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Hernando Today

Sun Is Shining On Local Tanning Salon

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: July 21, 2008

SPRING HILL - You won't get burned at More Sun Tanning.

The rates are reasonable, the facility is as clean as an operating room, the skin lotion choices are vast and the staffers are helpful.

All of the above is promised by owner Cyndi Gay, who bought, renovated and revamped the business more than 18 months ago.

A freckled Irish gal with an alabaster complexion won't be allowed to bake inside the SunDome - the level 4 vertical tanning booth. Gay will take one look at her skin tone and suggest a short stint inside the beginner bed.

"I'd go with a level 1 for a couple of minutes and then see how well she does," Gay joked.

She knows a lot about the beauty business. That is obvious not only by looking at her, but knowing her background.

The 30-year-old is licensed to cut hair and do nails. She did a lot of both years ago.

Gay's long-term goals include opening another tanning salon and eventually adding hair, nails and skin care to her business.

For the better part of the last 11 years, she's been a Weeki Wachee mermaid. She began in 1997, while a senior in high school.

She took a couple of years off to have a family and returned three years ago. She performs every Friday.

"I don't even consider it a job now," Gay said of being a mermaid. "It's a hobby, really. It's a constant joy to be there."

Most of her work week is spent at the salon, which feels like another hobby to her.

Gay's clients range from high school students to homemakers. Some of her co-workers have been known to partake. She offers them a special "mermaid discount."

She advertises in a local mailer and passes out flyers at events. Some of the local students hand leaflets to their classmates or post them on bulletin boards. But for the most part, Gay relies on word of mouth.

"Business has been very good," she said. "It's actually increased. It's been here so long. People know of the business."

More Sun Tanning - previously Moore Sun Tanning - was sold to Gay in December 2006.

She walked in to get a tan and the owner, who opened the salon in 2001, asked her if she would be interested in buying it.

One of her goals had been to own her own full-fledged beauty salon before she turned 35. Recognizing the opportunity to fulfill her dream years earlier than planned, Gay jumped at the chance.

Her husband's untimely death six years ago could have derailed her, but she insisted on forging ahead. Buying a business was a way to do that, she thought.

She was approved for a business loan and began the arduous renovation.

Her mother-in-law painted the rooms. Handymen assisted her with the cleaning and remodeling.

Today, her business includes a spray-tanning room, a Tiki bar filled with an array of skin lotions, two rows of private booths, a utility room and a lobby.

"This is like my third child," said Gay, a mother of two sons - ages 8 and 5.

Each tanner gets a towel, spray deodorant, radio and fan. Their skin can remain moisturized with use of any of the available lotions. Some of the more serious customers mix and match them, she said.

Gay employs three part-timers, all of whom have been with her for nine months or longer.

The prices per session range from $7 to $18, depending on the booth. Monthly and yearly memberships are available.

Children 15 and younger must be accompanied by a parent.

Specials always are available. Throughout July, customers are offered a free month when they purchase a two-month membership.

"I see good things," Gay said. "We're headed in the right direction."

Biz at a glance:

Name of biz - More Sun Tanning
Owner - Mermaid Cyndi Gay

Where it is - 7040 Mariner Blvd., just south of State Road 50

What it offers - Four levels of booth tanning, plus spray tanning

Hours of operation - 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Get in touch - 352-597-8966

On the Web - www.moresuntanning.com

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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