Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Foster.
Julie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born to young and loving parents in 1969……..just kidding, I won’t start quite that far back. I’m actually a professional musician as well as a salon owner. Very much like the tanning business, musicians also deal with seasonal ebb and flow. During the slow season for my band, I started working part time at Endless Summer Tanning. I worked for the previous owners for three years, learning everything I could about UV tanning, lotions, equipment and the industry in general. The owners and I became friends…..they knew I ran a successful events band in Boston for almost twenty years, and they felt I would continue the work necessary to grow a business. In 2012, I purchased both locations of Endless Summer Tanning.
The first thing I did was tear both locations apart, and completely remodel them. I needed to make them my own. Next on the agenda was to add custom, organic spray tanning (the previous salons only had UV tanning equipment). I researched all the solutions available in the organic market of spray tanning, and found Aviva Labs to be the best. Aviva Labs is made here in Massachusetts; they offer beginner and master classes for spray techs; and they have an amazing product. It is, in fact, the only solution I use.
The next move was to buy my competition. I purchased Tansation in downtown Plymouth in 2013. Again, I tore it apart and remodeled in the same fashion as the other locations. After two years, that location proved not as strong as the other salons. The lack of parking, overhead, and fees to be in historic downtown kept that location from really making money. In 2015, I closed it. I still consider the venture positive…..it eliminated my competition and left me with plenty of equipment.
The next step, after adding spray tanning, was to make the tanning beds as healthy as a tanning bed can be. I changed all the bulbs to UVA only, no UVB, and I added Red Light Therapy to the bulbs. I also added a full body Red Light Therapy only bed to the salon. The next change was to add professional teeth whitening.
My plans for the future are to continue moving the salons in a spa direction. Adding services that I believe in, to help people feel good about themselves. Music fills people and makes them happy in their own skin…….I’ve just continued that joy in these salons. There is something remarkable about literally watching someone relax and feel good about themselves!
I have to talk about my staff! They are Amazing people! They are well educated, warm, funny, creative, loyal and supportive people. I wouldn’t have lasted one year without them! In fact, I very literally might have closed last year without them running the show! I spent all of 2016 fighting a rare breast cancer. Many, many months of chemo, surgery and radiation left me pretty spent. The girls and my son (who is the only male on staff) took the helm and did amazing work. I’m so very proud of them and blessed to be a part of their lives. .I’m officially a cancer survivor. I beat it, and as of December 2017, I will be a full year recovered. I’m very grateful to be back in the salons, continuing the relationships with my wonderful clientele, enjoying my beautiful staff, and relishing loving what I do for a living!
Has it been a smooth road?
The challenge in my industry is education. The general public is incredibly misinformed concerning indoor tanning. UVA tanning bulbs do not cause skin cancer. The sun is far more damaging to skin then a tanning bed. SPF lotions are filled with carcinogens that damage the skin. These are all verified facts, but people are inundated with misinformation. The tanning tax is an obstacle, as is the new law requiring tanners to be 18 years old. The cost of electricity is also huge obstacle.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Endless Summer Tanning – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Endless Summer is a tanning salon first and foremost. We have an array of UVA tanning beds and booths of varying strength. We offer retail tanning lotions, eyewear to protect the eyes, and moisturizing lotions to keep skin healthy. We also offer custom organic spray tanning. The spray tan techs are all trained and certified. We use a very different method of spraying the body to insure complete body coverage and even saturation. I have also taken master classes to do body contouring. We offer professional Bleach Bright teeth whitening. My son and I are both certified to apply the solution and use the equipment. Lastly, we offer full body Red Light Therapy.
I think we are known for being a remarkably clean salons, as well as offering exceptional spray tans. Pricing, Quality and Staff set us apart from other companies. I’m most proud of my staff.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I actually live on the South Shore of Boston, but spend so much time in town playing gigs, both clubs and events (corporate events and weddings). Boston is steeped in history, has beautiful event venues and hometown pubs. I’m inspired by the caliber of talent and education of Bostonians. Recently I took part in the Black Lives Matter protest march of white supremacist. I was in awe of the people…….I’m so proud of the strength of their conviction. I like the people best of this city!
Dislikes…….well, I certainly wish our aquarium was more impressive. My family is in Nebraska, and the Henry Doorley Aquarium (nowhere near an ocean) is SO much better!! That always struck me as strange. I wish we could do better for our homeless, but that is true of every city.
Pricing:
- Competitive UV tanning pricing
- Exceptional Spray Tan pricing $30 to $40 full body
- Exceptional Teeth Whitening pricing $50
Contact Info:
- Address: 91 Carver Rd Plymouth MA
733 State Rd Manomet MA - Website: www.plymouthendlesssummer.com
- Phone: 508-746-0050 508-224-6600
- Email: endlesssummertans@verizon.net
- Facebook: Endless Summer Tanning @PlymouthEndlessSummer https://www.facebook.com/PlymouthEndlessSummer/?rf=344065762311776
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
