If you close your eyes and imagine what a leader looks like, a handful of stereotypical images will probably come to mind. A quick Google search will probably reveal similar results: A leader is in front of or above the pack. A leader wears suits. There is only one leader, and he or she has a lot of followers.

Thankfully, our definition isn’t as narrow.

The indoor tanning industry is very fortunate to have all kinds of trailblazers — and many of them. You’ll find them wearing anything from a power suit to a pair of jeans; they may have over 100 employees or just two part-timers and you’ll find some of our leaders in the middle of the pack, steering us in a completely different direction.

Best of all, every single salon owner has the opportunity to be a leader in and out of their business. For every person who sheds the stereotypes and finds their voice, the whole industry gets stronger and moves forward.

Regardless of how big or small your salon is, stepping into leadership has never been more important for the success of your business and the industry. Smart Tan discusses what it really means to be a leader and how the trade show in Nashville can help you become stronger than ever.

Click here to read the entire article in the latest issue of Smart Tan Magazine online.