What do I need to open a beauty salon?

[Katelisa]

Don't you think there have been businessmen who have opened a garage and had success, WITHOUT being a mechanic? Aren't there skills involved in every field?

(Ps. there is no need of being sarcastic here.)

C.

I wasn't being sarcastic. and no, there isn't a hands on practical skill involved in every field.

 

[tonilee]

I wasn't being sarcastic. and no, there isn't a hands on practical skill involved in every field.

but skill all the same?!! Am sure Kalaa's looking at a more business management role and plus did it cross anyones mind that Saks were infact a hairdressing comapany who have gone on to have thier own beauty training school?
There are many ways to one outcome and while I understand the frustration and everyones defense, I think we could all do with being a little more open minded!!!

 

['chelle]

but skill all the same?!! Am sure Kalaa's looking at a more business management role and plus did it cross anyones mind that Saks were infact a hairdressing comapany who have gone on to have thier own beauty training school?
There are many ways to one outcome and while I understand the frustration and everyones defense, I think we could all do with being a little more open minded!!!

In fairness from Kalaa's initial post she give the distinct message that she intends to do some training herself, and many people on here have reacted to the fact that she intends to do some training, then become proprieter of a salon, just like that.

Sometimes, people do take on a business from a management perspective and do very well. There's nothing wrong with that, and its nice to see people benefit from their hard work and determination. However, you only have to watch a few episodes of a programme such as Ramsays Kitchen Nightmares, where you see people who buy a restaurant despite knowing nothing about the running of one, who are failing miserably and are at the end of their tether financially and otherwise.

I think people are right to warn Kalaa, there's no point being yes men and telling her everything will be ok, when in reality, it very likely wont be.

 

[tonilee]

Well yes I can see you point totally......however.......I think she also said she was going to train so that she had a better understanding of the industry and she intended to train seriously in the furture.......Yes we do see major disasters on ramseys nightmares but then there isnt a ramseys success story tv programme as a nation we love to watch disasters!!! Im sure for as many disasters there are there a million success stories. As far as i can see Kalaas only mistake was to post a thread full of questions when she could have searched!!!! But she possibly didnt realise that!! Everyone was quick to say it would take years to do NVQs and VTCTs but they are NOT the only option!!! Sure a short course alone may not make her the best technician but it would give her the understanding of good practice and contra indications etc!!!!!!!! This in turn would help her employ staff, understand staff issues, and help choose products!!!
Like I said earlier there are many ways to one outcome, we shouldnt be so tunnel visioned and judgmental.
Just my opinion!!! Dont shoot me down in flames!! Be gentle!!! You never just never know what you may learn off fellow geeks in the future!!

 

[Katelisa]

what if...

Kalaa trains but just cant take to it. Ive seen many techs / beauty therapists in college and on trade tests who just aren't cut out for it, they don't understand the industry and cannot grasp it at all. most of us started because we knew that we had some sort of natural ability and training just enhances this and shows us the proper way. But no way would we have at that first point woke up one morning and thought "oh this week im gonna spend thousands and open a salon" lol. Well, i never anyway!

Also, how many of us can say we are as good and knowlegeable as we are now straight out of training. Most of us know what we know because of experience.

 

[tonilee]

She never said she was going to train and become an instant success! Nor is there any guarantee she will be good at it.....as there wasnt for any of us when we trained!!!
What I am saying is give her a break and a chance and dont judge just because she didnt train or do things as you would (thats aimed at all of us geeks not anyone may I add) I dont have any vtcts or nvqs but I dont knock those that do...or dont.......do you get my point??

:hug::hug::hug:

 

[lotus blossom]

i have skimmed the last few pages, but just wanted to say,
why not??
if she has the nouse and people to back her, why not, if she is going to employ loads of competant, qualified staff? then why not,
good on you i say!!!
good luck i hope you do well with it!!

 

[tonilee]

i have skimmed the last few pages, but just wanted to say,
why not??
if she has the nouse and people to back her, why not, if she is going to employ loads of competant, qualified staff? then why not,
good on you i say!!!
good luck i hope you do well with it!!

At last!!! My sentiments exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

['chelle]

I completely agree, I hope she does do well, but to reiterate my earlier comment, I dont think anyone is going to do her any favours by telling her to go for it, its a good idea etc. the most successful business person goes into an enterprise aware of the potential pitfalls so that they can deal with them.

