This month’s Salon of Distinction will celebrate its first business anniversary in March of this year, having joined the indoor tanning community as part of the large West Coast franchise chain, Tan Republic. Co-owners Brian and Katie Ramsey were among the group of salon professionals who completed the Sun is Life® Salon Operator Training & Certification classroom session offered at the National Tanning Expo in October 2023. We asked Katie a few questions about her business and her tan biz goals for the future.
How did you get started in the tanning business?
I grew up in Santa Cruz, CA worshiping the sun and sand! I’ve experienced the sun business on many different levels – I got started with sunless tanning in 2015 with a mobile spray-tan business that I eventually grew into a sunless salon. In March 2023, I was able to expand into the UV tanning industry as a member of the Tan Republic franchise family.
What challenges have you faced as a new salon owner?
The tanning salon business is very unique in that the general public’s perception of what a tanning salon has to offer is limited to UV sessions. Getting people through the door to tour our salon and explore the other amazing services we have to offer such as red-light therapy, has been the biggest challenge.
What do you feel sets your salon apart from your competitors?
Our salon offers only up-to-date tanning and spa equipment. We pride ourselves on having knowledgeable, friendly staff. And, our Bronze Without Borders EFT membership program has great benefits and convenience for our tanners.
How would you describe the atmosphere at your salon?
Our aesthetic is modern with an emphasis on cleanliness.
What was your biggest takeaway from the Sun is Life Salon Operator Training?
Brian and I felt the need to really educate ourselves and our staff on all things related to the tanning business. Knowledge is powerful and can help us gain the trust of our customers with regard to recommending products and services that meet their needs and tanning goals.
What are your goals for Tan Republic in the next 1-3 years?
I would like to see us open more locations and really build the Tan Republic brand in the San Francisco Bay area.
Best of luck, Brian & Katie!
Salon Stats
| Owners | Brian & Katie Ramsey |
| Staff | 6 |
| UV Units | 8 |
| Sunless Units | 1 |
| Other Services | Teeth-whitening, Wellness Cocoon, Red-Light Sessions |
| Lotions | New Sunshine, Sunless, Inc. |
| Salon Software | SunLync |
| Distributor Partner | Four Seasons |
