As indoor tanning professionals, there are so many positive things in our beloved industry to enjoy. For example, more and more people are following their dreams of becoming their own bosses by opening and operating tanning salons. Since these “newbies” continue to strengthen our industry, ist Magazine wishes to recognize them with this monthly “Welcome Wagon” series. We invite you, our loyal readers, to join us in giving them the friendly greeting they deserve!
- Salon Name: Sun City
- Location: Reidsville, NC
- Date Openend: March 15, 2013
- Tanning Systems: 5 (Stayl, SunCapsule & SunDash)
- Staff: 3
- Other Services: Custom Airbrush Tans (Norvell Skin Solutions)
- Lotions: Designer Skin, Supre Tan & Swedish Beauty
- Software: 2k
- Distribution Partner: Four Seasons Sales & Service
While working at her stepfather’s tanning salon, Parker Young saw many improvements she wanted to make; but because she was not the owner, she had to keep the ideas to herself. Then one day her boyfriend, Jeremy Carpenter, had an idea. “He asked me if I’d be interested in owning a salon and I said, ‘Yes!’, so he approached my stepdad about selling the business,” recalled Parker. “He was happy to sell it to us, so we bought it and immediately began remodeling. First, we took out a room to expand the lobby and we also switched the old beach theme for a modern décor that features a lot of black and silver, and we continue to get compliments on our new look.” The couple then built the salon’s client base by offering discounts to anyone in the community who shared the salon’s ad on their Facebook page.
Although Sun City has been open for just six months, Parker says she’s glad she and Jeremy pursued the venture. As they proceed forward, she has big plans for the small salon. “There’s only so much we can do to expand; but since we removed the hairdresser stations in the back, we do have room for two more tanning units,” Parker said. “We plan to purchase another UV tanning unit and maybe a red-light therapy system. In the meantime, we’ll continue to educate our clients about the importance of moderate tanning, which has been an uphill battle at times; but in the long run it’s worth the effort, especially when we see them happy with the results they’ve developed.”
Thanks for helping us welcome Parker Young and Jeremy Carpenter to the indoor tanning community – we’re sure they’ll like it here! In the meantime, look forward to meeting many more new faces and salon places in the months to come. Until then… stay sunny!
