Many in the indoor tanning community may already know me – but to formally introduce myself, I am Onyi Odunukwe, CEO and Founder of Glo Tanning. Our salon franchise has grown to 100 locations and we are thrilled to have acquired IST Magazine, recognizing it as a significant step toward advancing holistic skincare approaches within our industry.
In 2024, our focus transcends traditional indoor tanning; it encompasses overall spa/wellness and skin health. Since 1997, IST Magazine has been dedicated to empowering salon owners, whether they operate a single location or a large franchise, by promoting success through collaborative efforts. We are committed to encouraging an environment of unity, drawing inspiration from industry leaders and established brands that have made IST Magazine a cornerstone of tanning industry media.
I think this is a great opportunity to promote a higher level of industry professionalism. Even from perceived competitors, it is an opportunity to grow and strengthen the tanning business as a whole. We are excited to bring a fresh voice and new perspectives to the tanning community! By fostering growth and innovation together, we can continue benefiting the entire industry.
A core pillar of IST Magazine is the industry’s No. 1 salon operator education initiative, Sun is Life® Training & Certification. Glo Tanning is committed to maintaining the exceptional quality and integrity of this program, while also introducing new ideas and options for salons seeking additional training and support.
Personally, I am most excited about building new relationships and strengthening existing ones. By uniting on key goals and initiatives, I believe the industry can move forward together, creating a brighter future for all.
Stay tuned for the exciting developments that will arise from this powerful synergy between Glo Tanning and IST Magazine. I look forward to sharing more of my story and learning more about yours.
Untilnexttime,
Onyi Odunukwe, Publisher
Passing the Baton
DearReaders,
After 28 years of publishing IST Magazine (formerly Island Sun Times), it is with mixed emotions that I offer you my final “From the Publisher” message.
Not to worry – IST will go on! More on that in a moment; I thought some of you would appreciate a brief history of the publication. It all started with a very fortuitous, chance discovery...
In 1979, I thought I might go to college in California. My mother and I flew out to visit Stanford University, UC Berkeley. Near the Berkeley campus, we encountered a long line of young people standing outside a storefront with a sign that simply said “Tanning.” First thought: are they tanning leather? Moments later, I found myself inside one of the country’s first indoor tanning facilities – in sunny California!
Returning home to Michigan, I couldn’t get that concept out of my mind. If a tanning salon could thrive in a place where the sun shines 300 days per year, imagine how well it could do in Michigan! I decided to attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and while pursuing my business degree, I opened my first Tropi-Tan salon in Flint, MI in November of 1979.
Fast-forward: Over the next 15 years, I built one of the country’s largest salon chains (at the time). In 1985, I had 17 very successful facilities – life was good!
As my salon chain grew, I thought the best way for me to be more profitable was to establish a tanning product distribution company and sell lotions, lamps and equipment to my competitors and myself. Island Sun & Health Systems was born in 1986 and grew from serving Midwestern salon operators into a nationwide business. In late 2000, I sold the company to the nation’s largest distributor, Four Seasons Sales & Service.
Enter Island Sun Times
In the 1990s, the indoor tanning/ beauty industry was supporting three B2B magazines: Looking Fit, Today’s Image and Tanning Trends (Smart Tan). As a salon owner, I never found much value in those publications; their content was driven by advertisements for vendors and product manufacturers to promote profitable trade events, and had very little content relevant to entrepreneurs running small businesses in our unique industry. In 1997, I decided to create a periodical that would draw on my wealth of industry experience to provide useful content that would help salon operators grow and become more professional. It started as a large-format, newsprint tabloid piece and continued to evolve as it grew. IST hosted many successful and exciting “Solar Seminar” executive retreats in tropical locales including Jamaica and Mexico, as well as creating a comprehensive annual Buyer’s Guide and the Industry’s Choice Awards, which we introduced with a red-carpet gala in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Great times! →
Staying true to my mission to help grow the industry, I worked with the University of Michigan to develop Sun is Life® Salon Operator Training and Certification which launched in 2013.The program has educated thousands of operators and staff, including classroom sessions offered at many major trade events. It is one more on the list of rewarding endeavors that were set in motion decades ago and has continued to be a source of great pride for me.
Throughout my 42 years of success, my tanning salons employed over a thousand people, all of whom I thank for helping me be the best and provide a great life for my family. However, I currently have multiple business interests outside of tanning, along with being an elected official with plans for further political pursuits. In 2022, I decided to sell my salon chain to my friend and fellow industry veteran, Tony Toepfer (Zoom Tan). It was the end of an era!
My commitment to the tanning business and that of my team has allowed IST to endure as one of the two remaining industry publications. I recently realized, however, that the time had come to sell the magazine, my last interest in the industry I have called home for my entire professional life.
