Sauk Valley

Open for Business

Co-owner Laura Harden and employee Simbee Bartelt cover the front desk at Vegas Sun in Dixon. (Philip Marruffo)

By STAFF REPORT
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Vegas Sun Tan Spa

Address: 80 S. Galena Ave., Dixon.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; and (February through June) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.

Phone: 815-288-9779.

What are your main products or services? Vegas Sun offers UV and UV-free tanning. We offer three different levels of beds, from lay down to standing up, all containing bronzing bulbs for a darker tan. Vegas Sun also offers airbrush sunless applications for those who need a quick, beautiful tan. We have an array of lotions from Australian Gold, California Tan, Designer Skin, and Devoted Creations, to name a few.

What’s new? Vegas Sun was established on March 5, 2007. Terry and Laura Harden purchased the existing salon from previous owner, Dan Gilley, of Gilley’s Tan Spa. Since under new ownership, the salon has had many changes. The inside is bright and clean, with a little Vegas feel. The outside has been painted to stand out and the new LED sign is very eye-catching.

What makes your business special? Vegas Sun takes pride in its friendly staff, who try to make your experience as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. Often, you may receive a free upgrade or packet of lotion, just because.

Vegas Sun also has a neat way of running specials. Monthly calendars let their customers know when it’s a good time to buy. Certain days you may walk into a dice or card game and win free goodies.

There are only four women employed at Vegas Sun, and everyone has been here 2 years or more.

Who are you? I am Lauren Harden, co-owner and manager of the salon. I have been involved in the tanning industry for 7 years. I managed Gilley’s Tan Spa for 3 years prior to taking over.

I absolutely love my job, and the customers are my favorite part. I feel like I become their confidant. I enjoy getting to know them and their families. I love that they trust us with their personal life and know that what they say here, stays here. After all, we are a little bit of Vegas.

Tell us a little about yourself: I am 28 and live in Dixon, where I was born and raised. I graduated from Dixon High School in 2000.

Dixon