The indoor tanning industry is an enjoyable one, with many positive things for everyone to enjoy. For example, more and more people are following their dreams of opening and operating tanning salons, further strengthening the industry. IST Magazine wishes to recognize these “newbies” with this monthly “Welcome Wagon” series. We invite you, our loyal readers, to join us in giving those featured the friendly greeting they deserve!
- Location: Quinton, VA
- Date Opened: January 1, 2014
- Owner(s): Jennifer & Chris Carter
- Staff: 5
- Tanning Systems: 7 (Ergoline, ETS & SunDash)
- Tanning Levels: 4
- Lotions: Australian Gold, Devoted Creations & Supre Tan
- Software: EXaTouch
- Training: Sun is Life®
- Distribution Partner: Four Seasons Sales & Service; Heartland Tanning, Inc.
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New owners with a new outlook are making Tantastic a hit in the small town of Quinton, VA. [one_half last=”yes”]
Following a hot tip, Jennifer Carter traded office space for a sunny place … and she’s never been happier. Of that fateful day she said, “There was a tanning salon in town that also offered hair styling, and although I wouldn’t tan there, I did get my hair done there. One day my stylist told me that the salon’s owner was looking to sell the business and I was immediately interested.” Since Jennifer’s passion for indoor tanning started in her late teens and extended into her adult years, the opportunity to purchase the tanning business was too exciting to not research. She added, “Although the former owner had other people who were interested in buying, I was the only one who was serious about it.” [/one_half]
Before opening on January 1, Jennifer and her husband Chris had their work cut out for them. They replaced all of the salon’s aging tanning units with newer, upscale models of Ergoline, ETS and SunDash, and they put up a wall to separate their tanning business from the original owner’s hair business, which she still operates. “During this time,” she said, “we spoke with friends, family and former customers and asked them what changes they would like to see in the business, and their responses were very helpful.” Jennifer also promoted her takeover of the business on the salon’s Facebook page, which she says continues to be an effective marketing and promotions tool for Tantastic. She added, “We post everything from our latest sales to interesting things about tanning, as well as pictures of our salon, equipment and lotion products.”
With nearly eight months of salon ownership in the books, Jennifer says she’s ready to take her business to the next level. The way to do that is through training, she says, adding that she’s in the process of signing up her staff and herself for Sun is Life® Training and Certification. As she explained, “Our clients come to us because we’re the tanning experts, and the training and certification we receive will ensure that we live up to that reputation. It’s important to me that we serve all of our clients in the most professional way possible, and Sun is Life will help us do that.”
As the fifth owners of the tanning salon, Jennifer’s biggest goal for the future is doing things differently to ensure the business’s long-term success. She says she would then like to see the business grow, perhaps relocating to a newer shopping plaza sometime in the near future. Until then, she plans to keep doing what she loves most. “I absolutely love the idea of meeting the needs of people in our community,” she explained, “and there’s no better way to do that than by owning a tanning salon. We keep meeting so many wonderful people; I love my job!”
Thanks for helping us welcome the Carters to the indoor tanning community. We look forward to meeting many more new faces and salon places in the months to come. Until then … stay sunny!
