Crossing the bridge and taking risks can be scary for some people. For people like Ashley Spargo, taking a chance on something special can say a lot about their confidence and passion.
Spargo graduated from Crown Point High School. She furthered her education at Indiana University with a major in English and a minor in creative writing. However, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her degree. This led her to pursue something that she spent several years affiliated with during her educational journey.
“I worked in tanning salons the entire time that I was in school,” Spargo said. “I absolutely fell in love with it. Making people feel good and helping them get whatever they desire while educating them along the way is the part that reeled me in.”
Today, Spargo is one of the owners of Bronze Sol Tanning Salons in Winfield and Crown Point. The business is independently owned and operated.
One of Spargo’s favorite parts of working with Bronze Sol is having the ability to collaborate with her business partner, who is also her best friend.
“It’s really cool because we get to make all the major decisions,” Spargo said. “Getting to know my clientele and developing personal relationships has been the best part.”
The ultimate goal for Spargo would be to expand from two locations into five.
While she still is excited for the growth of her tanning salons, Spargo has reached a point where the business is able to operate efficiently with ease. As a result, she decided to revisit what she wanted to utilize her degree for.
She always had a passion for writing, which is why she applied for an editing position in 2021. Following an interview, she was offered an opportunity to serve as a content manager and editorial director.
“I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do it,” Spargo said. “I just knew that I had a knack for writing, so I decided to give it a try. I love every aspect of it.”
When she’s not working, Spargo devotes most of her time to family. This even includes other employees that might come to her looking for a solution to their problems.
“I don’t have any kids, but when people ask if I do, I tell them that I have 12 girls who are employed by me who think I’m their mother,” Spargo said. “Whether it’s helping them write a paper or supporting them when they’re having an argument, I’m there to mentor them and provide advice. I take a lot of pride in my stores, and I try to help people out in any way I can.”
Moving forward, Spargo has no plans to stop working hard. She’s incredibly proud of the success of her stores. Expansion remains a goal for her tanning salons, but the most important part of a successful future is happiness. Spargo appreciates being able to work in environments that focus on the positive qualities of life.
“As long as I’m able to smile and laugh throughout the day while having fun at work, that’s all I could ask for,” Spargo said. “The amount of support I have around me throughout everything has been amazing.”