MENU
SEARCHThis month we asked nail techs: What’s the biggest upside and downside of being self-employed?
Upside is you can do things how you like and you can hustle to get more work if needed. Downside is everything falls on you. Everything!
Via Instagram
Upside: Working by appointment only, being my own boss, and offering quality services. Downside: Teaching the customers about quality and prices, and trying to grow my business by finding quality technicians – that’s a headache! Plus, I’m always working too late.
Via Instagram
Upside: Unlimited creativity, being able to do what I love to make people happy. Downside: Unappreciative clients who don’t understand the true cost of services and time spent and that you are human too, so you need time off.
Via Instagram
Upside: Making my own schedule, having control of the quality of my work and products, controlling prices and types of services offered, feeling proud of my accomplishments, and loving what I do. Downside: Overworking myself; paying for all my own products and sometimes unexpected supplies; constantly answering texts, emails, and phone calls.
Via Instagram
The upside is definitely being able to work your own hours, which is great when you have to plan your day around school run times and half-term holidays, etc. The downside is never truly being able to shut off from work mode, as you run everything; working hours that are longer than a regular salon day (if you are mobile) due to travelers; and answering emails from clients.
Via Instagram
The upside is working my schedule around my family which means everything to me. It’s the flexibility and freedom of not answering to anyone. The downsides are overheads and paying bills; no sick pay; no clients = no money; no shows = lost revenue. I’ve been self-employed for almost eight years now, and I’d never go back.
Katey Laurenson, Embellished Nails,
Auckland, New Zealand
Via Instagram
Upside: The anticipation that one day I will look back and feel an enormous sense of accomplishment because all my hard work and sacrifices paid off. Downside: Balancing work and personal life. Entrepreneurship is a tough journey that not everyone understands.
Via Instagram
The upside to being self-employed is that you control your outcome and destiny. The biggest downside is every day you wake up you are unemployed if you didn’t prepare.
Via Instagram
Upside: Working for yourself is an amazing thing. You can create your own schedule, take a vacation whenever you need to, and you don’t have to share money or space! You can be so proud of yourself for running a business. The pride you can attain is fabulous! Downside: No-shows, no paid leave, no medical benefits, and basic bookkeeping. My pros outweigh my cons.
Dana Cecil, Nail Junkie, Dover, Ohio
Via Instagram
You Might Also Like:Crowdsourcing: How Do You Tell Clients You Are Raising Prices?
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.
This list of watch-outs from @jodydoesjels prompted us to reach out to her and learn more. We had already fallen for her hand-painted designs and now we wanted to know more about this list she created to help clients decide if she was the nail tech for them.
Education is necessary for beauty professionals to maintain their cosmetology licenses, and paying for that education can be burdensome, but it doesn't have to be. Understand which education tax credits can help you offset those costs.