To ensure that IST maintains its leadership role in our industry, I chose to place it in the hands of a successful salon operator, someone heavily invested in the industry and its continued growth. The new owner is wellknown business leader and entrepreneur Onyi Odunukwe, Founder and CEO of Arkansas-based Glo Tanning since 2009. Onyi and his talented team know salon operation – the company will soon have 100 facilities –and they are ready to carry IST forward.
Publishing IST Magazine for nearly three decades has allowed me to work with talented staff, and brought me close and lasting friendships with great people across all sectors. I am grateful for everyone who has contributed to its success and for the opportunity to touch so many lives.
I still attend the major tanning trade events and it’s great to see that the industry is still growing and evolving, with new people entering the salon business. To them, I offer this: don’t let anyone say to you, “Oh. A tanning salon? Isn’t tanning still bad for you?” You can be proud of the services you offer! After four decades of evolution, responsible indoor tanning still makes people’s lives better every day. This industry has given me so much, allowing me to be among the country’s “Top 1%.” It has truly been one of my most fulfilling and rewarding entrepreneurial pursuits.
I wish Onyi and his team much success as they take the baton and run with IST Magazine. I am confident they will maintain the quality and integrity for which it has always been known.
Allthebestandthanksforreading!
Vince Lorraine, Publisher 1997 - 2024
DEVOTED CREATIONS SUPPORTS
6TH ANNUAL BARKS, BOURBON & BRONZE FUNDRAISER
Powhatan, VA – Devoted Creations, a leading manufacturer of skincare-based sun care products, was proud to support the 6th Annual Barks, Bourbon & Bronze Charity Fundraiser hosted on July 18 by Island Glow Tanning & Beauty Spa.
Along with other exciting activities, this highly anticipated event featured a golf tournament for the first time, held at Mill Quarter Plantation in Powhatan, VA with all proceeds benefiting the local animal shelter.
As part of their commitment to community and salon partner support, Devoted Creations was pleased to donate a selection of premium items for giveaways and raffles. They included universal items for golfers and exclusive product bundles which enhanced the
$7,500!” she exclaimed. “I adopted a dog from the shelter six years ago and their facility is immaculate, so I wanted everyone in my county to know about them and do anything to help keep funds coming in. The money we raised helps play a crucial role in rescuing, caring for and finding homes for animals in need. It was such a success, we are already planning for next year!”
“Team DC is not only passionate about supporting local causes, but being animal lovers and owners ourselves, we were more than willing to contribute!”
event’s appeal, supported the hosting business and raised crucial funds for the shelter.
“We were excited to partner with Island Glow Tanning & Beauty Spa for their sixth annual event,” said DC Key Accounts Manager, Megan Edwards. “Our team is not only passionate about supporting local causes, but being animal lovers and owners ourselves, we were more than willing to contribute to an event that not only promises a day of enjoyment, but also benefits the vital work of the Powhatan Animal Control.”
Michelle Walters, Island Glow Tanning & Beauty Spa Owner, was very pleased with the event. “We were so incredibly grateful for Devoted Creations’ very generous donations to the fundraiser as it helped us raise over
Megan Edwards
Devoted Creations
For more details about the 6th Annual Barks, Bourbon & Bronze Charity Fundraiser, including details to participate next year or to donate, please visit islandglowva.com or contact Michelle Walters. ■
AboutDevotedCreations: The leading global manufacturer of indoor tanning products, Devoted Creations is recognized for its innovative formulas and dedication to promoting skin health & wellness along with a desired bronzed glow. With a passion for empowering individuals to look and feel their best, DC strives to deliver exceptional skincare formulas tailored to meet the diverse needs of its customers.
7 QUESTIONS WITH...
Makayla Thomas
International Sales Trainer, Devoted Creations
Compiled by Sherron Barden
1.
How would your friends describe you?
I think they would say I’m spontaneous! I am always in for a fun trip and trying anything exciting – I love to live life to the fullest.
2.
What is your ultimate comfort food?
This one is easy – it’s definitely pizza! I grew up in New Jersey, so it’s practically a food group. To be specific, I love pizza from the boardwalk down on the Jersey shore!
3. Do you collect anything?
I don’t really collect anything specific, but I do have a lot of shoes. In particular, Tory Burch “Miller” sandals. I don’t think I could ever have too many pairs!
4. What is your go-to cocktail?
I like a simple cocktail –nothing fancy, usually just Tito’s & Sprite.
5.
Did you have a celebrity crush growing up?
I would say it was probably Zac Efron. I grew up watching the “High School Musical” series, so it just seemed right.
7.
What do you like most about your job with Devoted Creations?
My absolute favorite thing is the connections I make with everyone! Going to trade events and training salon operators and staff is so much fun.
What makes my job so exciting is the variety of people who make every experience a little bit different!
6.
What is your favorite item in your wardrobe?
