Li’l Pink Electric Tan might be a small salon but it’s huge on customer service, thanks to the dedication of its owner.
As a college student with a part-time job, Zakara Shirley took some time off work after losing her father, Pinkney Shirley. Two years into her grieving process, the longtime indoor tanner decided to open a tanning salon. “I wanted to do something in memory of my dad,” she said, “and owning a business has always been a dream of mine. Around that time, the owner of the salon where I used to tan told me she’d be closing her doors, so I knew everyone in our area would need to drive more than 20 minutes one-way to get a tan.” Opened on May 23, 2011, the salon Zakara created is small by any standard – it’s located in what was going to be the garage next to her home, and there are just two UV tanning units and an airbrush tanning system, but the facility provides a valuable service to her rural community.
Li’l Pink Electric Tan is a unique name and one that means a lot to Zakara. “When I decided to open my salon,” she said, “it was at a time when I was looking for a way to better my life. Since my father’s nickname was Pinkney, I named the salon Li’l Pink Electric Tan to honor him and his memory.” To make the salon something that her father would be proud of, Zakara puts a big emphasis on customer service, treating each of her guests as if they are her only one. “I cherish the connection I’ve developed with my tanners and I love making them feel better about themselves,” she added.
To ensure her continued success, Zakara sought out the training and education designed to provide her with a solid foundation of knowledge necessary to operate her business – Sun Is Life Certification. “I really learned so much from Sun Is Life that it’s hard to pinpoint the most valuable thing I’ve learned,” Zakara said. “It taught me everything I needed to know, and I believe that’s a big part of the success I’m having. This is a course that everyone in the industry should take.”
While her two-unit salon is never short on cuteness, Zakara wants to do more to meet the tanning needs of her community. “I operate a small salon, but it stays very busy,” she said, “and that’s why I am going open another location by spring of 2015. Until then, I’ll be in the process of upgrading my business both in décor and equipment. I love doing all that I can for my tanners to help them develop the results they want, and I’ve never been happier about my direction in life than I am right now!”
A 14-year industry veteran, John "Ribby" Ribner has written hundreds of articles for IST Magazine and, as Director of Editorial Content, has also helped guide the publication's evolution. Ribby is a graduate of Central Michigan University's journalism program and has brought many years of newspaper reporting experience to his position of Head Writer. He is also the author of three novels, "Legacy of the Bear," "Prophecy of the Bear" and "World So Dark."
Copyright 2020 ist Magazine