How bad is it?

When a tanning salon has an electric bill under $500, you know that business is bad. There are many different ways in this industry to save money, and I have learned to do them, but it is a lot of work. Then, I have to teach the employees how to set controls. One example is keep thermostat at 64 degrees. Yes, I do keep it colder in here than I should, but it is a huge building which is empty except the tanning rooms. Another is to take advantage of the sun shining through our huge display window. Boy, does it warm this place up. :) Another is wear warmer clothing. Don’t get me wrong-my employees do very well with this. But, I can go into some stores, and people are dressed for summer. I know when you are young you want to look your best, but you are still beautiful! OK that is enough on that topic. I promise to warm up each bed before you get in. If your tanning bed has been too cold for you lately, please let me know.

December 7th-morning

How many of you are working on 4 to 5 projects at the same time. This is I all the time. Right now I am working on this blog, writing a memo to employees on how to bring money into the salon because we are not making any money, and FB. Oh, this has been one of my headaches lately. I actually am setting up a new fan page because of this. On top of that I am finishing up opening responsibilities, and last but not least I am organizing my first and foremost financial job and it is already 10:20 am.

1st Excuse-Dec. 2nd

OK I confess I did not hold up to my end of the bargain. I didn’t finish my paperwork here, so I brought it home. But guess what? There was dinner-homemade turkey potpie. I cannot let any of the turkey go to waste. Boy was it delicious - well. . . . maybe just ok because I made my own dough recipe with some white & wheat flour, and I am not sure how much salt and water to add.
It is getting late, and I still need to practice the piano. It really got pushed out of my life when I was taking care of my mom for 3 years. She has dementia. Oh, and the past year I have been campaigning. Who do I think I am? Wonder Woman? Ok, finished practicing. Last, I tidy up from dinner. 9:30 p.m.? Where did the time go? I want to read some in a new book I borrowed from my sister.
Oh, how did I get on all this? Oh, yeah I am trying to make myself feel better for not holding myself to my promise. On top of that, I am trying to write this blog. UGH! I need to try to get two days caught up now. Wish me luck.
Sunny

Diary of a small entrepreneur-December 1, 2010

We are not out of the recession! You might be asking yourself “How can that be?” This is a bold statement, but any small business owner sees the real numbers. For me being in the position of “no pay” for last month is my indicator. It is rough to come to the end of the month and realize this. I worked hard.
This is not the only way I can tell. Believe me there are a number of ways. One is that I am a charitable person, but after 2009 taxes were completed on October 15th, my CPA said I had to change. I had given 45% of my income to charity. “That is too much” he said. I had no idea.
Now, you are probably asking, How could you not know?” It is easy. I wear all the hats here-finance hat, hire/fire hat, employee motivator hat-you get the picture. No, I do not have the money to hire all these people. No wonder, right?
Now, I have to start setting goals with all finances for my business. #1 goal-What does not get finished here MUST be brought home to finish. This will be the most important decision to live by in order to maintain my success. I will be starting all over again next year. I hope it is not too late.

Family has been picked: We need you!

Be part of an inspiring story, and bless this family for Thanksgiving. Read their story on FB. It is on the discussion page. Soon the special will be posted for all to participate. If you just want to give something without tanning, we thank you for your generosity.
Here is the FB email: endlesssummertanninglp@gmail.com.

Thanksgiving Blessing

If you know of someone in St. Mary’s County who really could use some encouragement this thanksgiving, please call the salon at 301-737-6050. All of our customers would like to participate in a food drive to help someone. We would love to hear from you. Thank you.

Challenging Statistics by “Skin Cancer Foundation”

Statistics dated 2008 state that 1 in 5 Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime. Well, I have 4 brothers and sisters. If I also include my mom and dad, this disqualifies that statistic so far. What do they mean by skin cancer? There are a few forms of it, but they have not specified. “According to an Alberta research paper just out; non melanoma skin cancer rates have been dropping since 2001 – approximately 12.6% drop up to 2010.”
Here is another statistic on their website. Up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun. What about smoking? So, if sun is aging someone 90% than smoking can only age you 10%? I know people who smoke, and they look way older than someone who tans. Now, I am not saying someone who tans habitually and has alligator skin. That look is OUT! There is nothing wrong with moderate tanning to have a light, bronze glow. If you are caring for an elderly family member by yourself, you age. I know because I was there. People noticed it; they said something. Now that I have had help to care for my mom, people are now saying I look younger again. So, what type of percentage is accurate to place on the sun/UV?
1.Gilroy, Steve. “What are the Real Numbers in Canada?” Smart Tan Magazine. November 2010: 17.