I have a fur and jean jacket that I love; but living in Florida, it definitely is not ideal. I attended the University of Mississippi where football game day is like the Met Gala, so this piece was my absolute favorite to wear on a chilly Saturday afternoon cheering on the Rebs!
When I travel, I also love seeing everyone’s salons and the different Devoted Creations product lines they offer. I think what makes my job so exciting is the variety of people who make every experience a little bit different! ■
Enjoying the Journey SUNCATCHERS BOUTIQUE - SUN - SPA
Phenix City, AL
CompiledbySherronBarden
Co-Owners Kurt & Manuela Eldridge
After two decades in sales and marketing, Manuela Eldridge decided it was time for a change. Skincare, beauty and wellness had always been her passion. “I am in my element when I can make people look and feel good,” she states. “In November 2017, my husband Kurt and I opened our business with five tanning beds and a small retail boutique area, and that soon blossomed into a full-fledged wellness center.”
Manuela took some time to tell us more about the journey from tanning & gift boutique to SunCatchers BoutiqueSun - Spa, including her takeaways from the Sun is Life® Salon Operator Training & Certification.
IST: How would you describe the atmosphere at SunCatchers?
ME: Welcoming and relaxing. The salon’s design reflects our boutique ethos, with welcoming interiors that exude warmth and sophistication. We are getting lots of compliments from our guests about the positive atmosphere. Our goal was to create a space where people could relax, rejuvenate, and leave feeling confident and beautiful.
IST: What do you feel sets your salon apart from competitors?
ME: As our customer base grew, so did our understanding of their needs. We noticed a growing trend toward holistic wellness and a desire for a more comprehensive approach to health and beauty. In early 2019, we introduced a range of equipment aimed at enhancing overall well-being. From
infrared saunas that promote detoxification and relaxation to red-light therapy for skin rejuvenation, we created a suite of services that caters to both beauty and health. These additions were met with enthusiasm, as our guests appreciate the opportunity to address multiple aspects of their wellness journey at one facility.
Salon Stats
CO-OWNERS
Kurt & Manuela Eldridge
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 7
STAFF: 6
UV UNITS: 7
SUNLESS/SPRAY UNITS
• VersaSpa Pro
• Handheld Airbrush
IST: What challenges have you faced as a salon owner?
ME: Our biggest challenge has been to find staff who share my same blend of vision, dedication and a commitment to holistic well-being.→
OTHER SERVICES
• Cocoon Wellness Pro
• Hydration Wellness Pod
• AquaFrixio with Red Light
• BioMax LED Red Light
• POLY Red Light
• IR Salt Sauna
• Teeth-whitening
• Retail Boutique
LOTIONS
• Devoted Creations
• MR International SOFTWARE
• Tan-Link
DISTRIBUTOR PARTNERS
• JK Products & Services
• Four Seasons
IST: What has been your most important service addition?
ME: Understanding the nuances of skin tones and the importance of a flawless tan, we decided to expand our expertise by getting certified in airbrush tanning and it quickly became one of our most popular services. This was a pivotal moment for us, allowing our skilled technicians to suit individual preferences, and the service attracts a more diverse clientele.
IST: What are some ways SunCatchers supports the Phenix City community?
ME: We take pride in the community we have built and the lives we have touched along the way. We host events with local artists and crafters every other month and support a variety of area non-profits, as well as some of our local high school sports teams.
IST: What was your biggest takeaway from the Sun is Life Salon Operator Training?
ME: Key takeaways include understanding the tanning process, using the appropriate product to achieve a
specific tanning goal, and maintaining superior salon hygiene standards. We strive to provide excellent customer service and build relationships with our guests. The training helps our staff provide consistent service quality and ensure guest satisfaction.
IST: What are your goals for SunCatchers in the next 1-3 years?
ME: Today, our establishment stands as a testament to growth and transformation. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to expanding our services and refining our offerings, possibly opening a second facility. Whether it’s through introducing new wellness equipment, staying at the forefront of tanning techniques or exploring other avenues of beauty and health, our guests’ well-being is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is simple: to be a sanctuary where people can find balance, beauty and bliss. Having solidified our reputation as a top destination for tanning and wellness services, we are excited to continue our journey! ■
The wellness services at SunCatchers include the AquaFrixio Hydromassage with Red Light (top) and the Cocoon Wellness Pro Pod.
