I am planning on opening up my own nail salon in Boulder, Colo. I am still working on the business plan because I will need a loan. I would like to open something that resembles a typical Vietnamese salon with seven pedi stations. Manicures and pedicures being our main focus, but we will also offer waxing. I will need to hire nail techs and one professional to do the waxing. I can't decide if I should do straight commission or if I should be more flexible on how I decide to pay my employees. I'm guessing someone with more experience and a client following would opt to do a booth rental and someone who is just starting off could be commission only. What are your thoughts?
Ana

Hi Ana,

First of all thanks for your question. I personally think being flexible when starting out is the key. As you grow you can always change things to accommodate growth. In my opening I learned in operation it is hard to make the final arrangements until you see it in action. For me in looking for a tech, I am offering techs with less than two years experience commission and those with more the option of commission or booth rent depending on client base. The search for techs is still a work in progress for me. I hope this helps. Good luck on your future business.

—Alica, Upscale Nail Bar & Boutique, Griffin, Ga.