Location: Coffeyville, KS
Owner: Kim Maxson
Years in Business: 2
Staff: 2
UV Tanning Units: 4
Lotions: Snooki, Swedish Beauty, California Tan, JWOWW, Designer Skin
Salon Operator Training: Sun is Life®
Distributor Partner: Heartland Tan
Best-selling Lotion: Snooki
Most Popular Package: 105 Minutes for $35
This month’s Salon of Distinction hails from a border state, situated right on the line between Kansas and Oklahoma. The facility’s operator, Kim Maxson, took the route to salon ownership that many have taken – she was a tanner at the salon before she owned it.
Although only in the tan biz for two years, she has done a great job positioning KTan as her community’s “go-to” salon. It was a pretty sharp business move to renovate an existing location and get primed to take advantage of tanners in her marketplace; but, the venture took her operation across the state line from Oklahoma to Kansas. I caught up with Kim right before the Labor Day weekend to get a glimpse of what makes KTan run.
IST: Kim, many salon owners face significant challenges when they get started. In your two years as a salon owner, what seems to be the biggest roadblock to driving KTan forward?
Maxson: Hands down, it’s the economy. Indoor tanning has always been tied to the available money in somebody’s wallet or purse. As the economy has gotten tighter, people have had to re-think how they spend their cash. Some will choose indoor tanning as a “feel good” reward because their money must go to other expenses. Then again, there are others who enjoy indoor tanning as relaxation and stress relief. As the economy continues to strengthen, I believe that my customer base will increase.
IST: Okay, a sluggish economy can surely be a roadblock. What else have you had to overcome?
Maxson: When my salon was in Oklahoma, the state did not have the same restrictions on the tanning industry that Kansas has – specifically, the ban on tanning for those 18 years old and younger. That really took a hit on my business as we moved into Kansas. I really believe that teen tanning is something that should be up to the parent. Let them weigh the options for their kids to obtain UV exposure and let them decide what is the best method for getting a tan.
IST: Yes, Kim that can be challenging. Especially trying to explain to a mother who has an 18-year-old daughter – soon to be 19 – who wants to tan indoors, why it’s against the law. Let’s shift gears a bit. Where do you want KTan to be in the next five years?
Maxson: Well Joe, I really want to stay within our means. You know, it would be great to offer some of the newest, high-tech sunbeds to our guests. But actually, I know that many want to go with a stand-up session periodically, so I’ll look at adding that first, when the time is right. Certainly, I’ve considered sunless systems and we plan to add one to our menu in the future.
IST: You are a graduate of the Sun is Life® Training and Certification program. What are your thoughts on industry education for salon operators?
Maxson: First, Sun is Life was fantastic training! I enjoyed taking it and it was really easy to understand. I really believe that all salon employees should take Sun is Life to be able to share the facts about indoor tanning and operate more professionally.
IST: One last question: Since you moved across the border, did you become a Kansas football fan or are you rooting for OSU?
Maxson: Oklahoma State University! Go Cowboys!
Well Kim, it looks like you’ve got your salon heading in the right direction. All the best to you in the future!
