ist magazine June 2022

Salon of Distinction

THE G LO W Focused on the Guest Experience By Joe Schuster

his Salon of Distinction subject hails from Bedford. Not Bedford Falls (with a nod to Capra) or Bedrock

a family affair as I am so fortunate to have my mom Janet, brother Matt and sister-in law, Tricia help with the business. Kendall will work here as her summer job and has already started training. I was so fortunate to retain a previous employee Rachel, and find two great additions, Olivia and Lexi. We have a great team/family atmosphere! IST: COVID mandates certainly impacted small businesses, including tanning salons. Did you have to adjust your business model? KC: When we opened as The Glow in Sep tember 2021, the sanitation guidelines had been established and I just followed those protocols. We continue to adhere to strict cleaning procedures and make sure our guests enjoy a clean, safe, sanitized facility. Our team only knows how to accomplish the sanitization standards at 100% perfection. IST: You recently completed Sun is Life Training. What insights can you share about the education you received and the importance of salon operator certification? KC: Sun is Life was such a comprehen sive overview and I believe we learned

(sorry, Fred). Nope, it’s Bedford, PA – home of The Glow, owned by recent Sun is Life® Certification grad, Kelly Case. Being a fellow Pennsylvanian, it was easy for me to strike up conversation for our interview and I enjoyed her down-to-earth enthusiasm. Let’s learn about what makes The Glow go! IST: Many operators get their start in the tan biz by buying an existing salon where they once tanned. How did you get your start? KC: I had been a tanner for several years and always enjoyed the experience. My husband Tom and I have a 15-year-old daughter, Kendall. When she was born, we decided my “full-time” job would be to stay home with her. I was active with her school and activities, volunteered in our commu nity and helped with my husband’s business but as Kendall got older, I realized I wanted something more challenging. The previous owner of the salon had reached out and said she was thinking about selling so we decided to take on this new adventure. It’s

so much essential information. It is so important to be educated about tanning and relay our knowledge to our guests. They trust us to know the products and equipment and we have to make sure we do! We take the education factor very seriously and follow all safety precautions – 24 hours between sessions, eyewear, proper lotion, etc. I know our tanners appreciate the time and attention we give them and feel at ease, especially when first starting the tanning process. IST: The Sun is Life program covers sa lon operations and resolving issues with the unruly or dissatisfied tanner is part of it. Do you have an example of a “testy” tanner and how you made things right?

lavendertime / stock.adobe.com

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istmagazine.com

June 2022