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 purchasing tanning salons these days. Perhaps they didn’t pay attention to all the “doom and gloom” that some have been preaching – instead, these entrepreneurs chose 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: Blue Ray Beach
- Location: Sturgis, MI
- Date Opened: February 1, 2012
- Owners: Kelli Gibson & Steve Roberts
- Number of Stores: 1
- Tanning Systems: 18 (Heartland Tanning, Montego Bay, Sun Capsule, SunDash, UWE)
- Staff: 5
- Other Services: Norvell Airbrush Tanning, Red-Light Therapy
- Lotions: Australian Gold, Designer Skin, Swedish Beauty
- Software: SunTouch
- Distribution Partner: Ultraviolet Resources International
Career couple Kelli Gibson and Steve Roberts decided to add tanning salon ownership to their already-busy lives, and found happiness as a result. “My husband’s aunt, who owns two tanning facilities, had considered purchasing an existing salon in Sturgis,” said Kelli. “After deciding it was too far away, she suggested we buy the business. I had hoped Steve didn’t hear her, because if he had, he would want to do it.” As fate would have it, Steve not only heard his aunt’s suggestion, he also took her advice. The couple bought the ailing, 11-unit salon, remodeled it and added seven new tanning systems – as a result, the business has become quite popular with local tanners in the short time it has been open.
“I work at the salon around my ‘day job schedule’ and I absolutely love it!” Kelli exclaimed. “Many of the former tanners are coming back while new ones are also coming in, and it’s great to be able to help everyone achieve their tanning goals. We plan to keep Blue Ray Beach going and hope to grow it in the future.”
Thanks for helping us welcome Kelli Gibson and Steve Roberts to the indoor tanning community – we’re sure they’ll like it here! We’ll meet many more new faces and salon places in the months to come. Until then… stay sunny!
