By Jessica Legge Borders
FAIRMONT — Lion in the Sun strives to give customers a fun and relaxing experience.
Lion in the Sun came into existence about 15 years ago when owner Kim Wherley ran a consignment shop. She had an extra small room at her store, which was called Reruns for Wee Ones, and put a tanning bed there. One tanning bed soon turned into two, and Lion in the Sun kept growing each season.
“We’ve seen a lot of phases of remodeling here,” Wherley said.
After owning Reruns for Wee Ones for close to 10 years, she decided to sell it and concentrate on her tanning business. Lion in the Sun now has three locations.
The original Lion in the Sun salon is stationed at 201 Morgantown Ave. This downtown store has 15 tanning units — including two stand-up beds and a super bed called the “Viper” — and is for walk-ins only.
The shop features a tranquility room. Customers can make an appointment for a massage, body wrap, paraffin dip, or foot treatment.
The White Hall salon, in its sixth season, has five tanning units, which includes one stand-up bed. The store can be found on U.S. Route 250 South past Wal-Mart.
Lion in the Sun’s newest location, which opened in September 2008, is at 1313 Locust Ave. between Fairmont State University and Fairmont General Hospital. The salon has 12 tanning units, and an appointment is never needed.
The shop offers five levels of tanning, including a high-pressure bed called the “Acclaim” that is very popular. This tanning bed gives instant coloring without reddening, Wherley said.
“All of our salons are very modern,” she said. “Our beds are so unique and different.”
Wherley said cleanliness is very important to Lion in the Sun, and the employees sanitize the tanning beds between each use. The workers, who are trained and certified, teach customers about smart tanning, not overexposing the skin, and using eyewear.
Lion in the Sun’s 12 staff members rotate between the different locations. Derice Bartholow is the manger, and Wherley’s daughter Amber is the assistant manager.
The business has monthly specials as well as discounts for students, Wherley said. A customer’s first visit is free at all the salons, and people can tan for $5 on Fridays. Gift certificates are also available.
In addition, Lion in the Sun carries a full line of lotions, body washes and skin care products and can help people select what is best for their skin type.
Wherley invited people to stop by one of the salons and take a tour.
“We are very customer-oriented,” she said. “We’re very personable. We try to make it a fun experience — it’s their time to relax. When you look good, you feel great.”
For more information, call Lion in the Sun at 304-363-9333, 304-366-7869, or 304-333-7869.
E-mail Jessica Legge Borders at jlegge@timeswv.com.
