Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Venburg.
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started working at Hawaiian Tan about 17 years ago and instantly fell in love with the industry. Much of what I learned about tanning was self-taught or passed down from the previous salon owners, who became incredible mentors over the years.
During my 15 years with them, I grew from a salon consultant into management roles, first leading teams, then overseeing multiple facilities. I developed a strong understanding of both the business side and the client experience, and I built lasting relationships with the staff and many clients.
After many great years, I made the difficult decision to step away from the industry to focus on a new career. Around that time, I was also serving in the military and was deployed for a second time in 2019. While I was away, the salon owners decided to retire and put the business up for sale. I didn’t think much of it. Until I returned home and settled back into a 9-to-5 corporate job, I quickly realized it wasn’t fulfilling for me. One day, it just clicked, I missed the salon, the people, and the industry I had grown up in. So, I decided to take a leap of faith. I purchased the salons and officially took over in April 2022.
Because I had worked so closely with the previous owners for so many years, the transition was smooth and natural. We had built the brand together, so I knew exactly what it took to run the salons successfully. It truly felt like coming home.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’d say overall, yes, it’s been a smooth road. I knew exactly what I was getting into, and after spending so many years in this industry, I understood the nature of the business and what it takes to run it successfully. So far, nothing has really phased me.
Of course, I know challenges will come, especially since the tanning industry sometimes faces public misconceptions about being “dangerous” or “unhealthy.” That’s something I’m prepared to continue addressing through education and maintaining a professional, responsible image for our salons.
Like any business, there are also occasional staffing challenges, but I believe my hands-on approach as an owner really helps. My team knows my expectations, but they also see how passionate I am about the business. I treat my employees with respect and make sure they feel valued and that mutual respect goes a long way toward keeping things running smoothly.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At my tanning salons, we specialize in UV tanning beds, professional sunless airbrush services, and red light therapy, offering a complete range of options to help people look and feel their best along with offering the knowledge for event tanners. We also carry exclusive tanning and skincare products designed to enhance, protect, and maintain healthy skin.
We take pride in our exceptional cleanliness, consistent results, and most importantly, our customer service. Our clients are more than customers, they’re friends. Every visit is a chance to connect, provide personalized care, and make sure they leave feeling confident, refreshed, and most importantly happy!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a business owner is the importance of having boundaries, not just with employees, but with customers as well. I truly value and go above and beyond for the clients who are loyal to my business and respect the effort we put into creating an amazing experience.
Over time, I’ve learned to shift from the idea that “the customer is always right” to a mindset of “customer common sense.” Mutual respect and understanding go a long way in building lasting relationships. IF there’s ever an issue on our end, we will 100% own it and make it right!
Pricing:
- Memberships Range from $39 – $99 a Month
- Red Light Therapy Range from $15-$35 a Session
- Single Sessions Range from $8-$28
- Packages range from $37-$267
- Spray Tans Sessions from $29-$45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hawaiiantan.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawaiiantan_mn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawaiiantansalon
