After some time in the location, the health and beauty salon A New Face in Town left Ocean Bay Plaza in Fenwick Island. But last month the property, located beside Jimmy’s Kitchen, saw another new face: Danielle Lucas.
Danielle Lucas, far left, recently opened Fenwick Island Tan. Lucas and the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Monday, May 14.On April 16, she opened Fenwick Island Tan, an entirely new endeavor from her time as a graphic designer. But working part time at a tanning salon while she pursued the role of a stay-at-home mother gave her all the know-how she needed to get started.
“I consider myself an avid tanner,” she said. “It had always been a dream of mine to open a tanning salon at the beach.”
Turning around the new tanning salon was no problem for her. “I took what I liked and incorporated what others liked and just put it all together,” she said.
For 15 years, Lucas had worked in graphic design, contributing her talent to Maryland newspaper Ocean City Today.
“I’ve always enjoyed graphic design, but I didn’t like the long hours,” she said. “A lot of times, I would just get burned out. I had no more patience for it.”
Now, she said, owning her own business gives her the versatility and relaxation she needs.
“This is my first time trying to run a business,” she admitted. “It’s a change of pace, but I don’t miss the stress level.”
She has been able to carry over her knowledge, though, designing her own advertisements for Fenwick Island Tan.
This past Monday, the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce welcomed the business into their membership with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting outside the storefront.
“It’s great to really feel a part of something,” said Lucas.
The membership also granted Lucas’ business access to the Chamber’s new electric cooperative power rate — an ideal switch for a tanning salon.
It’s only been a little over a month since Fenwick Island Tan opened, but their own membership has skyrocketed up to notable numbers.
“We have about 115 clients today,” said Lucas. “I had no idea that we would have this many members so soon.” Shortly after their first month in town, they had their 100th member.
Lucas said there’s no way she could take responsibility for the impressive turnout in members.
“I have a really great staff working with me,” said Lucas. “I’ve been so impressed with how they’ve worked. All of them are outgoing and reliable, and the customers seem to like them.”
Another draw to customers is the variety and exclusiveness of tanning beds offered at Fenwick Island Tan.
“There are a few other places in the area that people could go to tan,” said Lucas, “but no one else has the kinds of beds that we have.”
With five to choose from, including stand-up, and Levels 1-4, tanners can get their desired tone in nine- to 16-minute sessions, depending on the bed.
One of the most striking — and perhaps intimidating, at first glance — beds greets customers the moment they walk in the door: the Matrix L33.
With six 1,000 watt, 27 high-pressure lamps, and 22,740 total watts of power, the Matrix guarantees a full 360 degree tan, and is unlike anything tanners can find elsewhere in the area.
“This bed is top-of-the-line,” said Lucas. “No one around here has it. You’d have to go into Baltimore or D.C. to find a machine like this.” The Level 4 bed requires 15 minutes to get tanners on their way to a bronzed body.
Members pay a $50 initiation fee when they sign up, but receive several deals, including a free packet of products, discounts on lotions, same-day appointment availability and exclusive promotions.
For $24.99 per month, members are offered unlimited tanning in the Holiday 45, Fenwick Island Tan’s Level 1 bed. Island Sampler Specials and regular tanning specials run throughout the year, as well.
For more information, stop in the office in the Ocean Bay Plaza along Route 1 in Fenwick Island or call (302) 539-TAN9.