Opening home studio for facials and make-up-focus on the 40 plus woman

[Miss_Redd]

Hi all,

Thanks in advance for all who take the time to read most post. I really appreciate it!

I'm opening a home studio for facials and make-up, with a focus on the 40 plus woman. Of course I will serve all, but would really like to specialise in the mature crowd.

I've a million and a half questions, of course. However, I will try to stay calm and focus on the top few.

A bit about me:

I am from America, but have lived in the UK for 7 years and am a citizen here too. I was a fully licensed cosmetologist, but it's been awhile since I practiced. I worked for too many years in the corporate world and lost that position last July. It was a gift in disguise.

So, here I am. I've started the set up at home, taken a day long intensive course for facials and also have purchased insurance for a start.

Here are my questions:

• If any of you have a set-up list for your skin care studio, I would love to learn more. Focusing on the most important basics
• Skincare lines that focus on mature skin, keeping in mind this is a home business so I won't be able to obtain the high-street type product lines. Both due to the fact that these companies don't stock home business, but also due to finances. I would like to find a line that is great for older skin and reasonable, but not cheap.
• Your favourite tools for your facial studio, stuff you cannot and will not live without
• Favourite cosmetic line for mature skin
• Any other information you think would be helpful

I am currently also researching radiofrequency (RF) machines, as I know offering this type of skin tightening service will be very desirable with the mature crowd.


Thanks a million for your time. I am really enjoying the site and the myriad of information and support!

Cheers,
Miss Redd

 

[PamieD]

Sounds exciting For your set up, one way to do it is sit down with some paper and mentally walk through each treatment from start to finish. As you come across some equipment or product just write it down and you'll have your basics. It's hard to give advice without knowing what kind of clients you'll get (working ladies, full time mums, halfway between both etc) but I will say that little touches like 3-ply toilet roll, fluffy towels, clean smells, a professional look for yourself (perfect hair and makeup) goes a long way with this age group. Also you've got acne sufferers as well as anti-aging in this group, so maybe you can look at specific facials and accompanying products rather than just one brand? There are so, so many ranges, hard to pick one. Eve Taylor gets mentioned a lot here but I know so many therapists who use the standard brands from wholesalers. I used Beyond Belief for a while but not sure if it's still going. Sometimes a small, unfamiliar brand will do if you can't stretch to the high end ones. If you want to retail you might be better off focusing on makeup, such as minerals?

 

[High Hopes]

Personally if I was looking to specialise in facials and make up I would be looking at environ and Jane Iredale. Both are supplied by iiaa . I recently had the rep out and although they aren't the cheapest , the results speak for themselves . They do supply home salons . Maybe see if anyone local to you stocks it and go and have a facial.

Good luck with your search !

 

[Miss_Redd]

Hi Pamie!

Thanks very much for the information. I've made some notes of your suggestions and will get going with my basics list. That's a great idea to just move through all the steps, that way nothing gets missed out.

I'll also have a look into the different ranges of products. This really help!

Cheers,

Sounds exciting For your set up, one way to do it is sit down with some paper and mentally walk through each treatment from start to finish. As you come across some equipment or product just write it down and you'll have your basics. It's hard to give advice without knowing what kind of clients you'll get (working ladies, full time mums, halfway between both etc) but I will say that little touches like 3-ply toilet roll, fluffy towels, clean smells, a professional look for yourself (perfect hair and makeup) goes a long way with this age group. Also you've got acne sufferers as well as anti-aging in this group, so maybe you can look at specific facials and accompanying products rather than just one brand? There are so, so many ranges, hard to pick one. Eve Taylor gets mentioned a lot here but I know so many therapists who use the standard brands from wholesalers. I used Beyond Belief for a while but not sure if it's still going. Sometimes a small, unfamiliar brand will do if you can't stretch to the high end ones. If you want to retail you might be better off focusing on makeup, such as minerals?

 

[Miss_Redd]

Hi High Hopes!

