Newly-opened Island Glow Tan helps its customers jumpstart their summer color

With prom, weddings, and swimsuit season right around the corner, many may find themselves wanting to get a jumpstart on their summer tan. For those who feel that sounds like something they could use, they need to look no further than downtown Waukon and Island Glow Tan tanning salon.

Island Glow Tan opened in mid-January of this year, and is owned by Dennis and Carol Witt. The Witts are no strangers to the area. They are originally from Waterloo, but have owned property in De Soto, WI for 35 years. After they both retired from their jobs in Waterloo in May of 2004 the Witts sold their home there and moved to De Soto permanently.

In September of 2004, they opened the Clinton Street Guest House in Waukon. Through a friend who sells real estate, they learned about a building for sale on Spring Avenue in Waukon, and decided to buy it. The Witts also own West Side Laundry and Tanning. According to Carol, the idea for a tanning salon came from speaking with people who thought it would be nice to have a tanning salon in Waukon. “We also wanted to get to know the people on Waukon, and let them get to know us,” she said.

Prior to opening Island Glow Tan, the Witts worked their jobs and owned rental property in Waterloo. They have had to learn a lot about running a tanning salon, but they didn't go into this venture blind. The Witts drew upon their own experiences of tanning in salons, so they knew firsthand a little about tanning beds and the process. They also have a friend who owns four salons, and he was able to give them some information as well.

As of right now, the Witts are keeping busy running the salon themselves. They are open seven days a week, but they like having something to do in the slow winter months when they can't get out on the river. During their peak hours of the day, it takes both Carol and Dennis at the salon to keep things running smoothly. Being in this business has allowed them to learn a lot about the community, and about different people's skin tones and what kinds of lotions and products are preferred. They are hoping to be able to hire part-time help in the future.

Island Glow Tan offers low pressure and medium pressure tanning. The two low pressure beds are lay-down units, and that tanning process takes about 20 minutes. It is described as an entry level tan, and is designed to accelerate melanin production. “It has less bulbs and isn't as hot as the medium pressure units,” explains Dennis.

They also have three medium pressure units, which include two lay-down units and a stand-up unit. The lay-down units have 34 bulbs. The stand-up has 36 bulbs, and offers a more even tan. Because there are more bulbs, a medium pressure tanning session lasts up to 15 minutes.

In addition to the tanning service, they also carry two lines of products to use with the tanning beds. However, Carol notes that if a patron wants a certain brand or type of lotion or other products such as jewelry, swimwear, clothing, or other tanning accessories, she can order it in for them. They are also licensed by the state, and Carol has taken the tests to be Smart Tan Certified.

There is always an attendant available to assist customers. The Witts also take care of cleaning the beds after each use. “The customers don't have to do anything except come in and tan and relax,” Carol says. She also plans on doing what is necessary to keep the salon staff certified.

Island Glow Tan offers gift certificates and packages, including a wedding party package, and they have specials on Tuesdays and Thursdays for low pressure and medium pressure tanning, excluding the stand-up unit. They also offer college and company discounts.

Appointments are not necessary, and walk-ins are welcome. Island Glow Tan is located at 14 Spring Avenue in downtown Waukon. Currently, the business’ hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The hours are subject to change, and they are closed on holidays. For more information, contact Dennis and Carol Witt at 563-568-4719.