Today we’d like to introduce you to Selma Hotic.
Selma, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Bosnia and immigrated to Canada at a young age, where I spent most of my life. I built a long career in the insurance industry, but I always had a passion for fitness and wellness. When a unique opportunity arose to purchase a long- established tanning salon in South Florida, I knew it was time for a bold step. I moved from Canada to South Florida to take ownership, eager to transform the business.
Since taking over, I’ve invested in modern equipment, introduced services like red light therapy, custom airbrushing and elevated the customer experience. My background taught me the importance of exceptional service, and I wanted our salon to be a haven where clients not only tan but leave feeling refreshed and confident. Today Living and working in South Florida is truly a dream realized- combining my love for wellness with a vibrant community I am proud to serve.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. When we purchased the business mid-COVID in 2021, we faced uncertainty around potential shutdowns and restrictions. Navigating the visa process as Canadians added another layer of complexity. What should have taken a few months turned in 18-month journey due to embassy shutdowns. During this time, we had to temporarily leave the U.S., living in Mexico, Bosnia and Canada, while our business ran without us on site. Balancing this, homeschooling our son, and maintaining faith in our vision was challenging. We faced financial strain and uncertainty, but we grew stronger as a family. In the end, overcoming these hurdles made our success- and finally being able to run the salon fully- feel even more rewarding.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sun Kissed Tanning?
At Sun Kissed Tanning, we are more than just a tanning salon- we are a hub for wellness and confidence. What truly sets us apart is our relentless dedication to customer satisfaction. We focus on exceptional cleanliness and top-tier equipment always updating bulbs for best results. Our perfected spray tans leave clients with a glow they love, and we’ve expanded into red light therapy-soon body contouring-aligning wellness and beauty. But it’s not just about service, as a leader, I see my staff as a team I mentor. I lead by example, working hard and being detail oriented. I want my team to grow professionally and personally, so when they move on in life, they’ve gained skills and confidence. At Sun Kissed Tanning, we build confidence-inside, outside, and as a team.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is making a real difference in people’s lives. I want to help other build confidence-whether it’s our customers walking out feeling great or my team growing towards their dreams. Seeing my staff develop personally and professionally, and knowing I’ve been part of their journey, is incredibly rewarding. At the same time, the business- ensuring it thrives, grows, and expands, so I can keep making a difference, one person at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sktsalon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sktsalon/?hl=en