1. Coco Creamsicle™ NEW
• Moisture-Rich Brazilian Bacuri Butter
• Soothing Maracuja Oil
• Amino Acid-Infused Copper Peptides
• Prebiotic Hibiscus Extracts
• Vitamin-Infused Essential Orange Oil
• Moisture Magnet Hyaluronic Acid
• Toning Caffeine Extracts
• Tattoo & Color-Prolonging Technology
• Coco Creamsicle Fragrance
MSRP $26.98 18.25OZ
2. Collagenetics
Illuminate Beauty Balm NEW
• Post-Light Hydrator
• Multiple pH Stabilizers
• Skin-Tightening & Firming Ingredients
• Power Packed Peptide Complex
• Vegan Collagen Infused
• Light-Enhancing X50 Photoglow™
• Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid
• Sculpting & Lifting Skin-Perfecting Agents
• Ingredient Locking Technology
• Blemish & Irritation Combating
• Youth-Boosting Blueberry Extracts
• Complexion Brightening
• Multiple Skin-Softening Butters
• Purity Fragrance
MSRP $24.98 18.25OZ
3. Vault NEW
• Extreme Cosmetic & Natural Bronzers
• Raspberry Ketone Erythrulose Compound
• Auto-Darkening Complex
• SymBronze® Green Color Enhancer
• Powerful Amino Acids
• Anti-Aging GlowPlex™ & Copper Peptides
• Potent Probiotics
• Skin-Toning Flavoslim™
• Super-Slimming Technology
• Powerful Probiotics
• 24-Hour Long-Lasting Hydration Blend
• Vegan Collagen Blend
• Skin Perfecting Forslean™
• Ingredient Locking Technology
• Anti-Orange Technology
• Tattoo & Color Fade Protecting
• Chromatic Cream Fragrance
MSRP $163 13.5OZ
4. Loyalty NEW
• Black Bronzing DHA, Natural & Cosmetic Bronzers
• Glassy Skin Enhance
• CC Crème Formula
• Detoxifying Charcoal
• Collagen Enhancers
• Cellulite Fighting
• Skin Perfecting Bakuchiol
• Anti-aging & Firming
• Melanin Stimulators
• Tattoo & Color Fade Protectors
• Body Fit™ Technology
• Black Amethyst Fragrance
$144 13.5oz
5. Salty Lime Slushie NEW
• Color Extending Moisture Lock Technology
• Electrolyte Rich Cactus Water
• Ultra-Hydrating Agave
• Skin Softening Mango Butter
• Skin Calming Calendula Extracts
• Ceramide Complex
• Pore Tightening Sea Salt
• Super Smoothing Coconut Oils
• Toning Caffeine Extracts
• Detoxifying Avocado Extracts
• Tattoo & Color Prolonging Technology
• Salty Lime Slushie Fragrance
• Low Levels of DHA + High Levels of Natural Bronzers
Nobody likes to pay for insurance. We don’t even like to talk about it. But no responsible homeowner, auto owner or business owner would ever operate without it.
As much as we hate paying insurance premiums, we know what can happen
the future of their tanning business.
Right now, your business being attacked by a large number of different anti-tanning organizations pushing for overreaching state and federal regulations, taxes and other measures. Indoor tanning adversaries benefit from sun-abstinence messaging and our rea-
which is designed to help after a disaster has taken place, ASA works every day to prevent disasters from happening in the first place.
ASA is staying ahead of attempts to over-regulate professional indoor tanning facilities at the state and federal levels.
Isn’t the future of your livelihood worth the cost of a cup of coffee?
sonable message of sunburn prevention makes scientific sense, but cuts into their profit margins.
to our property and our businesses if we don’t protect them from unexpected disasters. And yet, many tanning salon owners are neglecting the most important insurance policy needed to protect
The American Suntanning Association (ASA) is the only insurance policy this industry has to promote our responsible message while protecting your business from anti-sun attacks. And becoming an ASA member is actually much better than having an insurance policy! Unlike traditional insurance,
• Since, 2015, ASA has worked with tanning industry product suppliers to work constructively with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration on the agency’s proposals to re-tool FDA proposed regulations for sunlamp products. FDA has delayed finalization of those proposed rules a dozen times since 2016, and most recently called for the rules to be completed this year. ASA has put the market and
the consumer in the best possible position in addressing how these rule proposals are handled.
• ASA has worked in 2024 to prevent legislative proposals to enact under-21 sunbed restrictions from moving forward anywhere in America.
• ASA once again in 2024 has successfully prevented under-18 sunbed restriction legislation from advancing
in several legislatures – gaining bi-partisan support in many states for the scientifically supported position that sunburn prevention is not advanced by restricting access to professional sunbeds.
• This year, ASA has halted legislative talk to restrict spray tanning services to under-18 clients.
• ASA, once again in 2024, convinced a state regulatory agency to abandon an effort to limit sunbed clients to 1-2 sessions per week.
• In many cases, ASA convinced would-be bill sponsors not to even introduce bills after seeing the science that does not support that approach. Some of our victories involved tax bills and other issues.
AbouttheASA: Founded in 2012, the American Suntanning Association is committed to defending and growing the industry through a detailed and proactive plan directed by an all-salon board and executed by more than two dozen management and consulting team members who specialize in this type of work.
There are other accomplishments, and likely, you haven’t heard about many of them. Aside from the 130+ legislative victories you have heard about, there are so many examples of potential issues ASA has prevented from ever even coming up.
