Are you considering starting your beauty business and becoming self-employed? Setting up your own beauty business requires hard work, planning and research, so we are here to help. There are many benefits to becoming your own boss, it will bring an element of control and more freedom to your life.
We have researched and gathered some valuable first-hand advice and tips from successful Beauty entrepreneurs which may help you fast track your way to self-employment and guide you and help you decide which business set up meets your needs and expectations.
Choosing Your Beauty Business Setup
You need to decide where your base will be, do you have a spare room at home, outbuilding, or garage? Will you choose to rent a room in a salon environment? Or would you prefer to work on the road and visit people in their own home as mobile beauty therapist?
To help you consider all options there are some initial factors to think about that may affect your decision
- Are you legally permitted to work from your home? Check with tenancy agreements and local councils to check this is an option available to you.
- Does your residence have a designated space you can transform into a salon space?
- Do you have a licence and reliable vehicle to transport you around for mobile services?
- Do the services you plan to offer require large pieces of equipment that could make being mobile difficult.
- Do you have an existing client following that would come to you in a rental room or your home?
- If renting a space, understand whether you’ll pay by the day or have exclusive access to the rental location.
Whatever route you decide to go down SBC Pro can support you on your business journey. There are no opening restrictions or start up bundles that you must buy into, together we can create a bespoke package that is tailored to your needs.
There are many options available that generally fall into one of the three main categories:
- Working from your home address
- Working from a rented location
- Working mobile visiting clients in their home
1. Setting up a home-based salon
Setting up a beauty salon at home can be a convenient and flexible option. However, it comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some important questions to consider:
- Client entry into the space, will they have to walk through your house to get to the salon?
- Is there adequate parking space?
- Is there access to toilet facilities and running water, does this require them to go upstairs?
- Is the space private and secure with a closed door/window?
- Is the area big enough for the variety of treatments you want to offer?
- Will the environment set the right ambience for your treatments?
- Will there be external noisiness which may affect the treatment atmosphere?
- Is the area professional? Setting and maintaining professional standards is the most important thing to build a new client base and keep clients returning.
- Is there good ventilation and heating?
- Is there a need for an air conditioning unit? (yes, if it’s an outbuilding!) Extreme temperatures can affect the performance of chemicals such as lash glue and lash lift solution – this could impact treatment times/results
Pros and Cons of a Home-Based Salon
Pros:
- Convenient and flexible, working around your schedule
- Full control over pricing and services
- Intimate, cosy environment for one-on-one client experiences
Cons:
- Clients enter your private space
- May require tidying multiple areas of the home before appointments
- Can blur the line between home life and work life
- Creating a professional environment in a domestic space may be challenging
Tips for Running a Successful Home Salon
Dress professionally in a uniform or similar attire and maintain high professional standards, even in a home setting. Create a neutral space for clients to feel comfortable and ensure your behavior, language, and advice are as professional as in a salon. Always complete consultation cards and keep detailed treatment logs for future reference. Offer basic refreshments like water, tea, or coffee, and ensure the bathroom is clean and presentable. Confirm appointments via text at least two days in advance.
2. Renting a Beauty Space
If you're considering renting a location for your beauty business, it’s important to weigh the benefits and limitations. Questions to Ask Before Renting a Location:
- Will you have sole use of the space or share with other businesses? This may impact what equipment you can leave there on a permanent basis.
- Do you have direct access to running water? You may need water for treatments and hygiene in-between clients.
- Does the location have client footfall/people traffic where you can gain business?
- Is the space private and secure with a lockable door to separate from the other business(s)
- Is the external environment noisy? this may affect relaxation treatments
- How long is the lease for? secure a long-term contract to avoid building a client base that may not be able to move location with you if needed
Pros and Cons of Renting a Space
Pros:
- Separation between work and home life
- Professional setting with higher credibility
- Potential to book back-to-back appointments
- You can leave your equipment and big items there
Cons:
- Fixed rental costs and potential commuting time
- Restricted to open and closing times and room availability
- Shared spaces can introduce noise or distractions
- You may have limited control over the treatment environment
Tips for Renting a Salon Space
To create the ideal environment, bring soft furnishings like blankets, candles, or a phone for music. Ensure you have enough stock and take home items to track replenishments unless you use an on-site locked stock cupboard. Maximise your day by booking clients back-to-back and maintaining a cancellation list for last-minute openings, using group chats for quick updates. Confirm appointments with clients via text at least two days in advance.
3. Becoming a Mobile Beauty Therapist
Providing beauty treatments on the go can offer a high degree of flexibility but comes with logistical challenges. Here’s what to consider:
- Will you travel by car? Public transport can be difficult if you have a large kit.
- Do you own a reliable car? Is it fully licensed and insured for business usage?
- Do you have sole use of the vehicle? This space will become your office and storage so it must be secure and parked somewhere safe and secure overnight to avoid needing to unload it every day.
- What area will you set your perimeter? Travelling across multiple post codes can be time consuming and costly.
- Are there any congestion areas you may need to pay for in the desired areas?
- Can all your treatments be carried out within a home setting?
- How will you advertise to gain new clients? Do you already have a good client following who can spread the word of your new business?
Pros and Cons of Mobile Beauty Services
Pros:
- Clients appreciate the convenience of home treatments
- People like feeling relaxed and in control in their home
- You can charge more for at-home services
- Flexible work hours
Cons:
- Physical demands of transporting equipment
- Traffic, parking, and other travel issues can affect your schedule
- Space limitations in clients' homes
- Offering lots of different treatments can be difficult carrying lots of equipment
- Need to take extra care around the clients home when using chemicals that may stain or damage
Tips for Mobile Beauty Services
