Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Tanning Bed Erroneous Claims

Please read link when you get a chance. This happens to our industry all of the time. There are so many fallacies. I hope in the next few weeks to research-it's Christmas! There is no time to do it right now! Please give me a chance!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Here is the Real America

This has nothing to do with my business, but I wanted to share because it is a confirmation that I might be on the right theme for the season. I just caught the tail end of a story on the news this morning that someone had paid for layaway for a family. The person wanted to remain anonymous. What a story!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Where is the Real America?

Now I know yesterday sounded a little bleak, but I did not mean to appear like I am STRESSED OUT! Actually, I am quite content where I am in life. Have I confused you? To me, it all depends on what you place as your trust. The type of business that I have has seen many difficulties-tan tax, parental consent for under 18 years old, and right before warm weather hits I have the sunscreen industry influencing dermatologist with sun scare tactics to name a few. Despite obstacles, my business is not a failure. I have valued, happy customers, and I have weathered many storms. Have I made everyone happy? Unfortunately, I know I haven’t. I try to be an honest owner-making sure no one is getting ripped off or short changed. This is a part of the real America that is missing from our country. Don't get me wrong there is the silent majority who tick this way. So where am I going with this? Stay tuned . . . . .

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Facing a New Year

With the economic thermometer reading disaster for the coming year, what is there for my business? Now is supposed to be the time to look at your business plan and decide if it is time to move forward or stay stifled.
The truth needs to be told. The government makes sure you keep no capital to invest each year in your business. Because of this, it is hard to run a business these days. Capital is so important to grow your business, and you should not have to be punished. This is how I have felt for the 11 ½ years that I have been in business. Here is an example: I have a loan, and I cannot make additional payments because it goes against me at the end of the year. I still have to claim it as income, but I do not have it. I like paying down my loan before due date so that I can purchase additional equipment sooner. IT JUST ISN’T FAIR!
I should not have to be a rocket scientist to figure out the tax codes, so I can KEEP MY MONEY. I cannot be a huge corporation to benefit from the breaks in the tax codes. No one is going to bail me out if I make a risky financial decision. Why should anyone else get this benefit? I, a taxpayer, am paying for their decisions and not my own.
I understand business. You have to be an honest, hard working individual. You should not get breaks or rewarded if you are dishonest or corrupt. Where is the Real America? To be continued . . . . . .

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

California ignored science?

California lawmakers succumbed to anecdotal evidence, emotional pleas and alternate agendas while ignoring a balanced approach to science in passing the nation’s first statewide ban of indoor tanning for patrons under 18 years old, the Indoor Tanning Association said in a statement Monday.

California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill on Sunday banning those under 18 from using sunbeds in salons effective Jan. 1, 2012. ITA issued the following statement on Monday:

The Indoor Tanning Association is disappointed that the California Legislature and Governor decided to ban teens under the age of 18 from tanning indoors. In making this decision, they ignored the fact that there is no consensus among researchers that normal non-burning exposure to ultraviolet light, whether from the sun or a sun bed, has any effect on the development of melanoma skin cancer.

It is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration, which has regulated this industry for over 30 years, has reviewed the same data that was presented to the California legislature in support this ban and the FDA has never implemented any age restrictions.

One outcome of the passage of this bill is clear, this will cause small businesses to close and cost jobs across the state. The recession has already hit this industry hard leading to 25% of the professional indoor tanning salons to close in California since 2009. This age restriction will only push more over the edge. With unemployment at all time highs across the state and nationally, the legislature should be looking for ways to assist economic growth, not harm it.

The irony is that this legislation ignores the law of unintended consequences. It is a fact that taking away from teens the option to tan indoors will not stop teens from sun tanning; it will only send them outdoors into an uncontrolled environment, with no supervision, no trained staff, no parental consent required, where they are more likely to be over exposed or sunburned – which is exactly what the proponents of this bill say they are trying to avoid.

The new law also ignores the substantial body of research regarding the protective effect that vitamin D synthesized through the skin has in preventing melanoma. For example, outdoor workers are less likely to develop melanomas than indoor workers and the fact melanomas rarely occur on parts of the body regularly exposed to ultraviolet light, the face, back of the neck, back of the hand.

