Jim Barber, Roberta Barber and Amanda Martens, Fabutan

Entering their 13^th year in business, the Barber family has banded together in good times and bad to achieve success in business. But as daughter and co-owner Amanda Martens shares, what happens outside the walls of the salon can make a difference.

Q: Have you been to the Smart Tan Downtown conference in Nashville?

A: Yes, I have. I was chosen from a bunch of Fabutan franchisees to attend last year; it was a huge honour. Not that I have a shell, but I was afraid of being thrown into something. It really broke me out of my boundaries to talk to so many people and attend sessions. It’s a cool experience to see so many people fighting for the same thing. I learned not to be afraid to ask for a sale. When I came back I was more aggressive and I could show the girls that they had nothing to be afraid of.

Q: How has politics affected your salon?

A: In Saskatchewan there hasn’t been a big effect. We already ask for parental signatures. But I do want to make sure parents have the right to say yes or no to teen tanning; I don’t think there should be a ban. We have send information to our local politicians and Fabutan’s head office teaches us what to say to the media. Educating people is key to growing our business and getting it to where it needs to be.