Your ASA membership is a whole lot more than just insurance. It’s an investment in your future, and should be a line item in your budget right next to “Business Insurance.” And the premium is only $100 per month.
For less than the price of your daily coffee, you can invest in the most important proactive insurance policy ever created for your business. Isn’t the future of your livelihood worth the cost of a cup of coffee? ■
5 WAYS TO STAY ENGAGED DURING THE OFF-SEASON
By Amanda Grissom
You may be missing the fast, frenetic pace of the busy season … and more likely, the revenue it generates. However, slower months can provide an opportunity to review, refine and optimize your business to set you up for success in the up-coming season. JK Products & Services shares five ways to stay busy during the off-season by refreshing your business, equipment and most importantly, the customer experience you offer.
Get Organized & Freshen Up
Update your business contact lists for quick support and customer service. Check product expiration dates and update ordering sheets. Refresh in-room instructional information and perform a deep cleaning on equipment. Revamp and reorganize your lobby by moving the furniture and adding a new coat of paint.
Salon, Operations & Staff
Education is crucial for success, and keeping up to date with staff training on products, equipment, membership programs and selling techniques is imperative. Having competent, knowledgeable and friendly staff will only help keep your guests coming back. To efficiently and effectively onboard new staff members, take the time to create and provide refresher or advanced training with accessible reference materials for all business areas.
Plan for upcoming hiring needs and review what worked or didn’t work last season in terms of staff needed and schedule shifts to meet customer demand. For maximum efficiency, review and streamline processes from last season such as staff scheduling, product ordering, membership sign-up and billing.
Equipment 101
Update equipment information for each service room and service type. Create a digital or hard copy folder that lists the equipment, including serial number, type of lamps or other products needed for the service type, and who to call for ordering. Have a copy of the operating manual and all other compliance sheets for equipment organized and easily accessible.
Be preventative with equipment maintenance. The first step in doing this is keeping filters clean and maintained, a simple step that can prolong equipment life by ensuring proper airflow and avoiding heat-related performance issues.
Keep acrylic shields clean using the recommended cleaners and technique, as this also plays an essential role in maintaining the life of your tanning systems. Review regular preventative maintenance practices for refreshing and cleaning equipment. For downloadable cleaning and equipment maintenance checklists, visit the resource page on jkproducts.us.
Promotions
Use this slower time to get a head start on planning promotions for the upcoming season. The first step in determining your promotional objectives and timing is setting measurable goals you intend to accomplish throughout the year.
Promote new memberships in the pre-season and focus on products and new services for the current season.
Review previous promotions and their effectiveness/success and brainstorm new promotional ideas. Create your promotional calendar in advance for the year ahead and outline details of the promotion and what is needed to execute it.
Use social media and in-salon content to promote, educate, inform and entertain. Create your post to include and connect with other industries of interest in line with your business, such as fashion, beauty and travel trends.
Slower months can provide an opportunity to review, refine and optimize your business to set you up for success in the up-coming season.
Customer Experience
Engage with your customer/membership base. Ask them about their experience, gain feedback on new products or services and show your appreciation for their loyalty. Host a customer appreciation event for current members. Plan and provide exclusive offers and promotions during the event. Highlight and demonstrate new services or upgrade to higher-level products to keep existing customers informed and visiting again.
As this season ends, take the time to appreciate the challenges and lessons this year has offered. Continue your customer and employee education. Engage with your guests and invest in various equipment and services to bring new and encouraging opportunities to your business. Make the next season one to remember! ■
AbouttheAuthor:
Amanda Grissom is Marketing Director for JK Products & Services, supporting industry leading brands such as Ergoline, Beauty Angel and Wellsystem. Joining the industry in 2012, she brings diverse knowledge and industry insight. In addition to marketing, Amanda carries expertise in design and brand management. Cultivating collaboration and creativity, she leads with integrity and understands the value of a team.
SOFTWARE
Your 24-Hour Security Guard
ByMelissaDamiani
Solid employees are one of the most vital keys to the success of your business. What your staff does while on the clock matters; so having a software program that provides you with regulation over their activities is imperative.
For your employees to excel at their jobs and ultimately increase your salon revenue, you need to empower them to perform effectively. One important thing to remember is that this can be achieved while also limiting access to sensitive areas of the system.
For example, do you want to give your staff the ability to void a transaction when necessary (such as when the manager is out on break)?
Think of the stress that would be taken off your shoulders by utilizing a software program that handles all your employee security needs!
Do you want to allow them to send test times to your beds after they’ve been re-lamped or to warm them up on a cold winter’s day?
Although you may desire to allow your staff to perform these functions, it is understandable if you are a bit fearful that granting access to such functions could lead to misuse.
