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Article care of Don Lemmon
Tell me something everybody
should learn about you.
I am a true Cancer. Affectionate,
sensitive and romantic. I was one of the first people in Virginia to open
a tanning salon. My first salon was in Lynchburg and I still have one there.
I franchised Jan Tana Tanning Salons for several years but have turned
my focus towards manufacturing tanning products instead. Besides my own
products, I love Rene Guinot. I have been using it for years. It is manufactured
in France and is one of the oldest cosmetic companies around.
Do you have a partner
in crime and who are they?
My husband IFBB Pro judge
David Puzzo. He is my vice president and co-promotor.
How did you get started?
The Jan Tana Classic
actually started in 1988. It was called "The Eastern Classic" back then
and was an NPC sanction. I added the pro women's event in '91
and changed the name to The Jan Tana Classic. It was becoming known as
"The Jan Tana" at the time anyhow, so we decided to make it official. It
all began because I had an employee who was an NPC competitor and we used
to attend his shows to support him. I thought it would be interesting to
promote one myself, so we did! I decided to promote the Masters Olympia
this year for a number of reasons. I felt the Masters should be more...
'specialized.' I knew I could make that happen. I wanted to make it part
of a bigger and better Jan Tana presentation while allowing it more of
the attention it deserves by making it the Men's pro division to the Women's
event.
Where all can we find
your products?
My self tanning products
are sold in 46 different countries. In some of these countries there is
hardly any sunshine. I sell to pro wrestlers (that's fun) and other niche
markets as well. I happen to provide private labels for the biggest name
known in tanning (besides mine, smiles) and even manufacture and private
label products for the pro Clown industry!
What was your biggest
break?
QVC came to Virginia
looking for "America's Best" and my products were chosen. My time slot
was an immediate success and we sold out within minutes. Since then, business
has steadily increased. Due to a private labeling agreement with another
well known celebrity who has a QVC contract themselves, they couldnt have
me back on. I am presently developing a direct response commercial that
will be airing soon. Let me explain the tanning processas it is actually
quite simple. Skin is composed of special cells called melanocytes that
produce and chemical, melanin. This is the brown pigment that is absorbed
into the skin to produce a barrier around the cell to protect it from ultra
violet exposure. The safest way to tan is to use a sunless tanning product
(like mine), but considering we need sunlight to produce vitamin D internally,
the next best thing is to protect yourself from getting sun burnt. Moderation
is the key.
Who would you like to
work with?
I would have loved for
Marla Duncan to have competed in my show. She was scheduled to compete
in 95 but due to complications, had to decline. I was disappointed as both
fans and competitors alike adore her. Another sweetheart is Monica Brant.
I started working with her in 1995 when I discovered her in another fitness
organization. I took her on her first big photo shoot in Jamaica and invited
her to compete in my 1st Jan Tana Pro Fitness Challenge. The rest is history.
She won and she is still today the same girl now as she was when I first
met her. I love her.
What are you eating habits
like?
I am allergic to alot
of foods so I eat pretty clean. I do however, have one BIG weakness...PIZZA!
What is your exercise
schedule like?
My exercise schedule
depends on what projects I have going on at the time. When I am creating
new products, it takes all my time and energy. I stay totally focused on
that project. It's kind of like a competitor getting ready for a competition.
My excitement and passion to succeed at whatever I am working on sometimes
rules my life!
What was the last movie
you saw?
The last movie I saw
was Entrapment. Great flick.
What is the last CD you
bought?
The last CD was Kool
and the Gang's Greatest Hits.
What is the last book
you read?
I don't have a lot of
time to read so I mostly scan magazines like Alure, Cosmo, Oxygen and trade
journals.
What is your educational
background?
I graduated from Jan
Tana University with a masters degree in TANNING!
What are you trying to
revelate?
I would love for everyone
in the World to use my tanning products.
What is in your future?
My future? I want to
make it in Hollywood! Maybe some cameo appearances. Maybe even a movie
with Arnold!
Vist Jan Tana at www.jantana.com
Don Lemmon's Nutritional and Exercise Know How