- Location: Millville, NJ
- Date opened: July 9, 2013
- Owner(s): James and Kim Day
- Staff: 4
- Tanning Systems: 5 (ETS Inc. & Sontegra)
- Tanning Levels: 4
- Lotions: Devoted Creations, Ed Hardy Tanning, Supre Tan & Swedish Beauty
- Software: TanTrack
- Other Services: Norvell Custom Airbrushing
- Training: Sun Is Life®
- Distribution Partner: Future Industries, Inc.
The indoor tanning industry is an enjoyable one, with many positive things for everyone to enjoy. For example, more and more people are following their dreams of opening and operating tanning salons, further strengthening the industry. We wish to recognize these “newbies” with our monthly “Welcome Wagon” series and invite you, our loyal readers, to join us in giving those featured the friendly greeting they deserve!
As Jamaican Me Tan of Millville, NJ heads into its second year, its owners are excited about continuing their sun business success!
For Kim Day, the opportunity to purchase Jamaican Me Tan came at the perfect time. After working as a financial analyst for eight years, she suddenly found herself laid off after the company reassigned her position to another office nearly two hours away. Suddenly finding herself overqualified for every job she pursued, Kim decided it was time to finally go after her dream of owning a business. She says she never thought that the business would be a tanning salon, adding, “One day when I went into Jamaican Me Tan for a session, the owner told me she wanted to sell the business, and that got me thinking.” After much thought – and some discussion with her husband, James Day, the couple decided that the price and the timing made pursuing the venture a perfect decision.
Nearly two weeks after purchasing Jamaican Me Tan, Kim and James soon realized what buying an existing salon truly means: repairs and renovation. Describing those early-owner frustrations, she said, “We had to replace timers, acrylic shields and even the ceiling lights, as more and more things started to break down. We also started making more aesthetic changes, such as moving the counter away from the door and placing it in the center of the lobby, where it should have been.” Kim credits her husband for helping her remain positive during this trying time; she also credits Kendall Davis, her sales rep at Future Industries, for helping them get started on the right foot. “She made some great suggestions about which lotions to stock, as well as sharing some tips for attracting new clients. We’re very thankful for everything Kendall and Future Industries have done for us.”
Training, Kim says, makes the difference between being an effective salon professional and one who’s just going through the motions. With this in mind, she’s now seeking the type of education that will best serve Jamaican Me Tan: Sun is Life®. “I’ve learned so much from John Farr’s free webinars, and this has inspired me to sign us up to take Sun is Life Training and Certification.” Kim plans to get herself and her team certified during the summer months, leaving them well prepared for the peak season that lies ahead.
When it comes to indoor tanning, Kim says she loves everything about it, and helping people develop the tan they desire is the best part. As she continues to enjoy her time as a salon owner, she says she and James have even bigger plans for Jamaican Me Tan. “We’d like to upgrade some of our equipment,” she explained, “and maybe add another stand-up unit. I could also see us owning another location, but that will have to happen a little later down the road.”
Thanks for helping us welcome Kim and James Day to the indoor tanning community. We look forward to meeting many more new faces and salon places in the months to come. Until then … stay sunny! ■