Kalaa certainly has had a hard time with this post, and I expect she isnt actually reading it any more (if it was my post I would be reluctant to tune in each day to a new earbashing!) However Kalaa, if you are still reading, why not take up one skill, do a short course in it, get some insurance, and get out there specialising in your one area. This will give you a taste for the industry, and its something to develop on if you like it. Also, if you are building up gradually you may not need to borrow as much money to get going with it.

 

[minky]

but skill all the same?!! Am sure Kalaa's looking at a more business management role and plus did it cross anyones mind that Saks were infact a hairdressing comapany who have gone on to have thier own beauty training school?
There are many ways to one outcome and while I understand the frustration and everyones defense, I think we could all do with being a little more open minded!!!

Hi , Saks & co have been mentioned here and nails inc ect,
but this is only a couple successful
business partnerships or franchises or incorporated business firms ect

Kalaa
seems to have the right drive ambition and passion to make this work as she seems like a very bright intelligent person ,

I am assuming by the posts I have read it that is a beauty business solely going to be run by kalaa and her partner,
not a big business venture just yet anything like Saks nails inc ect ,
maybe that would come later who knows ?


Kalaa may very well succeed , and I truly hope she does , and I'm sure all of the geeks on here who have given any advice feel the same they are only pointing out its not that easy , :hug: x


But for the hand full of famous success stories as mentioned above ,
there is dozens of unheard ones who have tried and not succeeded for one reason or another, or are still trying to succeed but are just getting bogged down with tax and bills ect,

My goodness you only have to mention you are a Business then your rates are increased to business rates ,

Which includes your waste bins getting emptied at biusness rates ,
Then theres Business rates for the telephone and radio (yes radio ) Im sure there are plenty more over inflated bills that I haven't mentioned that are vastly inflated just because you are a business ,

Oh and you want to go online ,Yes again Business rates apply here too ! advertising at business rates forget it , its a rip off , as they think you are loaded ,

I suppose that if you are earning big bucks such as Nails Inc or Saks do then that may not be a problem as they can charge people bigs bucks to cover all of their expenses, ect

But as a sole new business owner trying to get up and running ,
the over inflated bills
(are one of the main things that can make or break that business venture )
thats why so many people may choose mobile or home salons but this is not an easy ride either .

I am not saying mobile is all easy going either as they don't have the benefit of any passing trade ,
but at least they may not be ripped off by big business rates ect but they still have thier own stamp and public liabilty insurance plus tax to pay

As for Home salons they too may have to pay business rates on certain rooms within their home and stamp and insurance and tax , and they also don't get passing trade

I do understand what you mean and I see where you are coming from,
but I hope you can see where we are all coming from too,

We are just pointing out to Kalaa how very hard it can be, :hug:

and if you make any more than a living by owning a beauty business (then you really deserve what you have indeed ) as it wont have been by chance or getting lucky ,
it will have been gained though sheer blood sweat and tears, and ruddy hard graft ,


Kalaa we all wish you good luck on here and we are all here to help you with your questions , and yes the beauty business can be successful and sometimes it wont be as successful as you would want it to be ,
but a living can be made ,

There will be weeks were you will want to throw in the towel because when you think you are getting somewhere a ruddy great bill lands on the doormat again , Im sure any business geek on here knows how that feels,

CeC In Norway it may be different over here as there is beauty salons on every corner and the competition is very stiff , also UK taxes and Rates for any business premises over here in the UK is very expensive ,


Also if statistics show that the beauty industry is large then isn't it just common sense to put your money into a different type of business ? and not one that has so much competition ?

.

 

[Cec]

CeC In Norway it may be different over here as there is beauty salons on every corner and the competition is very stiff , also UK taxes and Rates for any business premises over here in the UK is very expensive ,
.

This is just a PS....

I have lived in UK and know for sure, taxes and over all, everything is more expensive in Norway. Only vat is 25% (while in Uk it's 17,5) and the tax at income, for a selfemployed, is about 38-50% (I pay 48%).

In Norway there are not as many beautysalons as in UK, but we are only 4,7 million people in Norway (that's half of London with suburbs isn't it???) so I think there are as many beautysalons per. person in Norway as in UK.
And yes, there are popping up new salons every week, and half a yar later it's gone. This happens, but it happen whether the person is trained in beauty/nails or not. In fact, a lot of the very big salons that "keep running" are owned by people with money and business-skills, not by trained people.
Just to say it, I am trained in nails and did my business "the hard way", as most of us. I just think it's wrong to say an untrained beautician (?) with lots of business-skills, is sure to fail in this industry. After all, there are lots of trained people who also fail in this industry....

