Monday, June 30, 2025
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertising Information
  • Subscribe
  • ist Live
ist Magazine
  • Home
  • Columns
    • ASA News
    • Ask Wolff
    • Epic Sales
    • Ergoline Focus
    • Eye to Eye
    • Lamp Talk with Leif
    • Lync IT
    • Notes from the Road
    • Trending @DevotedCreations
    • UK View
    • Monthly Motivation
  • Features

    Letter From The Publisher – March 2025

    SunCatchers, Boutique – Sun – Spa | Phenix City, AL

    Shining a Light: My Experience at the Heartland Tanning VIBE Expo

    sunbed

    Compliance Reliance

    sunbed

    Peak Season 2025 Success: Proven Strategies to Boost Profits

  • Health
    • All
    • Health Newsletter
    • Nutrition Corner
    red light therapy

    The Science of Light: Why It’s the Next Big Thing in Wellness

    “Love The Skin You’re In”

    3 Ways to Keep Your Bones Healthy & Strong

    The Truth About Retinol Confirmed by a Dermatologist

  • News
    • All
    • In The News
    • Industry Happenings
    • News Extra
    • Special Interest
    linked in as a sales platform

    The Rise of Short-Form Content on LinkedIn: A Game Changer for Business Growth

    Dmitry Tsvetkov / stock.adobe.com

    Revolutionizing The Industry: Why Tanning Is The New Full-Body Skincare

    heartland tan

    Talking About Heartland Tan’s January 2025 VIBE Event 

    IST Industry Choice Awards Winners 2024

    IST Industry Choice Awards Winners 2024

  • Spotlight
    tanned smiling woman teeth

    PSA: Delivering Bronze Skin Is Not Enough Anymore

    April 6, 2025
    glo tanning arkansas paragould

    Glo Tanning: New Salon Opening Spotlight

    April 4, 2025
    When focus flows, energy goes

    “Where Focus Goes Energy Flows”

    April 1, 2025
    The Secrets of Visionary Thinkers: 10 Rules For Brainstorming Success

    Warren Buffett Hates EBITDA. Here’s Why You Should Too

    March 18, 2025
    salon of distinction

    Salon of Distinction: Bear Naked Tanning

    March 17, 2025
    jchizhe / stock.adobe.com

    Keep It Simple Sales – K.I.S.S.

    March 17, 2025
  • Resources
    • Industry Links
    • Sun is Life
  • Lamp Talk
  • Digital Edition
No Result
View All Result
ist Magazine
  • Home
  • Columns
    • ASA News
    • Ask Wolff
    • Epic Sales
    • Ergoline Focus
    • Eye to Eye
    • Lamp Talk with Leif
    • Lync IT
    • Notes from the Road
    • Trending @DevotedCreations
    • UK View
    • Monthly Motivation
  • Features

    Letter From The Publisher – March 2025

    SunCatchers, Boutique – Sun – Spa | Phenix City, AL

    Shining a Light: My Experience at the Heartland Tanning VIBE Expo

    sunbed

    Compliance Reliance

    sunbed

    Peak Season 2025 Success: Proven Strategies to Boost Profits

  • Health
    • All
    • Health Newsletter
    • Nutrition Corner
    red light therapy

    The Science of Light: Why It’s the Next Big Thing in Wellness

    “Love The Skin You’re In”

    3 Ways to Keep Your Bones Healthy & Strong

    The Truth About Retinol Confirmed by a Dermatologist

  • News
    • All
    • In The News
    • Industry Happenings
    • News Extra
    • Special Interest
    linked in as a sales platform

    The Rise of Short-Form Content on LinkedIn: A Game Changer for Business Growth

    Dmitry Tsvetkov / stock.adobe.com

    Revolutionizing The Industry: Why Tanning Is The New Full-Body Skincare

    heartland tan

    Talking About Heartland Tan’s January 2025 VIBE Event 

    IST Industry Choice Awards Winners 2024

    IST Industry Choice Awards Winners 2024

  • Spotlight
    tanned smiling woman teeth

    PSA: Delivering Bronze Skin Is Not Enough Anymore

    April 6, 2025
    glo tanning arkansas paragould

    Glo Tanning: New Salon Opening Spotlight

    April 4, 2025
    When focus flows, energy goes

    “Where Focus Goes Energy Flows”

    April 1, 2025
    The Secrets of Visionary Thinkers: 10 Rules For Brainstorming Success

    Warren Buffett Hates EBITDA. Here’s Why You Should Too

    March 18, 2025
    salon of distinction

    Salon of Distinction: Bear Naked Tanning

    March 17, 2025
    jchizhe / stock.adobe.com

    Keep It Simple Sales – K.I.S.S.

