How o Start Your Own Beauty Salon

Starting your own beauty salon can be quite exciting. However, in order for this business to last you have to ask yourself if you have the time and patience to make it successful. You do not want to start a salon business and have it close in the first 6 months after opening day.

Instructions

1. Every new business starts with a name. Choose a simple name that conveys the fact that your business is a salon, but at the same time is innovative enough to make people want to come in to see your salon. Verify with state or local officials that your chosen name isn’t already a salon operating in your state.

2. Asses your abilities by asking yourself how well you know the beauty salon business. Consider if you are a licensed professional who has always dreamed of having your own salon or if you are an avid fan of beauty services. If you are the second, consider that you may have to dedicate more time to your new salon than someone who has prior experience in the beauty industry.

3. Draft a business plan. Customize your plan with the types of services you will provide in your salon and if you will offer products for retail sale. Ask yourself if your salon will provide only hair services, or will it offer services such as manicures, body hair waxing, facials and tanning. Also include financial goals for your business and a price list for your services. Envision for the future of your company, in addition to how you will promote your salon.

4. Evaluate locations for your beauty salon. Consider if clients are willing to visit the neighborhood were your salon will be located; if there is ample parking, and the availability of utilities such as water and electricity. Will you wash towels at the salon or will you hire a service?

5. Find out what permits and licenses are required for you to operate your beauty salon. Business are generally required to have an operating license, however in most states beauty salons are required to comply with state health department regulations. Your state health department can also tell you what kind of licenses your employees will need. Keep in mind that your business license is a separate license from that which employees must have.

6. Find an accountant. An accountant will know if it’s best for you to operate as a sole proprietorship or to incorporate your business. An accountant will help you keep tract of your expenses and help you with your business and employee taxes.

7. Find a lawyer. A lawyer will help you establish an employee manual with specific policies for terminating employees. An employee manual is always a must so that your employees have in writing what is expected of them and will protect your business from wrongful discharge lawsuits.

8. Get insurance for your salon. You need to protect your business in the event someone falls inside your salon or a chemical treatment goes wrong.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t choose a personal or emotional name, or a name too close to your competitors. This will cause confusion among the public and your business will be negatively affected.