Sun City Tanning & Wellness Continues Growing With Expanded Services & Personal Touch
Khristy Baugher has spent her life in Kokomo, and she knows the town and its people well. A lifelong resident of Howard County, she’s built a career as a successful realtor while also running a thriving local business.
“My goal is to make every client a client for life,” Khristy says, whether she’s helping someone buy a home or welcoming them into her salon.
Her approach is built on dedication and communication, which she says allows her to truly understand the needs of the people she works with.
For more than 20 years, Khristy has balanced real estate with another passion — Sun City Tanning and Wellness. The salon first opened in 2004, and Khristy began managing it in 2006. She quickly became the driving force behind its operations.
When a tornado destroyed the original building in 2013, the salon relocated to its current spot on South Washington Street, reopening in early 2014 with Khristy becoming co-owner. In 2022, she took over full ownership, continuing her commitment to providing Kokomo residents with a welcoming, personal experience.
“We’ve been open for 21 years,” Khristy says. “We’re proud to be locally owned and operated.”
Her focus has always been on creating a space that feels like family.
“We’ve always stood out as a very clean and friendly salon,” Khristy says. “We get to know our customers, and many of them have been tanning with us since we first opened.”
Regulars stop by not just for the services but for the warmth of familiar faces and easy conversation. Khristy considers this personal attention central to the salon’s philosophy — her clients are more than just clients; they’re friends and family.
Two years ago, Khristy and her husband, Aaron expanded the salon’s offerings to include spa and wellness services such as red light therapy, infrared sauna pods, and teeth whitening. Along with the new services came a refresh of the space — fresh paint, updated lighting, and softer décor — designed to create a calm, welcoming environment.
“We wanted to create something that feels like home,” Khristy says.
Maintaining a clean, inviting atmosphere is a priority, and the staff are trained to provide friendly, personalized service. Khristy wants every client to feel comfortable from the moment they walk in.
“We want everyone to feel welcome, relaxed and valued,” she says, adding that the salon’s atmosphere reflects the care she brings to all her work.
The salon’s offerings continue to grow and adapt with customer needs. From traditional UV tanning to sunless options, red light therapy, and infrared sauna pods, Sun City Tanning and Wellness aims to provide both relaxation and results. Khristy notes that these wellness services are designed to support both skin health and overall well-being. Beyond tanning, the salon emphasizes a friendly, personalized experience, which Khristy believes is rare in larger, impersonal chain locations.
Sun City Tanning and Wellness has grown and adapted over the years while keeping its personal touch. It’s a place where community and care meet professional service, and where long-time clients feel like part of the family. Khristy continues to focus on making every visit meaningful, whether a client is stepping in for a quick tan or a full wellness session.
For those looking to experience the salon firsthand, Sun City Tanning and Wellness is located at 2939 S. Washington St. in Kokomo. You can reach them at 765-453-3333 or follow along on Facebook and TikTok for updates, promotions, and wellness tips.
After more than 20 years in business, Khristy remains proud of what she’s built.
“We love what we do,” she says. “And we love the people we do it for.”
