Sheboygan Start-Up Business Sunsations Glows

Courtney Kartes never imagined owning her own tanning salon. But after she left her previous job on maternity leave, Kartes found that no one would hire her without experience. Putting her business management degree to use, she decided to take the job search into her own hands and in July 2011 she opened Sunsations.

Although she didn’t have a background in the tanning industry, Kartes knew she needed to gain experience somewhere. “You can’t get experience if you don’t have a job,” said Kartes.

The first step was to acquire some equipment, which Sunsations bought from Down Under Tanning, a salon that had recently gone out of business. “We also went to some tanning auctions to find some nicer equipment that the rest of Sheboygan doesn’t have,” added Kartes.

Two recent additions to the business are the mystic spray booth, the only one within a 50 mile radius, and a red-light therapy bed, which is different than a tanning booth. It emits infrared light to help heal wrinkles, acne, scars, broken bones, tendinitis, and stretch marks.

Beyond spray tanning and light therapy, Sunsations also offers traditional tanning beds. They have Level 1 and Level 2 beds and are also the only place in Sheboygan to offer Level 3 beds.   Level 1 is for novice or fair-skinned tanners, Level 2 is appropriate for more experienced tanners, and Level 3 should be used by the most advanced tanners.

Tanners are able to try samples of lotions before they buy the entire bottle. “If we don’t have it in stock, I can get it within 24 hours from my vendor,” said Kartes. “The lotions boost your tan and help you get a darker color.”

For the New Year, Sunsations will be offering various specials.  “Right now we are running our $9.99 Mystic Tan every Monday,” explained Kartes. “We will also be adding packages for the Mystic Tan in packs of five and ten.” Also, starting January 1 and continuing throughout the entire month, they will offer unlimited Level 1 tanning for $19.99.

In addition to offering tanning services, Sunsations sells baby clothes and purses and also supports local artist Jeff Wright. His artwork is displayed and for sale in the store.

Some additional perks of tanning at Sunsations are each room has a radio with CD player and mp3 dock and every tanning session comes with a free bottle of water.  There are even bins for customers to store their belongings in so they don’t have to bring supplies each time.

“I never thought I’d own a tanning salon, but it’s a lot of fun,” said Kartes. “It’s fun to meet people and help them look good.”

View Member Info

~ Hannah Geise, Community Relations Team