I like your screen name, excellent! I'm heading over to go research this product line as well. It helps to know they offer supplies to home salons!

Many thanks,

Personally if I was looking to specialise in facials and make up I would be looking at environ and Jane Iredale. Both are supplied by iiaa . I recently had the rep out and although they aren't the cheapest , the results speak for themselves . They do supply home salons . Maybe see if anyone local to you stocks it and go and have a facial.

Good luck with your search !

 

[Neo Elegance]

Hi

I would recommend for skincare Eve Taylor, only because i know so many home based businesses that use the brand and are very happy with the products for older skin but also the business side of it works well for them.
To be honest, ladies with older skin should be using products which have more focus on ingredients, like hylaronic acid, Retinol, vitamin C - like skincetuicals but its a very high end brand. If you are looking to combine the skincare with treatments like RF do invest in a good skincare range.

cosmetics for older skin i've tried a bit of Jane Iredale and its seemed good, its got the focus on SPF and minerals etc and tbh its the only cosmetic line that sticks out to me for salons! actually can't think of another brand.

Other tools for older skin - i'd recommend diamond microdermabrasion as a standard, you need to get the dead cells off for the skincare in the facials to work its best but also helps with reducing enlarged pores, fine lines to an extent and reveals smoother skin.

hope this helps!

best regards

Mel

 

[Miss_Redd]

Hi Mel,

This is brilliant information and I have added it to my research list. It really does help getting the experience of others. I feel very lucky I have the opportunity to learn from your wisdom as I move into this new venture.

Many thanks!

Hi

I would recommend for skincare Eve Taylor, only because i know so many home based businesses that use the brand and are very happy with the products for older skin but also the business side of it works well for them.
To be honest, ladies with older skin should be using products which have more focus on ingredients, like hylaronic acid, Retinol, vitamin C - like skincetuicals but its a very high end brand. If you are looking to combine the skincare with treatments like RF do invest in a good skincare range.

cosmetics for older skin i've tried a bit of Jane Iredale and its seemed good, its got the focus on SPF and minerals etc and tbh its the only cosmetic line that sticks out to me for salons! actually can't think of another brand.

Other tools for older skin - i'd recommend diamond microdermabrasion as a standard, you need to get the dead cells off for the skincare in the facials to work its best but also helps with reducing enlarged pores, fine lines to an extent and reveals smoother skin.

hope this helps!

best regards

Mel

 

[squidgernetball]

When I started out from home 16 years ago, I decided that a premium skincare brand would make me stand out from other home salons. I took on Thalgo with a pretty hefty opening order. I got clients sometimes simply because I used Thalgo. They still come to me now.

About 3 years later I took on Jane Iredale mineral make up. Not particularly for retail but I did a lot of weddings and some Asian weddings and JI's colour range of bases was excellent.

5 years ago I moved into a rented room in a golf club and took Thalgo with me (obviously) and JI.

After a passing comment from a client, (is botox my only option?) I decided to research the best anti ageing skincare. I knew of environ because it's under the same umbrella as JI. There was an opening order of £500. I got excited.

The day I saw the rep was about 2 days after they changed the rules. An opening order now had to include the machine. I bit the bullet.

Fast forward. That was 4 years ago. I've moved premises twice. I now have a large salon in a barn. I employ 3 staff and have 3 lessees. My turnover has gone through the roof from my early days. I have no bank of mum and dad and no rich husband supporting me. I also don't do debt. I've saved and paid and so on.

The brands I've chosen have made my business. You can buy skincare from anywhere but you have to know why you chose that brand. You have to know what makes it different from what your client buys in boots. If you don't know or you can't explain it, it doesn't matter what you use.

I would also say, don't buy any machines until you know what brand you're going for. I've never used microdermabrasion because I can't bear the feel of it. It also doesn't tie in well with environ facials.

My clientele are mainly business women in the 40 plus bracket.