    March 17, 2025
  • Resources
    • Industry Links
    • Sun is Life
  • Lamp Talk
  • Digital Edition
No Result
View All Result
ist Magazine
No Result
View All Result
Home Spotlight Salon Spotlight

Solar Escape Tanning Lounge
All About the Details

Jerry Deveney by Jerry Deveney
February 1, 2018
in Salon Spotlight
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
0
SHARES
26
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Tweeter

[gap height=”15″]
Devoted Creations Five Star Diamond Program is a huge success with salons throughout the world. Features include on-location sales and product training by DC’s team of experienced professionals including Lisa Parsons and Kandra Covert, a generous Welcome Kit, plus lucrative cash-back rebates. The program creates a win-win scenario for all, as everyone, including salon guests, can take advantage of great specials on many of the industry’s best-selling products.

[gap height=”15″]
To highlight the program and its members, Devoted Creations and IST Magazine created an exciting platform for them to share their stories and enjoy some time in the national “spotlight.”

You might also like

Aruba Sun & Spa

Young Entrepreneurs Having Fun in the Sun!

Body Heat Tanning: Determined to Be the Best

Destination Tan AZ: Tucson, AZ

[gap height=”15″]
This month’s Devoted Creations Five Star Diamond salon is Solar Escape Tanning Lounge, headquartered in East Chester, New York and owned and operated by John Bonamici and Frank DiMarco. I interviewed the guys to get their thoughts on the business and to share some of their experiences on the road to success.

 

 

[gap height=”15″][gap height=”15″]
IST: When did you open your first salon and what was your motivation to do so?

[gap height=”15″]
John B: It was January, 2011. My friend, Frank DiMarco, had owned several tanning salons for many years and I saw first-hand how well the businesses were doing and the lifestyle it afforded him. One day, Frank told me about a salon for sale and asked if I wanted to be his partner in purchasing and running the business.

[gap height=”15″]
The business for sale was once a thriving salon, but had experienced a downturn due to management issues. Following Frank’s lead and guidance, we purchased the business and in just a few months, were able to turn things around.

[gap height=”15″]
Call it fate, destiny or kismet – but I had actually been a customer of that salon ten years earlier. I was a young wannabe at the time; but I remember thinking to myself that one day, I would like to own this business.

[gap height=”15″][gap height=”15″]
IST: What do Solar Escape customers like most about the salons?

[gap height=”15″]
Frank D: Our salons have a very unique look and atmosphere. It’s like you’re entering a high-energy “scene” with a nightclub feel and vibe. Many new customers will do a double-take when they first walk in, asking, “is this really a tanning salon?”

[gap height=”15″][gap height=”15″]
IST: What do you enjoy most about the business?

[gap height=”15″]
John B: We actually enjoy working behind the counter every day. For us, it’s more a lifestyle than a business. The constant interaction with friendly people who are full of life and want to look good and feel good is energizing! We also appreciate the fact that we came from nothing and have built several successful salons. This perspective helps us to enjoy every minute of the business.

[gap height=”15″][gap height=”15″]
IST: What separates Solar Escape from competitors?

[gap height=”15″]
John B: It’s all about the details. We pay close attention to everything to ensure an enjoyable and memorable experience for our guests every time they visit our salons.

[gap height=”15″]
For example, all of our equipment features custom West Coast Stereo Systems that provide “concert quality” sound. Our tanning rooms, restrooms, hallways and lobby areas are designed and decorated with unique, high-quality furnishings. It’s like you are a special guest in a penthouse suite. All rooms also feature phone chargers. It’s amazing how much use they get and how much our guests appreciate this added convenience. We also offer drinks, snacks, coffee, bottles of water and fresh fruit – FREE!

[gap height=”15″][gap height=”15″]
IST: What are some of your best-selling lotions – and what do tanners like most about them?

[gap height=”15″]
Frank D: Our tanners want the darkest full-body tan possible. Devoted Creations’ Matte Black and Le Moment are among our best-sellers. The quality ingredients, fragrances, packaging and performance help create loyal and happy customers.

[gap height=”15″][gap height=”15″]
IST: What types of UV tanning systems do you offer?

[gap height=”15″]
Frank D: We have a wide variety of high-end equipment from the industry’s leading manufacturers including KBL, UWE, Ergoline, Sun Capsule and Matrix. We make it a point to change our lamps when they reach 60% of their rated life. It costs more to do this; however, it ensures that our guests will always achieve their desired results.

[gap height=”15″][gap height=”15″]
IST: What are some of your most successful sales promotions?

