Blueprint of a First Year

Q&A: Help Opening A Nail Salon in Switzerland

by NAILS Magazine | September 24, 2009 | Bookmark +

Hi Candice,

I’m a single mom living in Switzerland, and I would like to open a nail studio in my area. I already found a tiny and inexpensive shop in the suburbs where I live.

We are backwards here in Switzerland regarding the nail business. Therefore, I need your advice on how to start up, like links of suppliers and techniques.

At present, gel and acrylic nails are done here and apparently fiberglass is a new trend.

I’d like to know what the latest nail technology is and how I can learn about it. We don’t have nail courses in Switzerland, so maybe you could provide me with some online, DVD, or book sources. I want to offer French manicures, nail art, manicures and pedicures, lash and brow tinting, lash extensions, and sales of natural cosmetics and products.

Any advice is highly appreciated. Thank you all — you are great!

Anastasia

 

Hi Anastasia,

I am pretty new to the industry, and I think the best advice I have for you is to start simple! You have an impressive list of services you want to offer, but unless you know how to do all those things, maybe narrow the scope a bit?

Being new myself, I decided on a few core services that I wanted to offer, so I can focus all my energy on developing exceptional skills on just those things. Oddly enough, that means I don't even have nail polish in my studio! I offer acrylics, gel, gel manicure and gel toes with or without a pedicure. That's pretty much it. Oh! And tons of nail art!

There is an unbelievable amount of planning, paperwork and practice involved in setting up a new business. Add to that the technical side of things...

As for products, I am a Young Nails devotee and highly recommend their product lines. There are a lot of others out there, but I find it simpler to start learning and developing with one full line. Young Nails has several good DVDs as well.

Best wishes to you on your future success!

—Candice, Panache Nail Studio, Marysville, Wash.


Anastasia: You might also benefit from NAILS “Salon Start-Up Guide.” It covers the following topics: how to write a business plan, budgeting basics, hiring employees, understanding compensation, building clientele, writing a service menu, and more. It’s $12.95 and is available here.

— NAILS Eds.

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