I started out offering great products from my home salon and having great products is what has grown my business.

Vic x

 

[Neo Elegance]

When I started out from home 16 years ago, I decided that a premium skincare brand would make me stand out from other home salons. I took on Thalgo with a pretty hefty opening order. I got clients sometimes simply because I used Thalgo. They still come to me now.

About 3 years later I took on Jane Iredale mineral make up. Not particularly for retail but I did a lot of weddings and some Asian weddings and JI's colour range of bases was excellent.

5 years ago I moved into a rented room in a golf club and took Thalgo with me (obviously) and JI.

After a passing comment from a client, (is botox my only option?) I decided to research the best anti ageing skincare. I knew of environ because it's under the same umbrella as JI. There was an opening order of £500. I got excited.

The day I saw the rep was about 2 days after they changed the rules. An opening order now had to include the machine. I bit the bullet.

Fast forward. That was 4 years ago. I've moved premises twice. I now have a large salon in a barn. I employ 3 staff and have 3 lessees. My turnover has gone through the roof from my early days. I have no bank of mum and dad and no rich husband supporting me. I also don't do debt. I've saved and paid and so on.

The brands I've chosen have made my business. You can buy skincare from anywhere but you have to know why you chose that brand. You have to know what makes it different from what your client buys in boots. If you don't know or you can't explain it, it doesn't matter what you use.

I would also say, don't buy any machines until you know what brand you're going for. I've never used microdermabrasion because I can't bear the feel of it. It also doesn't tie in well with environ facials.

My clientele are mainly business women in the 40 plus bracket.

I started out offering great products from my home salon and having great products is what has grown my business.

Vic x

A lovely story Vic! Very inspiring - well done on your hard work and achievements and even more amazing you're here sharing your experiences and expertise, which is very kind of you!

best wishes,
Mel

 

[littlekate]

When I started out from home 16 years ago, I decided that a premium skincare brand would make me stand out from other home salons. I took on Thalgo with a pretty hefty opening order. I got clients sometimes simply because I used Thalgo. They still come to me now.

About 3 years later I took on Jane Iredale mineral make up. Not particularly for retail but I did a lot of weddings and some Asian weddings and JI's colour range of bases was excellent.

5 years ago I moved into a rented room in a golf club and took Thalgo with me (obviously) and JI.

After a passing comment from a client, (is botox my only option?) I decided to research the best anti ageing skincare. I knew of environ because it's under the same umbrella as JI. There was an opening order of £500. I got excited.

The day I saw the rep was about 2 days after they changed the rules. An opening order now had to include the machine. I bit the bullet.

Fast forward. That was 4 years ago. I've moved premises twice. I now have a large salon in a barn. I employ 3 staff and have 3 lessees. My turnover has gone through the roof from my early days. I have no bank of mum and dad and no rich husband supporting me. I also don't do debt. I've saved and paid and so on.

The brands I've chosen have made my business. You can buy skincare from anywhere but you have to know why you chose that brand. You have to know what makes it different from what your client buys in boots. If you don't know or you can't explain it, it doesn't matter what you use.

I would also say, don't buy any machines until you know what brand you're going for. I've never used microdermabrasion because I can't bear the feel of it. It also doesn't tie in well with environ facials.

My clientele are mainly business women in the 40 plus bracket.

I started out offering great products from my home salon and having great products is what has grown my business.

Vic x

I too love reading your posts. You are very inspiring!
I also really want to take on environ as you praise it so highly but am due my first baby in May so now isn't the right time for me. I'm actually looking forward to getting back to work to really focus on skin myself and push my business to grow once baby is here. Won't be for a while yet though!
Anyway just wanted to say thanks for putting in the time to post as much as you do!
[emoji4] xx

 

[squidgernetball]

@Samac - environs ethos is all about protection of the epidermis so mdb doesn't sit well with that. However, there are a lot of therapists who use it, particularly before an environ facial to 'strip back' the skin and remove the build up of crap before you proceed with environ. When are you training? I've done their full 5 days about 3 times now and really really enjoyed it.