C.

 

[minky]

This is just a PS....

I have lived in UK and know for sure, taxes and over all, everything is more expensive in Norway. Only vat is 25% (while in Uk it's 17,5) and the tax at income, for a selfemployed, is about 38-50% (I pay 48%).

In Norway there are not as many beautysalons as in UK, but we are only 4,7 million people in Norway (that's half of London with suburbs isn't it???) so I think there are as many beautysalons per. person in Norway as in UK.
And yes, there are popping up new salons every week, and half a yar later it's gone. This happens, but it happen whether the person is trained in beauty/nails or not. In fact, a lot of the very big salons that "keep running" are owned by people with money and business-skills, not by trained people.
Just to say it, I am trained in nails and did my business "the hard way", as most of us. I just think it's wrong to say an untrained beautician (?) with lots of business-skills, is sure to fail in this industry. After all, there are lots of trained people who also fail in this industry....

C.

Hi Cec , some good points here , I agree that the cost of living and tax ect is high in Norway but then the wages are higher in Norway which balances the economy.
the high cost of living in Norway would be reflected in the higher prices you would then charge to cover yourself.

eg ; the cost of living is more expensive in London than in the rest of England so wages and prices reflect like that here too,

So if we measured it in that way ,
it is a bit like swings and roundabouts , its just the cost of living varies from Country to Country, place to place,

So therefore you would have to charge more in Norway for treatments than we do in the UK

It may seem like you pay a lot more in Tax and Vat but in Norway
peoples wages would be higher to meet these higher costs of living :hug: x

I also agree about business skills being very beneficial
most of the beauty therapists, Hairdressers, nail techs, do a business course after their level 3 if they need or want it
but it is not compulsory .
It makes good sense to have this behind you if you are just setting up :hug:

.

 

[Cons]

with your friends eat and drink but be very carefull if they advise you about bussiness especially when they will expect profit from their advice.

I m studying in a good college beauty threatments and make-up artist (kes college cyprus there is a site for anyone who want to drop a glance).

They teach us how to create our own salon among facial beauty theory and practice, body massage theory and practice, manicure-pedicure theory and practice, make-up theory and practice, wax methods theory and practice and also electrology, chemistry, anatomy, dermatology and believe me the more I learn the more I m saying Goddess of Beauty HELP!!!!

Cyprus is the country which according mythology Afrodite-Venus the Goddess of Beauty was born.

To have a beauty salon is a HUGE RESPONSIBILITY. You have to do with people not only outside but also inside (psychology). From you they expect to make them look and feel beautiful. You must love people to do this job (is not a job actually is an offer (leitourgima in greek don't know the english word).

Even if you have qualified personnell if you don't know what they are doing is very easy to destroyed you if they want to. After all you are responsible against you re client.

I m apologised if I sound bossy or pessimist my intentions are the best. (Also forgive my english)

With love

Cons

 

[Elles]

Hi

Haven't had time to read all your responses so I am sorry if I am just repeating but just incase I thought I'd add my 2p worth

The Fact that you had so many questions shows you haven't got a clue about anything to do with our industry. I also find it quite infuriating that you want to jump on our bandwagon just because you were informed it would be a good idea, not because you have a real interest in the industry. Please get some other advice from someone who will be honest with you.

If it was that easy we would all do it. Do you think as a busy mum of two I would slog my guts out working for someone else's pocket for my measly wage? I'd have done it years ago and I'd have had a head start over you as a.) I am already fully qualified b.) I have experience and C.) I already know what brands, what insurance, what staff wages etc etc.

By all means it's a great industry and I love it, but think of opening a salon in terms of 5 years time and don't expect the money to land on a plate! (unless you win the lottery which is my plan!)
The government does not do this type of lending,

Check out this website Business support, information and advice | Business Link


Lot's of luck

elles x x

 

[gillian w]

Just thought id add my two pennies worth.In any business i really think that guts,determination and having a head for business and just being able to big up yourself no matter how little you know accounts for a heck of a lot of very successful businesses. Knowledge of that business very little.
How many very successful nss are there.

How much did Richard Branson know about Planes.Anita Broderick evidently nicked someone elses ideas.Its all sour grapes some people might be exceptional at what they do but without the drive and balls they are never going to successfully run their own businesses.

