Jan Tana

In 1982 Jan Tana opened one of the first, if not the first tanning salon in Virginia. The business grew rapidly and she opened one after another each as successful as the first. Amazed at the growth and popularity of the business, Jan decided to start franchising the Jan Tana Tanning Salon. Jan became recognized as an industry leader in providing and promoting “the perfect tan”.

In 1987 Jan was encouraged by one of her tanning salon employees, a bodybuilder, to attend a local competition. With no real knowledge of the sport, she reluctantly agreed to go. After the show, she had to admit the athletes and their routines impressed her but felt that something was missing; it lacked the Jan Tana style. Drawing from her employee’s knowledge of the sport, her own research and knack for marketing and promotions, she decided to promote a show of her own. Thus, The Jan Tana Classic was born. Disguised as the 1988 NPC Virginia State Championship, the show was a huge success and the turn out was the largest in the history of the event.

Bitten by the “bug” and the desire to provide the athletes with a venue worthy of showcasing their talents, Jan decided in 1989 to promote her own show called the Jan Tana Eastern U.S. Open to all NPC competitors from the eastern United States and a massive success, Jan still strived for more. The following year she opened up the event to NPC competitors nationwide and gaining more momentum, it officially became The Jan Tana Classic.