Steps to Becoming a Beauty Professional Solopreneur
So many talented beauty, health and wellness professionals go through their careers never achieving their ambition of working for themselves or reaching the heights that their talent deserves. They miss out on the experience and rewards of turning a vision into a brand, feeling empowered to make their own decisions about style, design, and what the client experience should look like. Further, they miss out on the financial benefits that can be achieved by being able to retain all profits rather than having to pay 50-60% in commission to salon owners.
Sadly, we’ve seen it happen so many times, with professionals in makeup, cosmetology, skin care, to barbers, aestheticians and massage professionals. And one thing that we’re sure of, it’s rarely ever because they lacked the talent. The reason is often trepidation. Fear of the unknown for many means there are too many talented beauty professionals that give up after a few google searches which leads to a firehose of information and horror stories of things that went wrong, such as belligerent landlords and spiraling costs.
According to cosmoprof the beauty industry is expected to grow 9% on an annual basis between 2024 and 2028. So, now is the perfect time for beauty professionals to turn their passion into a thriving business. Whether you’ve tried it before and now feel better prepared to try again, or you’re considering going into business ownership for the first time and looking for a suite to rent, this article provides five essential tips to help you successfully launch your own beauty business.
If you have the passion, plan effectively and follow sound advice you can avoid some of the common pitfalls and overcome any fears that might be holding you back.
Tip1: Create a Comprehensive Business Plan for Your Beauty Business
A solid business plan is essential for securing funding and guiding your business decisions.
Include key components such as an executive summary, market analysis, organizational structure, services offered, marketing strategy, and financial projections. Set clear and realistic short-term and long-term goals. This is often the stage where talented beauty professionals give up because they lack the knowledge or confidence to develop a business plan.
The good news is you don’t need to produce a business plan that resembles the complexity of a L’Oreal looking to expand into new international markets. A simple, clear and well thought out business plan is a great place to start. It will help you validate existing assumptions you have, spot areas you need to pay more attention to better understand, and will also help stimulate some new ideas as you perform market research. It also doesn’t have to be done in a day. Take some time to research, think, sleep on it then revisit it, and get advice from other professionals or those with business experience. You’ll find that many entrepreneurs are only too happy to help others take their first steps.
Check our Beauty Salon Business Plan Template article complete with an example that you can use as a starting point. And we’ve also created our own proprietary Beauty Salon Profit Calculator tool to help you with the financial estimates.
We’re even here to help you craft your own Business Plan for new members of the Style en Suite community, as well as always being there to provide ongoing business coaching.
Style en Suite provides marketing guidance and a complimentary booking/POS system, which can be integrated into your business plan for efficient operations and revenue tracking.
Tip2: Build a Support Network
Family and Friends are a core part of your support network as you venture into business ownership but just as important is the community of beauty professionals next to whom you work.
At Style en Suite we foster an environment of collaboration, support and invite opportunities for referrals and sharing of best practices. Not only is the dreaded salon drama a thing of the past, interacting is now on your terms. As you build, hone and refine your barber, hair, makeup, massage or other beauty business you will quickly see that owning and operating a business alongside like-minded individuals with shared goals promotes a positive environment where you’ll feel as though you are growing daily.
Additionally, Style en Suite owner/operators Allison and Teresa provide opportunities for consulting, education and coaching to enhance your success and growth. From BTC instructional sessions on and off site to business guidance throughout, you are independent, not alone. Not only will you enhance your skills, you’ll get the chance to share and receive ideas and tips with other beauty professionals. It’s just one of the many reasons beauty professionals choose us and tell us time and again that it was the best career decision they’ve ever made.
Tip3: Choose the Right Location
The location of your new salon or beauty business can significantly impact its success. Consider factors like proximity to residential areas with demographics that align with your target clientele.
This will lead to better chances of your new brand being discovered by the right people, who want to spend money with you. How is the vehicle and foot traffic at the location you’re evaluating? Try to find a location with high visibility and a good amount of traffic, but balance that with accessibility, and parking. Clients will be put off if they spend 30 minutes stuck in traffic on their way to an appointment, only to find they have to park another 10 minute walk away due to insufficient availability or overpriced parking.
Style en Suite’s prime location in Farmingdale, NJ, offers ample parking and light-filled suites with state-of-the-art amenities, making it an ideal setting for attracting clients. The designated quiet area for non-hair services ensures a serene environment for specialized treatments, enhancing client satisfaction.
Tip4: Invest in Quality Equipment, Products and Amenities.
High-quality equipment and products are crucial for delivering excellent services and ensuring client satisfaction. It can be very expensive to rent a space that you need to renovate or update.
Unless your brand market positioning is low-end, no frills, with a cheapest in town brand promise then you need the quality facilities, equipment and amenities that make your clients feel more comfortable and are willing to pay for.
Environment is hugely important in the beauty services industry, including comforting sensory experiences that stimulate the endorphins. Little details such as the perfect water pressure and temperature, or making sure your clients have easy access to mobile device charging that go a long way when your they’re evaluating whether they had a good experience or not. It’s like a chocolate on the pillow at a hotel on your birthday – the simple touches that make experiences better.
Style en Suite offers premium tilted backwash bowls, quartz countertops, and custom soft-close cabinetry, demonstrating the importance of investing in quality. Remember, a well-equipped salon reflects professionalism and attracts a loyal clientele.
Tip5: Style Your Suite to Suite Your Brand and Believe in Yourself
Designing your Suite includes choosing your palette, your textures, your accents….Similar to the creativity you bring to your clients and craft daily. Your Suite is an extension of you; show it off with flare and style. It’s the first glimpse of your brand clients appreciate when they enter! Make it yours and embrace it, daily.
In addition to communicating to clients what your personal brand and style is about, it will make you feel more comfortable and confident. You want it to feel like home, more than a place of work.
Recognize your accomplishments and celebrate each success every client interaction invites. You Did It! Your passion, energy, dreams and drive show with your talent and design. Realize that Reviews matter and request them excitedly from clients; let them help you grow.
We'd Love to Support You on Your Journey to Success
Starting your own beauty business is a journey that requires careful planning and execution. By conducting thorough market research, creating a comprehensive business plan, choosing the right location, and having access to quality equipment and amenities, you can set your salon up for success.
At Style en Suite, the seamless setup, ongoing support, and thriving community have empowered beauty professionals to turn their dreams into reality. Take these essential steps, invest in your passion, and watch your salon flourish.
Are you ready to start your own salon? Share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments below. Subscribe for more tips and insights on running a successful salon and join us at Style en Suite, where your growth is our growth
