Location: Siloam Springs, AR
Owner: Christy Osbourn
Years in Business: Since November 2018
Staff: 9
Tanning Units: 3
Lotions: Designer Skin, Australian Gold, Devoted Creations, Ed Hardy
Other Services: Hair Salon, Massage, Facials, Esthetician, Waxing, Lash Extensions, Nail Treatments
Training: Sun is Life® Certification
Distribution Partner: American & European Tanning Supply
Best Selling Lotion: Australian Gold
Most Popular Package: Monthly Unlimited Package
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This month’s subject is from the Northwest corner of Arkansas – Siloam Springs, to be exact. Chosen one of the “Best Small Towns in the U.S.” by Smithsonian magazine, it’s named after the claimed healing powers of its spring waters. And, it’s home to Urban Edge Salon, our May Salon of Distinction owned by Sun is Life® graduate, Christy Osbourn.
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IST: Christy, we always begin with the standard, “How did you get your start in the industry?” Bring us up to speed.
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CO: I’ve been a cosmetologist in my area for 28 years and wanted to do something different. We started fresh and built our salon from the ground up. We began with the salon suite concept, but I wanted it to be more unique – we wanted to be diversified and offer other services besides tanning. The interior features a warm, inviting atmosphere.
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IST: I really like the name “Urban Edge.” What inspired you?
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CO: I’ve always been self-motivated, a dreamer. My inspiration: achievement, goal-setting, taking what I do a step further. I’ve always loved fashion, beauty and fun.
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IST: You attended a recent Sun is Life Certification class. We cover a lot of material during the class – which, by the way, you did really well! How important is having a trained staff?
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CO: Sun is Life is probably the most helpful class I’ve taken to learn about our industry. I really feel that it’s a “must” for training my staff. Salons that have not taken it, really should!
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IST: Your distributor partner is AETS – American & European Tanning Supply. Why do you use this company (other than price)?
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CO: Customer service is No. 1 – but these companies have gone above and beyond helping me with their products. They are always there to answer my questions, and they really do have great prices!
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IST: Over the last several decades (about 40 years now), the typical indoor tanner has been female, 18-35 years of age. How would describe the demographics of your clientele?
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CO: Our customer base is diverse – from corporate employees and stay-at-home moms to the farmer down the road – and all ages 18 and over, as well.
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IST: The road to success is often “bumpy.” What would you say has been your biggest obstacle?
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CO: Adding tanning services to my salon menu – I knew absolutely nothing about the tanning industry. It’s not as simple as I thought it would be. It is very challenging! From choosing the right equipment, to what lotions to carry and why. I’m still learning, but feeling more confident with time.
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IST: Entrepreneurs thrive on goals and I know that you have them. Tell us where you are heading.
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CO: We want to keep growing our tanning clientele and really seek more education. I would like to add on and expand our tanning services over the next five years.
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IST: Yes! Good answer! The Sun is Life training modules are a great source of continuing education. They’re offered 24/7 as online classes that provide information covering a variety of topics that can assist the new hire, give your management direction, and build solid platforms that help you as an owner.
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Lastly, a little Lightning Round Q&A:
IST: What’s your “Go to” food when you’ve had a tough week?
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CO: Pizza or Mexican food
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IST: How do you “chill out” after that tough week?
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CO: Unplug from social media and take an Epsom salt bath.
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Christy, great interview and keepup the good work!
