It's all about community for one new local business owner.
Tammi Derkson took over Mark's Tanning and Hair Design in Ladner and, after some major renovations, the salon is ready to open this week.
The single mom moved to B.C. from Fort McMurray recently and is in the process of relocating to Ladner.
"I could not believe what a sense of community there is here," she said, adding it's an ideal place to raise her seven-year-old daughter Sarah.
Derkson, who is a youth and childcare worker and former office manager, said she's seen that community spirit shine through as she's worked to get her new business ready to open.
She said her contractor, SunCoast Home Improvements, has gone above and beyond to help her through the project. A local artist is creating original charcoal sketches for each room and she said she has received help from many other local businesses.
local businesses. In addition to the hair stylists and tanning beds, Derkson has also installed a spray tan machine and a collagen bed.
The collagen bed does not produce a tan but uses infrared light to help improve skin conditions through stimulating the production of collagen. Derkson said it can help improve scars, stretch marks and wrinkles, as well as other skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
The new Mark's Tanning and Hair Design opened yesterday, while a special grand opening is planned for Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event will include free tanning, product samples, draws for tanning sessions and giveaways.
As well, Derkson said, anyone who likes the Mark Hair Design Facebook page is eligible for a free tan.
Located in Ladner Centre at 5150 Ladner Trunk Rd., the salon is open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sundays.
