Sun is Life Training became the tanning industry’s first officially-licensed trade school, which means big things for the salon professionals who pursue it.
In July, Sun is Life Training became an officially licensed trade school in the State of Michigan and the only one in the indoor tanning industry. Implemented by Professor Tony Brown, Sun is Life Director, the new designation allows salon professionals who complete the program to receive official documentation informing everyone that they are tanning tradespeople. This lends further credibility to their salon, the services they offer and the industry as a whole. It’s one more evolution for the premiere salon operator training program!
According to Tony Brown, the concept behind gaining trade school status was a no-brainer. “If you visit any cosmetologist, hairdresser, nail technician or tattoo artist, you’ll see a blue piece of paper hanging on the wall of their business,” he said. “That’s a copy of their official state-issued license that recognizes them as a tradesperson, which they obtained after attending a trade school. The Tanning Industry is a trade and we need to treat it as such so we can lend credibility to the services we are providing. Once that is established, our industry will grow and prosper.” Brown also says that the tanning industry’s recent media hardships were caused by a lack of education coupled with undertrained salon staff making health claims to the public. Staffing salons with people who are trained to communicate a consistent message in a professional manner, he says, will go a long way toward improving our media representation.
To accomplish this, Sun is Life had to subject its business, courses and academic staff to the rigors of the State of Michigan Proprietary School’s scrutiny, as well as provide Institutional Surety Bonding to the State to meet the qualifications necessary to become a trade school. “This Herculean task took months of preparation and planning, not to mention continuous contact with the State of Michigan,” Brown said. “More than 40 regulatory requirements had to be met in order for this venture to become reality, and we’re proud to say that we’ve accomplished all of them. Now, Sun is Life is no longer just a training company, it’s the tanning industry’s trade school!”
Since its 2011 debut, Sun is Life’s unique approach to salon operator training has continued to impress tanning salon pros. “I’ve personally seen this industry come a long way over the years; but now is the time for all of us to raise the level of professionalism that we project in the marketplace,” said Vince Lorraine, ist Magazine Publisher. “In order for us to do that, salon staff must change the way they serve clients by promoting responsible and moderate tanning and exhibiting professionalism within their communities. Nearly every state has approved Sun is Life’s training program to comply with their salon operator training requirements; now as a licensed trade school, it will continue to address these issues while helping salon operators to be perceived as indoor tanning professionals.”
“I would like to personally thank each of the Sun is Life Trade School Sponsors – Devoted Creations, Four Seasons Sales & Service, Norvell Skin Solutions, Ergoline, Cosmedico Light Inc., Performance Brands, Eye Pro Inc. and Central Maine Tanning Supply,” said Tony Brown. “Without their generous support and belief in the Sun is Life philosophy, none of this would be possible.”
Sun is Life offers a variety of course options, including Basic Operator Training, State Certification, and Professional Development Training, which consists of 25 user-friend modules and awards a Guest Experience Medallion (GEM) certificate upon completion. There is also Sponsor Product Training and Elite Webinar services, both free. The Sun is Life certificate course satisfies state tanning facility requirements. For more info, visit sunislife.com.
