As indoor tanning professionals, there are so many positive things happening in our beloved industry for us to enjoy. For example, there seems to be a large number of people opening tanning salons these days. Perhaps they didn’t pay attention to all the “doom and gloom” that some have been preaching – instead, these entrepreneurs are choosing to follow their instincts and pursue the American Dream, which continues to make our industry stronger. ist Magazine wishes to recognize these tanning “newbies” with this monthly “Welcome Wagon” series, and we invite you, our loyal readers, to join us in giving them the friendly greeting they deserve!
- Salon Name: 24-Hour Rays Tanning Club
- Owners: Brent &Stacy Elliott
- Location: Lakeland, FL
- Stores: One
- Date Opened: November 1, 2012
- Tanning Systems: Six (Dr. Müller, Ergoline, KBL, Sun Capsule)
- Lotions: Designer Skin, Devoted Creations, Supre Tan
- Software: Solis/Touch & Tan
- Other Services: Custom Airbrush Tans (Norvell Skin Solutions), Facials,
- Body Wraps (IT Works), Sunless Tanning (VersaSpa)
- Distribution Partner: Four Seasons Sales & Service, Island Sunburst
- Staff: Three
If you’re going to do something, why not make it original and unique? That’s what Brent and Stacy Elliott did when they launched their tanning salon – 24-Hour Rays Tanning Club in Lakeland, FL. “Our area had only one full-service tanning salon and when it went out of business, all that was left were hair and nail salons with one or two tanning units,” said Brent. “We’ve always wanted to be in business for ourselves so we purchased the former facility with the intention of opening another tanning salon, but we wanted to do something different.” Brent and Stacy’s 24-Hour Rays Tanning Club utilizes a unique formula – clients who purchase the basic EFT package can tan during normal business hours, while VIP members have 24-hour access via the finger-print control lock on both the door and the system. “Most VIP members tend to use this service between 6-8am and 9-11pm, but we did have 12 people come in on Christmas Day,” he added.
Although the Elliotts are new to salon ownership, the couple does plan to expand the 24-Hour Rays Tanning Club phenomenon. “Our salon has already been met with such a great reception and people continue to be blown away by our concept,” Brent said. “One lady even asked us if we were offering franchise opportunities because she wanted to open one about 15 miles away. This certainly has us thinking about expanding our concept; but, in the meantime, we plan to continue working hard to make this salon a success before moving ahead with our expansion plans.”
Thanks for helping us welcome Brent and Stacy Elliot to the indoor tanning community – we’re sure she’ll like it here! We’ll meet many more new faces and salon places in the months to come. Until then… stay sunny!