@littlekate a baby. The best thing I ever did was my babies. I don't know if it's your first, but I'm also a breast feeding counsellor so if you choose to breast feed and need any help, give me a shout lol. Please don't rush back. All those people with bad skin will still be hanging around!!!

Thank you all for your lovely comments. I truly love the brands and those of you that know me know there's no ulterior motive, nothing but my own business and recommendation.

To the op. If you're specialising in skincare, don't scrimp. I don't for a minute mean that the brands I use are the only ones out there, but do do your homework. Many women are brand savvy and want to know why you use the brand you use.

Retail is now a huge part of our business and can make the difference between a mediocre week and a fabulous week so choose well.

Vic x

 

[squidgernetball]

Thank you for your reply
I am getting quite busy with MD now especially with younger ladies so I am reluctant to just pull it from my treatment list as I have spent quite a bit of time building it up and making sure everyone knows I offer it. I suppose I have a bit more time to think about it.
It's Glasgow I will be doing the training and I am super excited.
Did you find it took a while to get people interested in Environ? There is no one close to me offering Environ or anything similar but I am a bit worried that people will be put off by the more expensive price.
Did it take you a while to become confident with the treatment?
Sorry for all the questions X

I was selling thalgo (or not selling it really) which was about £38 for a day cream and £48 for a night cream. It makes environs £39.95 for a day and night cream in one product quite reasonable. My clients knew what a big thing this was for me and I'd told them that I'd done my research. I laid the foundations. It did take a while to feel really confident doing the treatments but the client who asked if botox was her only option booked a course of 12 x 90 minute facials at a cost of over £700. She was the best! I did 2 per week so quickly got confident!

I don't want to take over the original post, but please feel free to pm me if you have any questions x

 

[littlekate]

@Samac - environs ethos is all about protection of the epidermis so mdb doesn't sit well with that. However, there are a lot of therapists who use it, particularly before an environ facial to 'strip back' the skin and remove the build up of crap before you proceed with environ. When are you training? I've done their full 5 days about 3 times now and really really enjoyed it.

@littlekate a baby. The best thing I ever did was my babies. I don't know if it's your first, but I'm also a breast feeding counsellor so if you choose to breast feed and need any help, give me a shout lol. Please don't rush back. All those people with bad skin will still be hanging around!!!

Thank you all for your lovely comments. I truly love the brands and those of you that know me know there's no ulterior motive, nothing but my own business and recommendation.

To the op. If you're specialising in skincare, don't scrimp. I don't for a minute mean that the brands I use are the only ones out there, but do do your homework. Many women are brand savvy and want to know why you use the brand you use.

Retail is now a huge part of our business and can make the difference between a mediocre week and a fabulous week so choose well.

Vic x

Yes it is my first baby so all very new. I am hoping to breast feed so will let you know if I get stuck! Thank you! I'm hoping to have about 9 months off at least so I can enjoy the early days. I can't imagine I'll have the energy to work as well anyway! [emoji4]

 

[Miss_Redd]

Hiya Vic,

What a hugely helpful post! Thanks for sharing your year of experience with all of us.

It really is helpful and gives me hope to see how you've progressed over time. I can see it takes knowledge as well as pure determination to really make a name for yourself.

I've made note of all the products you've listed. Many thanks for the wisdom and inspiration too!

Cheers,

When I started out from home 16 years ago, I decided that a premium skincare brand would make me stand out from other home salons. I took on Thalgo with a pretty hefty opening order. I got clients sometimes simply because I used Thalgo. They still come to me now.

About 3 years later I took on Jane Iredale mineral make up. Not particularly for retail but I did a lot of weddings and some Asian weddings and JI's colour range of bases was excellent.

5 years ago I moved into a rented room in a golf club and took Thalgo with me (obviously) and JI.

