t miss the opportunity to get your team certified in a SIL classroom session. If you can’t do it that way, we offer the program 24/7/365 in a user-friendly online format. It’s a really inexpensive way to get your salon team up-to-speed with the core information needed to run a professional indoor tanning facility. Right now, you can train your whole staff for an unbelievable $99 AND get the opportunity to grab the spotlight in an upcoming Salon of Distinction feature.
I hope to hear YOUR story soon!
Train your team with Sun is Life and grab the spotlight as a Salon of Distinction!
