When Sun Tan USA originally opened some 30 years ago, it looked very different from the European inspired establishment owned by Nikki Barlos-Garner today. Back then, Casper Wyoming was bustling; Sun Tan USA was attached to a video store with multiple locations.

Nikki was working for a major retail clothing chain when, after 10 years of dedication, they decided to close the store in her town. Through her job hunt, she landed at the tanning salon, then owned by her best friend’s mother.

The lanscape of Casper changed, recessing from its influx of new workers and residents. As a result, Sun Tan USA evolved into a full-fledged tanning salon with one location. Despite the downsizing, Nikki jumped at the opportunity to take over the salon in 1998 when the previous owner was ready to move on. She knew that nothing would make her happier than to work for herself and deliver the friendly service her town was known for.

These days, oil and natural gas has brought on another “mini boom,” as the locals call it, but the opportunity isn’t one that Nikki wasted on greed. Instead, she continues to do the right thing for her customers and her business.

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