Often times, groups calling for restrictions on indoor tanning have partnered for financial reasons with the sunscreen industry – for the sunscreen industry, it’s more about dollars than science, and that’s unfortunate. And until we have more definitive science that better explains the relationship between UV exposure to any number of skin problems, it is premature for the government to weigh in against an industry that is made up largely of women owning small businesses that employ tens of thousands of people.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Snooki & Supre Tan partnership

Can a celebrity help the tanning industry? It is nice to see a company, which is taking a business risk in this economy. If this works, it will not only help Supre Tan, but also will help any tanning salon who will be carrying her line. Unfortunately, I will not be attending the Nashville convention, so I will miss the debut of her line, but I do plan on trying it here in the salon. I just called to see if I could order her line early, but my rep was not available. Keep posted on updates.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Spot Might Be Pre-Cancerous

If you see a doctor and you hear this diagnosis,” The spot might be pre-cancerous,” how would you react? Of course you would be freaked out! But is it really as bad as it sounds.
This happened to me a few years after I opened my salon. I quit tanning, so I would not hear the preaching about how bad it is. To me, this gave them more ammunition to prove that tanning was bad. Of course it takes a while to be white, so they can still tell, but at least it doesn’t look like I am anorexic about tanning. Well, I never do anyway. My motto is “Tan in Moderation.”
According to Wikipedia “A pre-cancerous condition (or pre-malignant condition) is a disease, syndrome, or finding that, if left untreated, may lead to cancer. It is a generalized state associated with a significantly increased risk of cancer.”
So, the doctor takes a skin sample and sends if off, right? Here you are waiting for answers. Oh, I was nervous, but my outcome was not bleak. I had a reaction to tingle tanning lotion on my face. Since then I have never used it on my face. Of course, you might not be in the position that I was. Where do you go for answers?
Here is something to keep in mind if this happens to you. First, the key in the definition is “if left untreated”. This just means that you have to see a doctor and let him/her take a piece of skin for a biopsy. It will be the only way to know what to do next. Of course, the term “pre-cancerous” is classified this way so that Insurance companies will pay for the removal of a suspicions spot. So, please keep this in mind when you hear that from your doctor.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Stossel speaking at tanning expo 2011

This is written by Smart Tan. I thought it would be of interest. I hope to be attending.
As a keynote speaker at Smart Tan’s Annual convention, Stossel follows in the footsteps of Rancic and many other memorable programs, including:
· Tanning Legend and Hollywood icon George Hamilton, who hosted the memorable “Tan-ight Show.”
· Legal legend Erin Brockovich, who compared her legendary corporate battle with tanning’s battle against Sun Scare.
· Legendary business guru Tom Peters, who shared his vision on leadership at a time when the tanning business was spawning a new generation.
· Chicken Soup for the Soul co-creator Marc Victor Hanson, who shared his inspirational message of entrepreneurial vision.
· Author and motivator Amanda Gore, whose message on change set the tone for the transitions in the market in 2008.
· Author and beauty store entrepreneur John DiJulius, whose “New Service Model” program hit home in 2006.
· Author and TV personality Larry Winget, whose 2000 keynote mixed wry wit with sage business advice.
The keynotes set up full-business conferences utilizing hired professional consultants and expert panels — an intensive process that Smart Tan manages for 10 months before the event.
“We review hundreds of potential keynote speakers every year — there are so many potential speakers out there, and many of them frankly deliver hollow messages or aren’t right for what Smart Tan stands for,” Levy said. “There is a lot more involved than just booking a speaker each year. Once we pick a speaker, we work with them to make the presentation something of true value for all the Smart Tan family. We take that responsibility very seriously.”
The process of choosing Stossel this year was especially intensive. As a 19-time Television Emmy winner, Stossel joined Fox Business Network in 2009 as the host of “Stossel” — a weekly program highlighting consumer issues with a libertarian viewpoint. The long-time anchor of ABC’s primetime news magazine show “20/20” earned fame exposing consumer fraud and outlandish injustice in his now-famous “Give Us A Break” segments. His best-selling books, Myths, Lies and Downright Stupidity: Get Out the Shovel — Why Everything You Know is Wrong and Give Me a Break: How I Exposed Hucksters, Cheats, and Scam Artists solidified his status as a common sense journalist in a world of things that don’t make any sense.
“Stossel headlines a convention where Smart Tan will unveil an all-new program you can implement in your town to professionalize your tanning businesses, to improve your business practices and to fully blow the whistle on Sun Scare fraud in every community in North America,” Russell said. “The tanning community is on the cusp of major changes as the economy turns this year — we want to help the industry’s best salons be in position to take advantage of those changes.”