As a salon owner, you should have complete control over configuring your employees’ security settings to include restrictions such as allowing them to void a transaction, but only on the day it was processed or allowing them to send a test time to a bed, but only for a maximum of two minutes. Perhaps you want to provide read-only access to certain areas such as your customers’ account ledger balances, or allow staff to view schedules but not manage or edit them?
The options available to you within your software program’s security area should
AbouttheAuthor:
be comprehensive and allow you place limits on the security access that you grant.
You may also want to limit access to certain types of information to protect your privacy. This can certainly be achieved if you are able to restrict admittance to specific areas within your system. For instance, you may find it helpful to allow your managers to create or receive purchase orders, but don’t want them to be able to see the salon’s average cost per item. Or perhaps, you want to give staff the ability to generate a drawer figures report at the end of their shift, but don’t want them to have access to run any other financial type reports. The ability to customize your employees’ security access in this manner is crucial.
Having a software program that acts as a security guard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, will enable you to permit employees to complete activities that are essential to carrying out their normal duties, but provide you with audit logs and reports to monitor such activities at any time.
Customers change their names for reasons such as getting married, so you should be able to entrust any employee to update the name on a customer’s account, right? If you had the ability to monitor the exact details of these types of changes to include previous name, what it was changed to, along with which employee made the change and when, would you be more willing to allow them such access?
Security is a crucial part of your dayto-day business. Think of the stress that would be taken off your shoulders by utilizing a software program that handles all your employee security needs – if you don’t already have one in place, consider implementing one today! ■
Melissa Damiani is the Sales Manager of SunLync Software, Inc. a member of the JK-North America group of companies. With the company since 2002, Melissa has served the organization in several capacities, and has extensive knowledge of all aspects required to deliver robust salon management software solutions that are designed to enable measurable growth within its users’ ever-evolving business models. Call Melissa at 866.SUNLYNC x3 or email mdamiani@sunlync.com.
Make Time to GET IT DONE
By Grant Cardone
Alot of people look at what I do and wonder how I manage to get it all done. Honestly, with everything I can get done in a day, I even surprise myself!
But if it looks easy, I can promise you it’s much harder than it looks. If it seems easy, it’s because I figured out how to manage my time to do it all without falling behind.
It’s hard work; but if you’re disciplined enough, anyone can dominate their dayto-day and meet whatever targets you set for yourself.
Here’s how to do it.
Become A Supermanager
If you’re looking to dominate every aspect of your life – work, family, health – it’s vital that you learn how to control your time and ambitions. The fact is none of us wants to trade time for money. So that leaves you with two options:
You can either create more time, or you can manage it better, unless you can literally add more hours to the day. If you want to get it all done, you’re going to have to become a manager. And I don’t mean a manager of PEOPLE, that’s for the administrators.
You need to become a supermanager. This means that your most important goal will be to take the invisible ideas that are in your head and turn them into a concrete, tangible reality.
But what does this have to do with managing your time?
Everything that you do and the success you achieve all comes down to the way you manage yourself. This means that if you don’t have a rock-solid management system, your goals are as good as dead.
A Management System to Get It Done
Building a management system to help you get it all done is essential to, well, getting it all done.
Like I said, as a supermanager, you need to convert your ideas into a reality because your success is in how well you can survive and achieve your goals.
As an individual, the biggest hack you can have is the ability to make things happen with a system. So many people get caught up in their own heads with new ideas and distractions – so much so that they can’t focus on what their next move should be.
The fact of the matter is, someone with a system is going to win and get it all done. It might as well be YOU.
Whether you’re using a management system to help you expand your business, get in touch with your family or control your health, you’ll get it all done efficiently, strategically and successfully.
If you’re looking for a system that will help you achieve your business goals, my team and I put together the 10X Sales Manager Workshop for anyone looking to cut the B.S. and maximize the potential within their sales teams.
Conclusion
If you want to get it all done, it’s going to ultimately take discipline and persistence, especially when it comes to being a supermanager. But it is a MUST if you’re going to build the life that you and your family deserve.
Be Great. ■
If you’re looking to dominate every aspect of your life – work, family, health – it’s vital that you learn how to control your time and ambitions.
This content is intended to be used for educational and informational purposes only. Individual results may vary. You should perform your own due diligence and seek the advice from a professional to verify any information on grantcardone. com or materials you are relying upon if you choose to make an investment or business decision. Investment, real estate and business involve great risk and there is no guarantee of performance or results. We are not attorneys, investment advisers, accountants, tax professionals or financial advisers and any of the content presented should not be taken as professional advice. We recommend seeking the advice of a financial professional before you invest, and we accept no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage you may incur.