After a passing comment from a client, (is botox my only option?) I decided to research the best anti ageing skincare. I knew of environ because it's under the same umbrella as JI. There was an opening order of £500. I got excited.

The day I saw the rep was about 2 days after they changed the rules. An opening order now had to include the machine. I bit the bullet.

Fast forward. That was 4 years ago. I've moved premises twice. I now have a large salon in a barn. I employ 3 staff and have 3 lessees. My turnover has gone through the roof from my early days. I have no bank of mum and dad and no rich husband supporting me. I also don't do debt. I've saved and paid and so on.

The brands I've chosen have made my business. You can buy skincare from anywhere but you have to know why you chose that brand. You have to know what makes it different from what your client buys in boots. If you don't know or you can't explain it, it doesn't matter what you use.

I would also say, don't buy any machines until you know what brand you're going for. I've never used microdermabrasion because I can't bear the feel of it. It also doesn't tie in well with environ facials.

My clientele are mainly business women in the 40 plus bracket.

I started out offering great products from my home salon and having great products is what has grown my business.

Vic x

 

[essentia]

I agree with the good advice already written. Good brands and support are essential. Research and get as much info as possible. Get visits from the reps and try and get to a few beauty shows if possible. Things to look out for brand awareness, marketing, customer support, minimal orders, account set up fees. I would definitely go for a good brand even if it is pricey as I have always found it rewards well long term. Research your local environment and try and offer something a bit different. You also have to have your heart in it - I find non surgical face lifting boring and prefer peels to microdermabrasion so do what you enjoy as it reflects even subconsciously in what we put across.

 

[beautybits]

have you tried Nimue, I am looking at bringing this into my salon at the moment, we do a lot of 40+ clients

 

[Georganna]

I have Thalgo salon, most of my clients are over 40 that have facials. Thalgo have a fab anti-ageing range. I also have their I beauty device which has Tri-polar radio frequency , (amongst other things) gives amazing results instantly. They also have just launched Mceutics , which is an acid peeling , renewing facial and home product range.
I have fantastic support from my area rep, which is invaluable for me as I work on my own.
I'm very happy with working with the Thalgo range, and my clients love it.

 

[PamieD]

I've just thought, what kind of brands are big in the US? Because that can be a selling point there (your familiarity with it). I don't think buying a top brand is foolproof, lots of the stock on sale on ebay is from failed businesses after all. Agree with Essentia, you really do have to be passionate as clients pick up on it.

 

[lauzenge82]

Skincare wise, I've been trialling a small company called Face Matters which contains organic silica. Have to say I absolutely love it so I'm bringing it in for clients. I have used RF for about 4 years and the results are fantastic. Another machine worth looking at is the Icon Ultralift. I bought it in September last year and combine the treatments, you can use no needle mesotherapy with it. I think with products it really is a case of trialing lots, and not necessarily the most expensive on the market x

 

[Miss_Redd]

Thanks Essentia,

If I've gotten one important thing from my post and your answers, is that passion is so very important. And this makes sense. Any time I've had a brilliant experience in beauty or other things for that matter, I found the person who was providing them loved and believed in what they did. This is precisely why I feel it was a gift to have lost my job, as scary as it seemed back in July! I spent decades doing hair and skin and LOVED interacting and feeling I made a real difference. Sure, my old corporate job sure paid the bills and more, but I was stuck in my dark office and so very isolated. Sometimes we have to take a risk-now or never!

I agree with the good advice already written. Good brands and support are essential. Research and get as much info as possible. Get visits from the reps and try and get to a few beauty shows if possible. Things to look out for brand awareness, marketing, customer support, minimal orders, account set up fees. I would definitely go for a good brand even if it is pricey as I have always found it rewards well long term. Research your local environment and try and offer something a bit different. You also have to have your heart in it - I find non surgical face lifting boring and prefer peels to microdermabrasion so do what you enjoy as it reflects even subconsciously in what we put across.