A Bright New Business in Clinton
Starting a business often begins with a simple idea—and the courage to see where it leads.
For Kami McClendon, that idea became Sun-Kissed Studios LLC, a tanning salon that opened in Clinton on October 25, 2025. Today the salon is busy serving customers, but like many small businesses, getting from idea to opening day required planning, persistence, and the right support along the way.
An Idea Takes Shape
Kami’s inspiration came from her own experience.
After buying a tanning bed for her home, she began to see an opportunity to create another convenient tanning option for local residents in Clinton.
Turning that idea into a business, however, wasn’t as simple as ordering equipment and opening the doors. Like many new entrepreneurs, Kami ran into a challenge that stops a lot of good ideas before they get started—financing.
The tanning beds she planned to purchase weren’t something banks could easily use as collateral, which made traditional lending difficult. Fortunately, a referral from OakStar Bank pointed her toward the New Growth Women’s Business Center.
Turning an Idea Into a Plan
At the Women’s Business Center, Kami connected with Business Counselor Sydney Lee. Together they worked through the process of building a business plan.
For Kami, that process was completely new.
“I didn’t know the first thing about writing a business plan,” she said. “Sydney helped me with setting it up online and writing the whole thing out. She was very helpful with any questions I had.”
The process helped bring clarity and confidence to her idea.
“I did feel more confident going through it,” Kami said.
Once the plan was in place, the next step was securing the funding needed to purchase equipment.
Finding the Right Financing
Kami then worked with Kim Carter, New Growth Micro-Loan Coordinator, to apply for a microloan that would allow her to purchase the tanning beds and equipment needed to open the salon.
Microloans are designed for situations just like this—when an entrepreneur has a strong idea and plan but may not fit traditional lending models.
With the financing secured, Kami was able to move forward with launching Sun-Kissed Studios.
A Modern Approach to a Small-Town Business
Sun-Kissed Studios offers a technology-driven model that gives customers flexibility and convenience.
The salon is open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and customers can use a phone app to access the building. Once inside, a fingerprint scan operates the kiosk that turns the tanning beds on.
The salon currently features five tanning options, including lay-down beds, a stand-up bed, and a red-light bed.
This approach helps keep the business efficient while offering customers flexible access—something especially valuable for busy schedules.
Busy From the Start
Since opening in October, the response from the community has been strong.
“Right now, very busy,” Kami said when asked how things are going.
If the current pace continues year-round, she says expansion may even be in the future.
Building Something for the Future
Like many small business owners, Kami sees her business as both a way to serve her community and create financial stability for her family.
“My hopes are that this will carry us through retirement… with that little extra income,” she said.
When asked what she would tell others who are thinking about starting a business, Kami said, “It’s a big commitment. You need to be ready for it.”
Kami is also quick to point out that starting Sun-Kissed Studios wasn’t something she did alone. She credits the support of her family, the encouragement of the community, and especially the help of her husband, John, in making the business possible.
Supporting Rural Entrepreneurs
Stories like Kami’s highlight the role the New Growth Women’s Business Center plays in helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into real businesses.
Through counseling, business planning assistance, and access to microloans, the New Growth Women’s Business Center helps entrepreneurs work through challenges that often stand between a good idea and a new business.
Many first-time business owners simply don’t yet have the revenue history banks typically look for. Others may only need a smaller loan amount that doesn’t always fit traditional lending models. And for many people, writing a business plan is unfamiliar territory.
Working through a business plan does more than help with financing. It helps entrepreneurs think through the numbers, understand the path ahead, and gain the confidence to move forward with their idea.
And in this case, that support helped turn a simple idea into a new business serving the Clinton community.
Sun-Kissed Studios LLC
📍 1745 E Ohio St, Clinton, MO
📞 (660) 525-4115
🌐 https://clientportal.tantrack.com/?uid=l12VW2EGr%2FZcYe8axIv40A%3D%3D
If you have a business idea and aren’t sure where to start, the New Growth Women’s Business Center offers counseling and support for entrepreneurs throughout west central Missouri. Email us at wbcinfo@newgrowthmo.org