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

I'm Back

All who gave school supplies, "THANK YOU!" Here is a 15 minute video, entitled Ukraine 2011. It is some highlights of the mission trip. Enjoy!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

10 Day missionary trip

For the next 10 days, I will be heading to Cherkassy. I am not counting tomorrow because I have a lot to do to be ready to leave at 12:00 p.m. on Monday. All of you who are checking this post I would like to thank. If you would like to read what we will be doing over there, click the link. If not, in about 3 weeks, I will have something to blog. I hope I have interested you enough to check on it. :)

Friday, July 22, 2011

Finishing up on H.R. 2092

Let’s look at the section in last week’s sentence: “High doses of ultraviolet radiation, etc. Oops, I spelled doses incorrectly last week. Did anyone else notice that? It probably made no sense to you with the word “does” instead of “doses”. LOL
When the author wrote “high doses” were they analyzing it by the electromagnetic spectrum? If you look at the spectrum for ultraviolet radiation, tanning beds give off 400 NM. In the same spectrum as tanning beds are: black lights, germicidal lamps and welding arcs. All of these categorize as “non-ionizing radiation”. This just means, “When non-ionizing radiation gets into a person’s skin, it raises the energy level of that person’s skin cells. This process is called a photochemical reaction or change” according to Smart Tan.
X-ray machines, CT scans, TV sets, and Computer Monitors are actually higher than tanning beds in NM and are categorized as “ionizing radiation”. Defined in Smart Tan’s Basic Technical Certification manual it states, “When ionizing radiation enters a body, it separates things that were not designed to be separated.” This could start scaring everyone into believing that our computer monitors and televisions are harming us. Did you think that way? Of course not! The bottom line is our earth is well equipped to filter out ionizing radiation.” So, looking at it from this perspective, which I am hoping the writer had intended, he is barking up the wrong tree. Bowzer, there are no cats up there!THE END!

Monday, July 11, 2011

H.R. 2092 revisited

Speaking from the heart on H.R. 2092 will be the best way to ensure that anybody reading my blog will not give up on me when I say I will return to address this issue. Yes, there are a group of Republicans who are fighting for us. It is because they understand sound principles for small businesses and growing the economy.
The first thing that I notice is there are no democrats on board with H.R. 2092. The sneak attack, 10% Tan Tax, was added by Harry Reid since they were not going to feature a 5% tax on cosmetic surgical procedures. This has nothing to do with health, but everything to do with burdening taxpayers more to pay for unwanted programs, Obama Health Care.
The next thing, which needs mentioning from the article, is how little money was given to these supporters of H.R. 2092. This BOTHERS ME! It is not even worth mentioning. I could see if it was millions of dollars like Obama received for his 2008 campaigning.
University of California $1,591,395
Goldman Sachs $994,795
Harvard University $854,747
Microsoft Corp $833,617
Google Inc $803,436
Citigroup Inc $701,290
JPMorgan Chase & Co $695,132
Time Warner $590,084
Sidley Austin LLP $588,598
Stanford University $586,557
National Amusements Inc $551,683
UBS AG $543,219
Wilmerhale Llp $542,618
Skadden, Arps et al $530,839
IBM Corp $528,822
Columbia University $528,302
Morgan Stanley $514,881
General Electric $499,130
US Government $494,820
Latham & Watkins $493,835
Now, this is worth mentioning, or should I say reminding the American public so we can do a better job of electing the next president.
According to That’s My Congress “Indoor tanning salons are places where people who want an artificially-induced change in their skin coloration pay to lie down in electronic devices that expose them to high does of ultraviolet radiation that produce a systemic injury that includes the reaction of a temporary darkening of the skin that is commonly known as “tanning”. Yes, this is the photochemical reaction or change, which takes place either in the natural sun (UVA & UVB) or an indoor-tanning unit, a controlled environment. In Smart Tan’s Basic Technical Certification “It is our body’s natural defense against sunburn and overexposure.”
There are a few more statements that I would like to address, but I do not want this to be too long. Hopefully, next week I will be done.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Keeping small businesses open

