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. We wish 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: Caribbean Tanz
- Location: Camby, IN
- Date Opened: August 1, 2012
- Owner: Jessica Berkowitz
- Tanning Systems: Ten (Heartland Tanning, SonnenBraune & SunDash)
- Other Services: Airbrush Tanning (California Tan) & Teeth-Whitening (Twilight Teeth)
- Lotions: Australian Gold, California Tan, Designer Skin, Devoted Creations,
- Swedish Beauty & Supre Tan
- Distribution Partner: Tanning Supplies Unlimited & Four Seasons Sales & Service
- Staff: Three
After working long hours in the stressful nursing and mortgage industries, Jessica Berkowitz decided it was time to become an entrepreneur. Her choice – open a tanning salon in her hometown of Camby, IN. “There was a salon for sale and the previous owner had more or less let it go over the years,” said Jessica. “The walls were painted in a cold, grey color and all of the units needed to be cleaned and have the acrylics and sunlamps replaced. We remained open during the entire remodeling process and we had our work cut out for us; but it was well worth it because we created an environment that our clients enjoy.” By advertising that Caribbean Tanz was under new ownership and had installed new sunlamps, Jessica was able to attract many tanners willing to give it another try. Today, the salon serves between 30-45 tanners on its busiest days. “I hope to double that during peak season,” she added.
Like all new salon owners, Jessica’s success has her thinking about new directions for the business. “I’d love to be able to open a second salon; but right now, I plan to focus on making our current salon the best that it can be,” she said. “One of my plans is to update the tanning equipment we have, and we’ll make sure to provide great customer service and help our clients reach their tanning goals. I’ve worked hard to build their trust and I continue to have an open-door policy with everyone who tans with us – I’m here every day to help them look ‘tanfabulous’, and they appreciate that.”
Thanks for helping us welcome Jessica Berkowitz 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!
