On Friday, February 13, 1987 (Yes Friday the 13th) Tan Plus opened for business in Barclay Square in Somersworth. After surviving the recession of the early 90's, we began the process of diversification by expanding our retail lines to include natural health and environmental products. As we complete our 21st year in business, we reflect on some of the significant milestones of past years:

1994...Concerned about the inferior and potentially hazardous ingredients found in many tanning and skin care products led us, partnering with a laboratory in Chicago, to develop our own skin care line using natural ingredients known to be beneficial to the skin.

1995...Disturbed by the impact of nutritional deprivation on health, and the environmental causes of degenerative disease led us in 1995 to begin compiling the components of Essentials Of Life (nutrition, air, water, and light). We also began taking the business on the road by participating in "natural health" events from Portland to Providence.

1996...We began publishing our own newsletter, "Natural Directions", with a circulation of 1500, to update our customers and associates on tanning and natural health issues.

2000...We established our presence on the Internet with the development of a 30 page, and now greatly expanded, website. We began offering 100 of our "natural" products online in March, 2001.

2001... Recognizing that stress plays a major part in our customers lives and that specific medical conditions are relieved through massage therapy, we introduced the first and only Powerwave Dry Hydromassage service in NH. Now, you take control of your massage.

Tan Plus/Essentials Of Life was named one of the "Top 250 Salons" in the U.S. by "Looking Fit" magazine for 2001 and again in 2002.

2003... Poor circulation and lack of adequate moisture (dryness) result in slower tanning of the legs. We introduced a "new" innovation (the Legacy Leg Tanner) and worked with our chemist to develop a "new" lotion (LegStuff) to enhance the leg tanning process.

2006... Tan Plus began offering light therapy sessions featuring the Aurora™ 10,000 lux Bright Light System. Commonly referred to as a "light box", the Aurora is specifically engineered for those who have shown to be adversely affected by the lack of natural sunlight during the dark and depressing fall and winter months. The condition is referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or winter depression. We have sold the Aurora™ light boxes and other "natural" lighting products in partnership with the manufacturer, Lumiram, since 1995.

While many of you watched us grow-we also watched you grow - through tanning for your prom, wedding, summers, and annual vacations. You started as customers and became our friends. It is because of you we are here and look forward to future anniversaries. THANK YOU for your continued loyalty and support.

We're Not Only The Owners ... We Are Customers Too

Have you noticed that owner-operated businesses, of all types, are rapidly becoming extinct. Many businesses today operate out of corporate offices and not from within. Profits have taken priority over customer service and satisfaction, as owners have become "out of touch" with their customers.

As the owner/operators of Tan Plus/Essentials Of Life, we are conscious of every phase of our business, not only because it is our "livelihood", but because we are customers too. We use the same products and services we sell to you. Every product that we carry was carefully researched and selected for quality, effectiveness, and value. We further maintain constant contact with our suppliers to assure consistency.

As tanning salon owners, we strive to provide you with what we expect ourselves... as consumers:

• Equipment That Produces Short And Effective Tanning Sessions
• Scheduled Lamp Changes And On-going Equipment Maintenance
• A Totally Private Atmosphere With Floor To Ceiling Changing Room Walls
• A Clean And Healthy Indoor Environment With Natural Room Lighting And Disinfected Indoor Air
• Providing Knowledgeable And Accurate Information
• Managed Appointment Scheduling To Respect Your Busy Lifestyle

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Disclaimer

Tanning & Natural Health News is a publication of Tan Plus /Essentials Of Life, Barclay Square, 350 Route 108, Somersworth, NH. This publication is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be presented as medical advice. Product statements made have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration.