By Kelly Robbins, Owner Sunsations Tanning Salon – Topeka, KS
I opened my tanning salon in 2006 and since then, I have regularly attended trade events in order to gain better knowledge and understanding of our industry. At that time, I did not see the value of a tanning industry association; therefore, I joined a national small business association with hopes that they would be able to help battle the Federal Tan Tax created by the Affordable Care Act. I have since learned that the American Suntanning Association (ASA) does so much more than the aggressive work they were doing in Washington, D.C. – they also battle legislation in each state to protect your tanning business.
When I was approached by the Governor of Kansas to apply to be a representative on the Kansas Board of Cosmetology (KBOC), I was hesitant. I reached out to a childhood connection and now mentor, Daryl Ringler, who previously held the position. He connected me with fellow tanning salon owner Roger Holmes, who was the current KBOC member and an ASA Board Member. With the encouragement of two strong industry veterans, I decided the KBOC was a good investment of my time to help further strengthen our industry.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the only way to protect your business is to NOT sit on the sidelines and hope someone else will solve your problems!
Thanks to my newfound position on the Board of Cosmetology, I learned that a bill was being considered that would add state sales tax to all beauty services, including tanning. With a 10% Federal Excise Tax already hurting my business, I knew an additional State tax would be devastating, and my business would suffer more than it already had. I immediately contacted the ASA to alert them to the bill and joined with them to put a stop to this damaging State tax.
Despite the short time frame we were given before the bill went to committee, the ASA was ready! With the help of Joe Levy, I held meetings with several representatives along with Joe. I also presented the tanning industry’s position to the committee on taxation giving them a first-hand perspective from a local tanning salon owner. At that meeting, only two representatives of the tanning Industry were present: Joe Levy from the ASA and Yours Truly.
The ASA provided all the literature and written testimony that was needed to fight the bill. I was there to speak from a business owner’s perspective regarding the impact this would have on small, women-owned businesses in Kansas. We managed to dodge the State tax for tanning salons, but I can honestly say nothing would have been done to stop this tax from becoming a reality if it weren’t for me working with the ASA. Their experience, development of critical information and materials, and most importantly, their presence at the State Capitol were critical in facing this terrible bill.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the only way to protect your business is to NOT sit on the sidelines and hope someone else will solve your problems! That’s why I am now a proud member of the ASA, and if you’re planning for a future in the indoor tanning industry, you should be, too.
