Photo: E Bar K PhotograPhy
member of the month
When Sun Tan USA originally opened some
30 years ago, it looked very different from the
European inspired establishment owned by
Nikki Barlos-Garner today. Back then, Casper,
Wyoming was bustling; Sun Tan USA was
attached to a video store with multiple locations.
Ashley lAAbs
Editor, Smart tan
magazinE
Nikki was working for a major retail clothing chain
when, after 10 years of dedication, they decided
to close the store in her town. Through her job hunt, she landed at
the tanning salon, then owned by her best friend's mother.
The landscape of Casper changed, recessing from its infux of new
workers and residents. As a result, Sun Tan USA evolved into a fullfedged tanning salon with one location. Despite the downsizing,
27 SMART TAN MAGAZINE
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Nikki jumped at the opportunity to take over the salon in 1998
when the previous owner was ready to move on. She knew that
nothing would make her happier than to work for herself and
deliver the friendly service her town was known for.
These days, oil and natural gas has brought on another "mini
boom," as the locals call it, but the opportunity isn't one that Nikki
wastes on greed. Instead, she continues to do the right thing for
her customers and her business.
Change of Scenery
In a location too small to accommodate their growing client base,
the team at Sun Tan USA decided to spread their wings at a
new location. But they didn't fy far – in an effort to maintain