[gap height=”15″]
John B: Without a doubt, it’s our $10 Tuesdays. Tuesday had always been one of our slower days, so we developed a special offer of $10 sessions in any tanning system on Tuesdays. It’s been so successful, that it’s now one of our busiest days – year-round!
We combine this with a live “hula-hoop” contest that we podcast on the internet. It’s wild! A lobby full of people using hula-hoops to see who can go the longest.

[gap height=”15″][gap height=”15″]
IST: What are your plans for the future?

[gap height=”15″]
John B, Frank D: Expansion! We plan to open more salons and our goal is to be the best by creating the most amazing salon experience imaginable.

[gap height=”15″][gap height=”15″]
IST: From everyone at IST Magazine and Devoted Creations, congratulations to John, Frank and Team Solar Escape Tanning Lounge for a job well-done! For more info on Devoted Creations Five Star Diamond Program, call 800.488.5524 or visit devotedcreations.com.
Location: East Chester, NY
Co-Owners: John Bonamici & Frank DiMarco
Number of Stores: 3
Staff: 20
UV Tanning Systems (total): 30
Best Selling Lotions: Matte Black, Le Moment

Joe Prachatree / Shutterstock.com

Previous Post

What’s Your Best Diet for 2018? Experts Rate Them

Next Post

How does voltage affect lamp performance?

Jerry Deveney

Jerry Deveney

Jerry Deveney is the President of SunForce Marketing, Inc. He has been actively involved in the tanning, spa, wellness and fitness industries for more than 30 years. His company provides business analysis and consulting services in the areas of sales, marketing and operations. Jerry has worked in almost every industry sector including salon management, equipment manufacturing and distribution, new product development, regulatory affairs, and sales & marketing.

Related Posts

Aruba Sun & Spa Young Entrepreneurs Having Fun in the Sun!
Salon Spotlight

Aruba Sun & Spa

Young Entrepreneurs Having Fun in the Sun!

by Jerry Deveney
May 1, 2018
Salon Spotlight

Body Heat Tanning: Determined to Be the Best

by Jerry Deveney
January 3, 2018
Salon Spotlight

Destination Tan AZ: Tucson, AZ

by Jerry Deveney
December 1, 2017
Glow Tanning Salon & Spa
Salon Spotlight

Glow Tanning Salon & Spa

by John P. Ribner
February 1, 2015
Salon Spotlight

Perfect Tan The Perfect Solution

by John P. Ribner
December 1, 2013
Next Post
Cherkas / Shutterstock.com

How does voltage affect lamp performance?

Recommended

IST June 2025 Cover

June 2025 – IST Digital Edition

June 2, 2025
Ist-may-2025 cover

May 2025 – IST Digital Edition

May 5, 2025
credit cards stacked on each other

Planning For Trouble With Merchant Advances

April 7, 2025
IST april 2025 cover

April 2025 – IST Magazine Digital Edition

April 7, 2025

Popular Posts

  • The Heat Is On Sun Protection Lotions

    10 Tips To Abolish Raccoon Eyes

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Peak Season 2025 Success: Proven Strategies to Boost Profits

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • A TOWEL IS NOT ENOUGH!

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Red-Light Therapy: Do Skincare Products Help or Hinder?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Let’s Talk About Stripes, White Patches & White Spots.

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Don't Miss It

IST June 2025 Cover
Digital Edition

June 2025 – IST Digital Edition

June 2, 2025
Ist-may-2025 cover
Digital Edition

May 2025 – IST Digital Edition

May 5, 2025
credit cards stacked on each other
Epic Sales

Planning For Trouble With Merchant Advances

April 7, 2025
IST april 2025 cover
Digital Edition

April 2025 – IST Magazine Digital Edition

April 7, 2025

IST Magazine is the premiere, multi-award-winning business-to-business publication for the indoor tanning industry, providing valuable business articles and industry information in a fun, professional format.

Information

  • Advertising Information
  • Contact
  • Copyright Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe
  • Terms of Use

Categories

  • Columns
  • Features
  • Health
  • News
  • Spotlight
  • Digital Edition

© 2024 ist Magazine.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Columns
    • ASA News
    • Ask Wolff
    • Epic Sales
    • Ergoline Focus
    • Eye to Eye
    • Lamp Talk with Leif
    • Lync IT
    • Notes from the Road
    • Trending @DevotedCreations
    • UK View
    • Monthly Motivation
  • Features
  • Health
  • News
  • Spotlight
  • Resources
    • Industry Links
    • Sun is Life
  • Lamp Talk
  • Digital Edition

© 2024 ist Magazine.