Just like any other business, starting a salon and nail service business is a complex process. It requires hard work, dedication, and self-confidence. The best way to have self-confidence is through knowledge. Knowing the right things to do and the proper steps to take can save you both time and money.
While the essential things any successful business should have are good company culture, a loyal client base, and knowledgeable employees, this article will break down what you need to do to achieve these. On that note, here are tips on how to start your own salon and nail service.
1. Invest in the necessary equipment and appliances.
Having decided on the type of salon you want to open, the next step is to invest in the necessary equipment you’ll need. You’ll typically need good lighting, an air conditioner, supply carts, manicure desks, and reclining chairs with footrests. You’ll also need nail polish, nail polish remover, nail glue, nail and hair clippers, along with other hair accessories and a barber chair.
Most of these items are non-negotiable, like your air conditioning unit. An appliance like this is essential for the comfort of your employees and clients. Also, remember that for many people, a salon is a place to relax, unwind, and self-care. Therefore, your air conditioner must always be up and running, especially during the summer months.
Admittedly, sometimes, you may encounter a technical issue (like a faulty hydraulic pump). If you don’t have a technician on board, you can seek appliance help online. This is an easy and convenient way to ensure that all your appliances are working and don’t experience downtime.
2. Find reliable distributors.
As with any other business, a salon business has its capital expenditures (and recurrent expenditures). Capital expenditures are mainly investments in assets like appliances. In contrast, your recurrent expenditures are regular payments and expenses you’ll have to make for the day-to-day running of your business.
There’s simply no way to avoid having a long list of recurrent expenditures, but you can minimize them. A common trick that salon owners use is buying in bulk from reliable distributors. Things like glitter, base color nail polish, brushes, liquid hand soap, shampoos, and conditioners, will need to be replaced frequently and can be bought in bulk.
You’ll need to contact a reliable local, wholesale, or national distributor to make arrangements on delivery times and the frequency with which you’ll need these products. Another advantage of having a distributor is that you’ll always stay updated with the latest trends and have the required products and tools.
For instance, stick on nail design is a new wave in the nail industry. These false nails are perfect for customers who like the look of fake nails but don’t want to go through the stress of getting an acrylic nail manicure. Stick-on fake nails come in different geometric designs and colors. From stiletto nails or coffin nails to pastel nails and black nails, press-ones are the easiest ways to take your natural nails from basic to elegant. With a distributor, you’ll never run out of these sticker designs.
3. Spruce up your space.
When people walk into a beauty salon, they’re typically expecting a place that lives up to its name, and this expectation isn’t only on the service they’ll receive but also on its appearance. By nature, a salon should be attractive and appealing, as customers will judge the quality of your work first by your business’s appearance and only then by the service you render.
Pay attention to your decor by making sure its theme, design, and furniture reflect your ideal clientele. For instance, if you run a barbershop and a nail salon for men, you’ll need everything about your interior to communicate masculinity, from your barber chair to the color of towels.
4. Develop a marketing plan.
The impact of Covid-19 on social activities and interaction has changed the way companies conduct their business. Many businesses (irrespective of size) have gone back to the drawing board to create a better digital marketing strategy. At this point, having a digital footprint and a website is no longer an option but a necessity for business continuity.
Despite being a brick-and-mortar business, customers will still want to go online to read reviews and know what to expect when they visit your salon. As a result, your social media pages should have quality photos and videos that show your business in a positive light. You may also include customer reviews and an FAQ section on your website to gain trust and confidence.
5. Hire specialists.
There’s a common saying that says you’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with, and this statement is true. Remember, the beauty industry is a service industry. Therefore, you must surround yourself with skilled, knowledgeable, and friendly employees.
Invest time into your recruitment and onboarding processes, conduct continuous customer service training, and ensure that you motivate your staff. This will help build a positive work environment and help your company maintain a professional reputation.