Salon of Distinction
Tan Athens – Athens, GA

I really enjoyed my chat with this month’s Salon of Distinction owner! Not only is Kristy Mazeika a super-enthusiastic individual, but her facility is also located in Athens, GA – a great college town. I had the pleasure of providing Sun is Life® Certification to Kristy and her Assistant Manager, Emalee Griggs, at the National Tanning Expo in Nashville, TN. And as our readers should be aware by now, if you pass Sun is Life certification, you could be selected for a Salon of Distinction feature!

IST: Many owners get their start in the indoor tanning industry by buying an existing salon, maybe one that the current owner wants to sell and perhaps one where they were a former customer. Some may have heard that it’s a solid opportunity to invest in the “look good/feel good” business. It seems that very few folks ever set a life goal to own a tanning facility. Many just seem to “fall” in – as I once did! How did you get your start?

KM: Joe, I have been involved in the tanning industry for quite a while, over 18 years. I started as a sales consultant and then worked my way into management and finally, ownership. In 2017, I purchased the salon I had managed for over seven years and re-branded it to Tan Athens.

At Tan Athens, we believe in having a staff that is fully trained in all aspects of indoor tanning.” – Kristy Mazeika

IST: The indoor tanning industry has been historically centered around 18-35 year old females. You’re located not too far from me in Athens, GA. What a beautiful town! Who is your typical salon guest?

KM: As you know, it’s a college town (Go, Dawgs!) and most would assume that this location would draw a huge percentage of college-age females. But Athens is also known as a great place to retire and this gives us the opportunity to serve a wide spectrum of both male and female tanners ages 18-60.

IST: Sanitization standards were covered in depth during our Sun is Life classroom course. You may recall me suggesting that a great way to beat the competition is to offer the cleanest facility in town. How would you describe your cleaning protocols?

KM: Our sanitization standards are top notch! We continuously strive to provide a clean and friendly environment by going above and beyond with cleanliness. We only use certified cleaning solutions and deep-clean our equipment constantly to ensure our guests get the best tanning experience and results.

IST: As you passed the class with flying colors, you and your assistant manager, Emalee, received Sun is Life completion certificates. I’m sure you have them properly framed in view for your guests! What insights can you share about the training and the importance of salon operator certification.

KM: Yes, our Sun is Life certificates are beautifully framed in our salon – that was a great suggestion you made in the class! We really take pride in learning and growing our knowledge and the training was awesome! Joe, I must say that you did a great job providing really vital information on a number of topics including sunlamp life, understanding how the skin tans and how to maintain equipment. At Tan Athens, we believe in having a staff that is fully trained in all aspects of indoor tanning.

IST: The training also includes salon operations such as how to resolve an issue with a dissatisfied guest. Can you give our readers an example of a “testy” Tan Athens tanner (no names, please!) and how you handled the situation?

KM: I have learned over my 18 years in the tanning industry that you simply cannot make everyone happy – every now and then, you will get a dissatisfied customer. At Tan Athens, we make sure to listen to the guests’ needs and concerns, figure out what we can do to make sure they feel heard and appreciated. Recently, a guest really wanted to tan twice in one day. I let them explain their reasoning and calmly told them we do not allow more than one session in a day because the tanning process doesn’t stop when you leave the sunbed; your skin needs downtime to properly develop color. As recommended by the FDA, a 24-hour resting period between sessions will allow you to maximize your color and skin care.

IST: Kristy, I’ve really enjoyed our chat but it’s time for the wrap-up. What are the 3-5 year goals for your salon?

KM: We plan to expand our business within Athens and the surrounding areas to provide the best guest experience to our current tanners and many future new ones. I am always reaching for the stars!

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