Location: Gulf Shores, AL
Website: islandtan-al.com
Owners: James & Amy Fink (since 7/18)
Years in Business: 20
Staff: 2
UVTanning Units: 9
Lotions: Devoted Creations, Ed Hardy,Tanovations, Designer Skin, Hempz, California Tan, Supre Tan, Tan Asz U, Brown Sugar, Swedish Beauty
Salon Software: Salon Touch
Other Services: Spray-Tans
Salon Operator Training: Sun is Life®
Distribution Partner: Four Seasons
Best-Selling Lotion: Tanovations Bali Beach
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For several years, Sun is Life® Platinum Sponsor, Four Seasons Sales & Service, has chosen to provide our industry certification program at their events. We appreciate their support, as well as that of the other sponsor companies. I have had the opportunity to serve as the SIL class instructor at many Four Seasons Expos, most recently at the National Tanning Expo in St. Charles, MO. It was a great class filled with entrepreneurs seeking factual info about indoor tanning and how to run a professional salon. The Expo is also a “garden” in which to harvest new Salon of Distinction facilities. After the recent class, I had the chance to chat with Amy Fink of Island Tan in Gulf Shores, AL – clearly one of the top operators! Let me tell you, this girl drives her business every day … read on!
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IST: How did you get your start in the industry?
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AF: I have a realtor friend who knew it would be a good business opportunity for me. I have a condo rental company with my father and we had just sold my townhouse. I was looking for investments to help us both make a living and for him to have when he retired.
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IST: You purchased your salon from an existing owner. Sometimes when an owner is selling, they let the business “coast.” How did you go about prioritizing the changes you wanted to make?
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AF: So, Island Tan has been in business for 20 years and the owner I bought from had owned it for the last ten. Joe, the first thing we did was maintenance and lamp-changes on every single bed in the salon. They really needed it! We closed for four days and extended current customer packages for a week, set up package deals, and ordered new and additional lotions. We also have completely redone our lobby, with the rest of the salon to follow.
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IST: You have just completed Sun is Life certification. What was your biggest takeaway from the training?
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AF: It was great to reinforce things I am doing right and understand some of the things I need to change. Clearly, understanding more about making “health claims” was an eye-opener. I learned about the correct methods to promote my business and claims about UV exposure that could result in penalties, no matter how true they are. There is plenty of research out there on the positive effects of UV, but now I know that a tanning system is categorized as a Class I Medical Device only for the cosmetic effect of UV exposure, and no health claims can be made to customers. The Sun is Life class helped me with ideas for phrasing certain things to promote my business, or to change people’s opinions that are based on the incorrect information being put out to the public.
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IST: Yes, that’s a big one that usually baffles most of the salon operators in my SIL classes. However, health claims are restricted by the Food and Drug Administration and monitored by the Federal Trade Commission. Let’s move on. What would you say has been your biggest business obstacle?
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AF: I would say it’s learning about the equipment and all the products. I had tanned indoors before, but not as much as I do now! I have learned a lot about my tanning systems, how they work and how to instruct tanners to achieve their desired effect. Learning all the tanning lotions is another thing! Before going to the National Tanning Expo and learning so much, including breaking down the lotion ingredients, I relied on my Four Seasons rep, April Stout, reading from the manufacturer websites and using the products, in general.
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IST: Hey, nice shout out to April. As owner of two salons, how do you decide which one gets your attention?
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AF: Well, I’m learning that part since I’m new at being a two-business owner. But honestly, I’m doing alright splitting the two, so far. I have amazing staff – Katelin Wilkins and Carlos Acosta – who go well beyond their duties! Since they were my friends first, they take more pride in doing things than a typical employee would.
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IST: What are your next business goals?
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AF: We want to finish the salon “facelift” and get newer beds. I really want to add eyelash, waxing and microblading services, as well, to take care of my customers almost full-service. But, the most important thing is to employ more military veterans in my salon! As a Veteran Owned & Operated business, I try to help veterans as much as possible! Right now, I have two amazing veterans and their service dogs working for me. The level of experience and care that they bring to the store is above reproach! So, if you’re a salon owner having employee problems, please reach out and try to hire some vets!
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Amy, great interview. I’m glad you enjoyed the Sun is Life class and we wish you all the best in the future!
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