smart Tan Magazine is the leading source of information for indoor tanning salons, covering everything from the newest tanning technology, Vitamin D and the lastes tanning lotions to detailed ways to improve your salon's success.
Issue link: https://smarttan.epubxp.com/i/242935
MEMBER OF THE MONTH very blessed by the people I have behind me." Besides her love for tanning, it's Shell's vision for the future of this industry that motivates her to develop her business to its fullest potential. She believes that what's happening now in the market will test the stamina and resources of many businesses, but that the strong will survive. To stay on track, she tries not to worry about what competitors are doing. Instead she seeks improvement by looking internally at herself and her business. Her business achieves its strength not through undercutting competition or cutting corners, but through attention to a solid business structure and her unique flavor. 41 ❘ SMART TAN MAGAZINE ❘ SmartTan.com "If a salon opens up across the street, it's not going to hurt me, because we sell tanning a whole different way," says Shell. As an independent business owner, she most enjoys the ability to make changes and provide unique experiences. She likes that things don't have to be cookie-cutter perfect between all of her locations. She gives out her personal cell phone number to clients and does her best to treat employees like family. TOTAL DEVOTION In practice, service is the pillar of Coconut Tan's popularity and achievement. To Shell, being a great salon means having the best of professionalism and personalized experiences. "It matters to me that I'm making a difference in peoples' lives. For a single mom, sometimes tanning is all they have, so it's our job to make sure that's relaxing as possible," says Shell. The staff tries to be accommodating however possible, whether it's warming up the beds for clients who call ahead of time, having an extra towel ready for those who prefer it, or always making sure there are plenty of wipes, deodorant and moisturizer in each tanning room. Just to keep them happy, Shell loves to surprise clients with the occasional free upgrade or packet of lotion. In addition to providing a great atmosphere, Coconut Tan boasts a strict no-burn policy and impeccable attention to detailed cleaning. Their 100-point cleaning list consists of daily, weekly and monthly items that keep the salon sparkling and humming. The result is customer loyalty that money just can't buy. The original salon that Shell bought out in 2010 had been in business for 23 years, and about three dozen clients have maintained their patronage since the previous salon opened, totaling over a quarter century of devotion! SMART STAFF At each location, Coconut Tan has four to six employees, including one full time manager. To Shell, they are like family, who she treats with honesty, kindness and a vested interest in their success. "We have a lot of meetings where