AbouttheAuthor:
Grant Cardone is a New York Times bestselling author, the No. 1 sales trainer in the world, and an internationally renowned speaker on leadership, real estate investing, entrepreneurship, social media and finance. His companies have annual revenues exceeding $100 million. Forbes named Mr. Cardone #1 of the “25 Marketing Influencers to Watch in 2017.” He regularly appears on Fox News, Fox Business, and MSNBC, and writes for Forbes, Success Magazine, Business Insider, CNBC, and Entrepreneur. He urges his followers and clients to make success their duty, responsibility and obligation. He currently resides in South Florida with his wife and two daughters.
ByLisaSaavedra
Prepare NOW for Holiday Sales!
INmuch of the country, it’s time for cooler weather and the beauty of fall – and tanning salons have a prime opportunity to capitalize on opportunities presented by the upcoming holiday season.
Fall is the perfect time to start preparing for the sales surge of Black Friday, Halloween and Christmas promotions you can run in your salon. By strategically planning and executing targeted promotions, your salon can attract new clientele, incentivize existing ones, and ultimately boost your bottom line. Here’s a comprehensive guide to preparing your salon for these seasonal sales and executing strategies to maximize profits.
Plan Early & Strategically
1.
IDENTIFY KEY PROMOTIONS AND SERVICES
Halloween: Offer themed tanning specials or discounts for guests preparing
for Halloween parties. Consider offering special promotions on packages or upgrades for those wanting to perfect their costumes with a tan.
Black Friday: Plan exclusive, time-limited deals such as “BOGO” offers, discounted packages, and gift cards. Create a sense of urgency with countdowns leading up to the event.
Christmas: Offer holiday-themed packages and gift sets. To create attractive gift items, consider bundling services with retail products, such as lotions or skincare items.
Set Clear Goals: Determine your sales targets for each holiday and identify which promotions have historically performed well. Use this information to guide your planning and set realistic and achievable goals.
2. OPTIMIZE YOUR MARKETING STRATEGY
Leverage Social Media: Social media is a powerful tool for reaching potential customers and engaging with your
existing customer base. Create a content calendar for the fall months, highlighting your upcoming promotions and special events. Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to showcase before-and-after photos, tanner testimonials and sneak peeks of your upcoming holiday promotions deals.
Email Marketing Campaigns: Use your email list to target different groups of customers with personalized promotions. Send out teasers and “VIP Access” deals to your most loyal customers. Include exclusive holiday offers and engaging content such as tips for maintaining a tan during the colder months. Keeping your customers engaged even when they are not coming into your salon will keep your business fresh in their minds.
Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with local influencers to promote your holiday deals. Influencers can provide authentic reviews and share
their experiences with your services and products, which will help drive traffic to your salon.
3. ENHANCE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Decorate Your Salon: Get guests into the holiday spirit by creating a festive atmosphere! Decorating for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas with themed decorations not only enhances their experience, but also provides opportunities for fun social media content.
Offer Exceptional
Customer Service:
Especially during the busy holiday season, be sure your team is trained to provide top-notch customer service. Friendly, knowledgeable staff can make a significant difference in customer retention and satisfaction.
4. STOCK UP ON INVENTORY
Retail Products: Ensure you have a variety of retail products on hand,
including tanning lotions, skincare items and holiday gift sets. To create more impulse buying, stock up on popular items and consider offering limited-edition, holiday-themed products.
Gift Cards: Promote gift cards as the perfect holiday gift. Display them prominently at your front desk and include them in your marketing campaigns. To encourage higher spending, offer a bonus gift card with a minimum purchase.
By planning ahead and executing targeted strategies, tanning salons can turn the fall season into a lucrative sales period. With a focus on marketing and providing a premium customer experience, salons can attract new clientele, retain existing ones, and significantly boost their revenue during Black Friday, Halloween and Christmas.
AbouttheAuthor:
It’s never too early –start preparing now to make the most of the upcoming holiday season!
It’s never too early – set your salon up for success by preparing now to make the most of the upcoming holiday season! ■
As Director of Brand Development for Devoted Creations’ family of brands, Lisa brings 20+ years of industry experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to all aspects of the business, including social media, product development, training, customer relations, public speaking and marketing strategies. Lisa worked at the salon level managing a large chain of salons, which infuses her sales training and brand concepts with real world experience. Lisa has been chosen the IST Magazine “Person of the Year” five times.
Great Question! Here’s the Answer ...
ByJoeSchuster
Salon Operator Wendy from Walla Walla, Washington (no offense to those who may fit that moniker but please enjoy the alliteration) writes:
“One of my best customers came into the salon recently and wanted to get her tan back as quickly as possible. She had clearly tanned indoors or outdoors for quite awhile, but wanted to start where she left off – a full session in a premium sunbed. I don’t want to lose her business! What should I do?”
