Owner: Stephanie Skrizowski
Location: Manchester, NH
Number of Stores: 1
Years in Business: 8
Staff Members: 3
UV Units: 8
Lotions Brands: MR International & Devoted Creations
Salon Software: SalonTouch
Other Services: Custom Airbrush, Red-Light Therapy, My-Lipo Body Sculpting, Whole-Body Vibration Platform, Acu-Clear, Fine-Light, Custom Cosmetics, 6 Skincare Lines
Salon Operator Training: Sun is Life®
Distributor Partner: Future Industries
Best-selling Lotion: MRI iTease, iExtend
Most Popular Package: 10-sessions Platinum Pak (Red-light & Ultrabronz)
Soleil Bronze Tanning Spa & Boutique in Manchester, New Hampshire has been tried and tested time and again. Formerly called Suntana, its beginnings under new ownership in 2005 were unfortunately framed by an unforeseen and lengthy legal battle with the prior owner, major housecleaning that included paying outstanding debt, addressing heating and A/C problems and other operational disputes, as well as a move to a new plaza location with more reasonable rent but reduced storefront visibility – plus a major roadway construction project that decimated 90 percent of its business for three straight years.
Some entrepreneurs might give up after all of that or decide to pursue something completely different – but Soleil Bronze is thriving today due to the ingenuity of its owner, Stephanie Skrizowski. With a Medical Assistant degree behind her, Stephanie’s career path doubled back to the salon setting, where she had gained experience working as a college student. “I loved the interaction with clients and I knew I had a passion for it,” she said. “I feel like I’ve been put through every test with this business. You have to love what you do.”
Stephanie runs the facility with an individualized customer focus, making sure she and her staff pay close attention to their guests’ concerns and goals for each spa session, and knowing each of their names by their second visit. “It’s not the average salon,” she said. “Every new tanner gets a hard lesson from me: I don’t allow people to come in every day to tan. Burning is the ‘red sin’ here.”
She said Sun Is Life is her favorite training program, and she likes the emphasis on the importance of skin typing and its use of instructional videos. “Our staff goes through rigorous training on protecting skin,” she said.
For nearly every year since 2008, Soleil Bronze Tanning Spa & Boutique has proudly earned the annual distinction as “Best of the Best #1 Salon in Manchester.” Stephanie’s passion for success has driven her to create a diverse product and service. A few options include custom airbrush tans, red-light therapy, Ultrabronz tanning systems, new My-Lipo body-sculpting to help with weight loss, Acu-Clear to cleanse pores and reduce inflammation, as well as a unique selection of beautiful boutique apparel, bridal jewelry, swimwear and fashionable accessories.
The introduction of the spa’s online and in-store boutique helped carry it through some tough economic times – and they only carry products they truly believe in. Popular with guests are their high-quality custom-made cosmetics, including mineral powders, foundations and creams. The staff carefully adjusts the cosmetics to match an individual’s skin tone and tan, which is especially popular with brides and for special occasions.
What’s next for Soleil Bronze? The service space is maxed out, and a future expansion or move is possible. “I definitely need more space!” laughed Stephanie, adding that the salon’s customer base is developed by word-of-mouth and reputation. In today’s competitive industry, keeping an eye on future growth opportunities while keeping guests happy and returning is a balancing act that works well for Soleil Bronze.
