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Hernando Today

Get Bronzed At Just Be Tan

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: February 25, 2009

SPRING HILL - It was the middle of February, but a couple wished for a rich-looking tan before their wedding.

On Friday, Chris Millo and Leticia Navarrete arrived at Just Be Tan to get that "instant bronze" look. They didn't walk away disappointed.

"You can see immediate results," said salon manager Beatrice DeLuca as she showed off Naverrete's new appearance just seconds after she exited the spray tan booth. The bride-to-be would have just the right sun-kissed look for her wedding in 24 hours.

The groom gladly volunteered for the same treatment.

Customers at Just Be Tan keep coming back. They have hundreds of lotions from which to choose, as well as a variety of beds. There are unlimited monthly packages to purchase - ranging from $24.99 to $84.99.

Monthly members also get discounts off lotions, supplies and spray-tan services.

DeLuca stresses cleanliness. Everything inside her salon is disinfected and spotless. She knows most of the people who lie inside her tanning beds are either nude or semi-nude.

Her customers constantly rave about how clean the place is and how comfortable they feel the moment they walk through the door.

"They're very professional here," said Jennifer Lewis, of Spring Hill, who had just begun a tanning regimen. "I've recommended (DeLuca) to a lot of people I work with. It's always a delight to come here. You get treated like you're special."

The salon's recognition not only comes from local customers, but also nationwide. Looking Fit Magazine, one of the leading publications in the tanning industry, rated Just Be Tan among the top 250 salons in the country. It is only one of 11 salons in Florida to earn a spot on the list.

The salon opened in April 2007, according to its Web site.

Among the booths available at Just Be Tan is the Diva 6 - which includes more than 60 lamps that give off 160 watts of power. Unlike the others, it is air-conditioned.

"It's the equivalent of lying on a beach on a windy day," said employee Justin Fletcher. "You don't even sweat."

There are eight booths - all with a CD player and surround sound - inside the store that vary in UV levels, with one being the lowest and five the highest. A ninth booth includes the air brush room.

Customers regularly come from Hernando, Pasco and Sumter counties, DeLuca said.

"As soon as you walk in the door, you're greeted," said regular customer Alyssa Mahan. "They make you feel welcome. It's always clean and there's almost never a wait."

People are warned of the risks of too much UV exposure, but DeLuca and Fletcher constantly stress the health benefits. Tanning assists those with vitamin D deficiencies and can be used as a treatment for those with psoriasis, a disease that affects the skin and joints.

Among the clients are a Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader, pageant contestants and body builders, DeLuca said.

Like most tanning salons, Just Be Tan does its best business from February to May, when people are getting their base tans in time for the summer months.

Biz at a glance:

Name of biz - Just Be Tan

Manager - Beatrice DeLuca

What it is - Tanning salon that offers beds, upright booths and air brushing

Where it is - 14235 Powell Road in the Silverthorn Square

Hours of operation - 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

Get in touch - 352-796-3998

On the Web - www.justbetan.com.

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

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