Wendy, great question. (Why do all replies seem to start with “great question?”) If a person can tan in natural sunlight, they will more than likely be able to tan indoors, as well. But our sunbeds have a leg up on el sol. Modern UV tanning systems deliver sessions according to an exposure schedule that was created to consider individual skin types and they are controlled by a timer. Salon professionals assess a customer’s skin and establish an appropriate session time. They’re also able to assess whether
or not someone may have experienced reddening from a previous session – or perhaps a day or two at the beach. They can determine whether a customer is actually a Skin Type II and NOT “Skin Type IV” as the customer insists they are.
Salon operators who have completed the Sun is Life® Training & Certification program know about skin type assessment, as well as a potential issue that may arise from a UV session that is too much exposure for a person who took some time away from indoor tanning.
or haven’t been exposed to UV for quite some time. The rash usually appears as tiny, inflamed bumps or slightly raised patches of skin. (Good to know, right?)
So, Walla Walla Wendy, my suggested response to your customer is as follows: “I’ve found that explaining skin health while using our UV services is always one of my most primary concerns. You may opt to try tanning at ‘Two-Buck Tom’s’ down the street; he really doesn’t care how long or how often you use his equipment, just as long as you pay for
Salon operators who complete the Sun is Life® Training & Certification program know about skin type assessment, photosensitivity and so much more!
A photosensitizing response on the skin called a PLE (or polymorphic light eruption) may occur. The UV exposure causes a rash in people who have developed sensitivity to sunlight
it. But here at our salon, our goal – and our responsibility – is to provide tanners with a controlled environment for obtaining a cosmetic tan. We’re in the ‘look good/feel good’ business!” ■
Sun is Life® is the industry’s leading tanning salon operator training program. Developed by industry professionals for industry professionals. We offer you and your staff the tools to elevate your team’s level of professionalism, and increase your confidence in both providing and promoting responsible tanning.
IST has the experts!
Grant Cardone
CARDONEZONE
Star of Discovery Channel’s “Undercover Billionaire,” Grant owns and operates seven privately held companies and a private equity real estate firm, Cardone Capital, with a multifamily portfolio of assets under management valued at over $4 billion. He is world’s Top Crowdfunder, raising over $900 million in equity via social media. Known internationally as the leading expert on sales, marketing and scaling businesses, Cardone is a New York Times bestselling author of 11 business books, including The 10X Rule, which led to establishing the 10X Global Movement and the 10X Growth Conference, now the world’s largest business and entrepreneur conference. The online Cardone University, serves over 411,000 individuals and Forbes 100 corporate clients throughout the world. Voted the top Marketing Influencer to watch by Forbes, Cardone uses his massive 15 million + following to give back via his Grant Cardone Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to mentoring underserved, at-risk adolescents in financial literacy, especially those without father figures.
Melissa Damiani
SUNLYNC SOFTWARE, INC.
Melissa Damiani is the Sales Manager of SunLync Software, Inc. a member of the JK-North America group of companies. With the company since 2002, Melissa has served the organization in several capacities, and has extensive knowledge of all aspects required to deliver robust salon management software solutions that are designed to enable measurable growth within its users’ ever-evolving business models.
Jerry Deveney
SUNFORCE MARKETING, INC.
Jerry Deveney is the President of SunForce Marketing, Inc. He has been actively involved in the tanning, spa, wellness and fitness industries for more than 30 years. His company provides business analysis and consulting services in the areas of sales, marketing and operations. Jerry has worked in almost every industry sector including salon management, equipment manufacturing and distribution, new product development, regulatory affairs, and sales & marketing.
Gary Lipman
ERGOLINE-UK, ERGOLINE PLUS
In the tanning industry since 1982, Gary is Managing Director of the UK subsidiary of Ergoline, and runs Ergoline Plus, the exclusive distributor for a wide range of sunless products and spray systems. He is also Chairman of the Media Committee for the UK’s Sunbed Association & a European Sunlight Association member.
Lisa Saavedra
DEVOTED CREATIONS
As Director of Brand Development for Devoted Creations’ family of brands, Lisa brings 18 years of industry experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to all aspects of the business, including social media, product development, training, customer relations, public speaking and marketing strategies. Lisa worked at the salon level managing a large chain of salons, which infuses her sales training and brand concepts with real world experience. Lisa has been chosen the IST Magazine “Person of the Year” five times.
Joe Schuster SUN IS LIFE ®
An industry veteran and consultant, Joe has taught salon operator training since 1995 and has served as an advocate for indoor tanning in many capacities. A sought-after speaker and presenter at both national and regional trade events, he also interacts with the FDA, state and local regulatory agencies. Joe is director of Sun is Life Training & Certification.
Alex Zeedyk
DEVOTED CREATIONS
A recent University of South Florida grad, Alex holds a degree in Marketing. She started as an intern in 2021 and has since transitioned into the role of Client Relations and Social Media Specialist. With over five years of experience working in salons, she has real-world knowledge that combines with a passion for skincare and products. Alex works closely with the company’s product distribution network and 5 Star Diamond Salons to provide the support they have grown to expect from DC.
