I have been on a mission ever since I got started to stick to my budget. I can actually say that, with a lot of hard work and determination, it is working out so far.

I met a furniture consignment shop owner who came across equipment for a nail salon. Over the phone, I thought it was a joke. I figured I would go and it would be nothing I would be interested in. Well to my surprise, he had almost a whole salon minus a few pieces. He got it from a would-be salon owner who didn’t go through with the salon opening and so sold all the furniture to the consignment shop. The equipment had been sitting in the consignment shop owner’s storage since then. The shop owner was a very nice man, even letting me pay half to hold it then pay the other half when I came back the next day with a truck. I ran home to get my husband so we could get it. I was so excited! I just think: What if I didn’t go? The price the shop owner gave me was awesome. He just wanted to move the equipment because it was taking up space. (I don’t think he really knew what he had or what it was worth.) It didn’t take much to get everything back in working condition.

I’d just advise you, before you lose time and money, to research local shops and vendors. You never know what you might find. If you want to incorporate some green/environmentally-friendly concepts — reusing or recycling is a great way to start. Also I was able to get a great deal on my location. The location had been empty for a while and the property managers were ready to lease it. They actually offered a month free. I know everybody may not be able to do this, but I know the deals are out there. It may take a little research on your part. Some items I will have to purchase new, but with the money I am saving it works out.

Here are a couple of budget-friendly tips that I want to share:

1.    Check for deals.

2.    Shop around before making a final decision

3.    Ask landlords if they are willing to work out a deal. There so many spaces vacant from the economy that now may be a great time to get a location in your budget.

4.    You don’t know if you don’t ask. So ask……

5.    Check Craigslist, eBay, and local vendors for equipment.

If I can save money on the large items, I feel I can use the saved money on getting great products to use on my clients. I am on my way, with one more thing off the to-do list!

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