Well, I just purchased for the first time vitamins from an on-line vitamin company. I cannot believe that my little health food store asks 4 times as much for the same item. I understand that it has to do with overhead, but that is too much for me. Why I understand is, I am a small business owner too. I sell tanning lotions. I have even gone down in price TREMENDOUSLY! I found out today, that I am still $10 too much. Hey, that's not bad. Does everyone want to keep their tanning salon in business? Someone came in today just to purchase AG Accelerator. WOW! I thanked her for coming back this year to purchase again, and she said and I do not remember the exact words, but I wanted to give you some support. I know that you pay for tanning, but if you saw the electric bills, payroll, and lamp costs, you might just say "$10 is not bad!" PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR TANNING SALON! THANK YOU!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

H.B. 2092

First, please go to the link provided to let congress know the tan tax was unfair. There is a place at bottom to place your zip code. The next screen provides a letter for you to submit to your representatives. It is that easy. You never know when the government will be attacking your type of business. Last, send link to your friends!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

H.B. 2092

So, I have Customer Appreciation Days on June 9, 10, & 11th. That's tomorrow! What am I doing trying to research this article against H.B. 2092? I am doing a rush job, so stay tuned to more info.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Busy Season

There is a lot to be said for busy season. It is a great time to get reacquainted with our customers from last year. This is the most important element to a business being successful. How many have returned? The economy has changed statistics dramatically over the past 3 years. Right now it is hard to determine how many is an accurate figure. The good news is we are getting customers who have not been here since 2007. Most returning customers have stated the economy being the #1 reason why they have not been tanning. There are happy reasons too: having babies, getting married, or just staying too busy. Either way we are glad for everyone who is returning.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

And That's A Healthy Choice: Fitness: Get Moving!

And That's A Healthy Choice: Fitness: Get Moving!: "Ok, so I hear these terms interchangeably way too often...physical activity and exercise. These words have different meanings. Physical act..."

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Satisfaction On Prices

So, some preferred clients are giving us a chance. Here is what they are saying: “Wow, my last bottle of tanning lotion cost me $60.” We saved them $35. 'Domination' is a new lotion by Supre-FOR MEN ONLY, but some ladies are digging it too. “Wow, we get an additional 25% off lotions? My discount is now 40% off with my membership. That is great!” I have brought back lotion from Fiesta Sun. This was always popular here. Now, the manufacturer gives twice as much lotion for the same price as two years ago. Pink Pineapple Tini is a great lotion. It works well and has no bronzer. That is unusual. It also smells good even after tanning! This year I hope that you will not purchase lotion from Walmart or Sally’s because we need your support! Thank you!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Forgive me

Ok, so I was a little harsh with the feelings in my last blog. I want to make it up to you by being a little easier with this message. GIVE US A CHANCE-that’s all. Tell your salon that you purchase your indoor tanning lotion on line, and see if they will match it. At least bring a copy of what you can purchase, so they can see it for themselves. They do not have time or the energy to look up everything purchased on line. Please consider this when not consulting your salon before purchasing on line. Remember, your salon has all the overhead expenses. Hasn’t electricity gone up? And I just heard that it is going to increase in price again. Isn’t it nice if it is cold outside to tan in a nice, warm room. How about if it is miserably hot outside? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a cool environment to tan? Ahhh, what would we do without air conditioning? It does not do you any good to have indoor tanning lotion and not have a place to tan! THANKS!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Support your local salon!

I hate Internet sales! Oops did I just say that? Well, it is how I feel, and I hope that I will convince you to stop putting the small business executive (I like that) out of business!
I can only speak for the industry, tanning, that I represent. Tanning lamps are very expensive to replace. I recycle all old lamps and their cardboard shipping containers. This is additional work, not to mention gas for the vehicle, but I love my country, and I do my part to care for it. So, if you buy lotion from the salon where you tan you are supporting all the good things they want to incorporate. It might even bring prices of tanning down. Did you ever think of this before you purchased that tanning lotion on line? Please support your salon buy purchasing lotion from them. Thanks!

Be Sun Strong Movement

Hey, it is time to bring awareness about our industry being attacked by dermotologist, medical fields, and government. Click title of message to take you to a youtube video. Thanks!