 

[soriminah]

Kaala, for your sake I hope you do well. Your accountant friend isn't getting paid for his advice so he has nothing to lose but you do. I'd start off small and gradually add more services and equipment as business picked up. You don't want to be paying staff for standing around doing nothing until business picks up. Anyone can buy or start a business with no idea of how it works but having staff who know more than you do puts you at a disadvantage. Personally I wouldn't like an employer who didn't know the industry inside out unless you had an exceptional store manager as back up but this is going to cost you a small fortune in the meantime until you get some qualifications behind you. What happens if after starting training you discover you don't even like the industry? Anything in this industry is hard work - massage, nails, beauty. You work hard for your money and you have to pay for decent quality consumables. Every service you provide costs you - oils, lotions, waxes, etc as everything is disposable. Be prepared to not get a wage at all for months - let alone minimum wage. Any money you make could just be covering for product, rent, utility bills, and the biggest of all - wages. I'd be looking at keeping half the money from the loan just for paying wages when you open. It could take 6 months or more before you start to actually make a profit to pay your staff from. Unfortunately that is the nature of the beast. When people are on a budget beauty services are the first on their list to go so business is very up and down. Provided you cater for this you could do well. If determination to make it work was all it took, you would do fantastically as that is your biggest strength.

 

[purebliss]

hey!!fair play tya for wantin t go ahead with this. BUT i do have a few words for u!!
Firstly do u actually want to be a therapist in the salon or just own it???
if u want to be a therapist its guna take u years to get to where u want to!!!

i just opened my own salon in august and believe me its HARD WORK!!! Expect plenty of hard work,sweat,tears laughter, and more tears!!!

The equipment neened is a lot!!!Basically itall depends on how many treatment rooms u want and what treatments u want to do. i have the dermalogica range and its fab but the opening order in 3500 euro!!

Let me know the exact details of what u think u want and ill help u out as much as i can!!!

 

[kalaa]

hey!!fair play tya for wantin t go ahead with this. BUT i do have a few words for u!!
Firstly do u actually want to be a therapist in the salon or just own it???
if u want to be a therapist its guna take u years to get to where u want to!!!

i just opened my own salon in august and believe me its HARD WORK!!! Expect plenty of hard work,sweat,tears laughter, and more tears!!!

The equipment neened is a lot!!!Basically itall depends on how many treatment rooms u want and what treatments u want to do. i have the dermalogica range and its fab but the opening order in 3500 euro!!

Let me know the exact details of what u think u want and ill help u out as much as i can!!!

thanks for your comments:hug: I'm prepared to work my butt off to make it work. I'm finding it a bit confusing at the moment trying to work out what start up costs will be. I just want to start with a small salon offering, waxing, massage, manicure/pedicures, dermalogica facials,microdermabrasion and caci facials, st tropez spray tan, eyelash tints/perms/extensions and possibly laser hair removal. I think I would need 2-3 treatment rooms. I have loads of equipment catalogues but because I have never used any of this equipment I'm finding it very hard to work out an estimate of costs, because some items I dont even know what they're meant to do and then when I do know what others do, I dont know which machine is best for the job!!

PLease help:irked::hug:

 

[Katelisa]

I have loads of equipment catalogues but because I have never used any of this equipment I'm finding it very hard to work out an estimate of costs, because some items I dont even know what they're meant to do and then when I do know what others do, I dont know which machine is best for the job!!

PLease help:irked::hug:

hence the reason people have been advising against it!

its confusing enough for us sometimes, so someone with zero knowlege of the industry isnt in the best position to make the best decisions!

 

[jax]

Kaala

Guenuinely I dont know why you seem to be getting so much grief from my fellow geeks. I havent found anything offensive in your posts, your confidence is very obvious but I personally dont find that offensive.

Many good points have already been made, one of the main sticking points to your plan I can see is the quality assurance - which equals repeat custom. How can you make sure your employees are doing a good job? Its a tricky one, but not necessarily a deal breaker.

Also the small firms loan guarantee scheme, is a well known to me. Its a very useful and sensible option and I applaud the government for offering it, and people like you for using it. I think the stats are that roughly 30% of the business backed using this scheme are successful and survive the first 2 years. That means that the Dti (who are the ones who offer this scheme) end up paying off alot of loans!! However, it still proves to be a success because the 30% of businesses who do survive add much more to the UK economy in return........so its still a gamble the government is happy to take. Its unfortunate that some geeks feel its a waste of their taxes - I really dont believe it is.

As has been said before there are very few entrepreneurs in this world that stay with what they know. Loads of ambitious people look outside of their skill set for a business opportunity..........nothing wrong with that in my view.

Good luck and well done you for going for it, not everyone has the balls!