Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Cook.
Hi Kristine, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For quite some time, our amazing business owners, Jen and Lance, dreamed of bringing a tanning salon to the Parrish area. As they watched the community grow, they also noticed a need—especially since the nearest tanning facility was a 30-60 minute drive away with traffic. That dream started to take shape when I met them in 2022.
I’m Kristine, the Spa Manager. Originally a hairdresser from New Jersey with over 12 years of experience in the beauty industry, I moved to Florida for family and sunshine. Little did I know I’d find a whole new family within the walls of our spa.
Our journey officially began in 2022. I dove into online courses and research, expanding my knowledge in tanning, skincare and wellness. What truly solidified our vision was attending a national tanning expo in Nashville. What we saw there changed everything. It wasn’t just about tanning—it was about wellness, rejuvenation, and helping people feel their best inside and out.
We returned inspired and began designing a wellness spa that went far beyond tanning. We envisioned a space featuring UV beds, a Spray Tan Booth, Red light therapy, a Halo Salt Sauna, Sculpt Pod Pro, and a Cryotherapy Chamber. Soon after, we decided to grow our team and offer esthetic services—waxing, facials, HydraFacials, brow and lash treatments—through our talented estheticians.
Finding a building was just the start. We chose an empty shell and had to build it out completely—plumbing, electrical, HVAC, walls—everything from the ground up. I had no background in construction, but this process gave me a deep appreciation for contractors and the incredible work they do. Eager to open, we even rolled up our sleeves to paint, clean and decorate ourselves.
By winter 2025, we were finally ready. We passed our inspections and on March 3rd, 2025, we opened our doors. Seventeen amazing customers walked through our spa on opening day—and we were overjoyed. Two months later, we’re just as thrilled and passionate as we were on day one.
Every person who visits is treated like family. Our goal is simple: help you look and feel your best. We’re more than a tanning salon—we’re a wellness destination. Whether it’s relieving pain, boosting confidence, or simply providing a place to relax, we’re here to support our clients every step of the way.
We’re also committed to educating our guests about skincare and wellness, ensuring they understand the why behind the services they receive. And we’re not done growing! In just two months, we’ve added EMS (electro muscle stimulation) workouts, Oxygen Therapy, and a 3D Fit Scale to our offerings. Looking ahead, we plan to introduce IV drips, Botox, and even a smoothie bar.
Someone special once told me, “If you can dream it, you can achieve it” That dream is now a reality—one that has already exceeded anything I could have imagined.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We had a lot of setbacks during construction and permitting. It took a long time to get a plan for HVAC and venting out our tanning beds
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As the Spa Manager, I wear many hats—but if I had to choose a specialty, it would be making people feel welcome. I’ve always been someone who greets others with a smile and makes it a priority to ensure everyone feels seen and valued.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the team we’ve built. In an environment like a spa—where emotions can sometimes run high—it’s not uncommon to encounter drama. But not here. I’ve been fortunate enough to hand-pick a group of women who not only work incredibly well together but who truly care about one another. We’re more than just coworkers—we’re friends.
That kind of genuine connection shines through to our clients. When you walk through our doors, you can feel the positivity, support, and camaraderie that makes our spa unique. It’s that sense of community and care that really sets us apart.
How do you think about happiness?
Spending time with my family is everything to me. I have two amazing kids, ages 4 and 9, who truly make my world go round. Balancing work and motherhood can be challenging, especially as a full-time mom, but I remind myself that little eyes are always watching. I hope that by seeing my dedication and hard work, they learn that with determination and passion, anything is possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sun-tanner.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suntannerparrish/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suntannerparrish
