For years, ist Magazine has highlighted the efforts of hard-working salon owners across the country; but, there’s more than one way to get a tan. Currently, there are many “sunless-only” salons whose owners are doing their part to help keep America bronzed and beautiful. In this occasional series, we endeavor to see how “the other half” lives… and goes about the business of delivering tanned skin to those who seek it.
- Owner: Lindsay Eubanks
- Location: Choctaw, OK
- Opened: August 1, 2012
- Equipment: Norvell Skin Solutions N-1000 Mobile
- Products: Norvell Skin Solutions Amber Sun
- Distributor: Four Seasons Sales & Service
- Staff: Two
- Training: Norvell University
It’s not surprising that Lindsey Eubanks would open a sunless tanning facility – she learned the fine art of applying airbrush tans in high school, while working at a local salon. “I had worked there for five years when the owner decided to sell it,” said Lindsey. “I took another job, but many of my former clients came to me and asked if I would continue giving them spray tans. I realized that if there was a demand for this service, I could open my own business and continue to provide it.” For the next five years, she continued spraying customers for the salon’s new owner so that her clients could still get the tans they loved. “This year, I decided to go into business for myself by opening TANtastic in August and the response has been great!” she exclaimed. “We easily average three to five spray-tans a day, and three times as many when there’s a special event!”
To build her business, Lindsey joined her local Chamber of Commerce, which has been a huge success for her. “I would encourage every salon owner to join their local Chamber because it’s a great way to introduce your business to your community,” she said. “I joined after opening TANtastic and continue to attend every meeting and fundraiser. I can honestly say that we wouldn’t have as many clients if not for this networking opportunity.” As Lindsey continues to grow her business, she says she’d like to eventually expand it into a full-service tanning salon by adding some UV tanning units, spa services and even hair styling. “I got my start in a tanning salon and I’d love to offer those options to my clients, as well,” she added.
Thanks for taking the time to meet Lindsey Eubanks. In the months to come, we’ll introduce many more sunless-only entrepreneurs and highlight their unique takes on the tanning biz. After all, we’re all in this together!
