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Starting a Salon

September 15, 2013

First off, congratulations on completing your program. When opening your own business you want to make sure you have all your ducks in a row and have disposable income to make sure you can cover all your expenses for the first year while trying to build your clientele. I recommend you check out NAILS’ Blueprint of a First Year blog at http://blogs.nailsmag.com/blueprint to learn from others’ experience.

As far as a pedicure line, you are off to a great start knowing what you want your products to do. The best thing to do is to get product information and samples to try them out. There are so many different lines out there to choose from. You can start out at www.nailsmag.com/technique/feet/product/list

Footlogix has products that are made with pharmaceutical grade ingredients. This has been a particular favorite of mine. Their line is based on the health of the foot, not just scented lotions, to get the job done as well as having homecare products.

— Ruth Windsor is owner of Angelic Beauty Works (www.angelicbeautyworks.com) in Dearborn Heights, Mich., and author of Answering The Questions To Your Sole.


Have a business question? (about marketing, pricing, personnel, etc.) E-mail it to Judy.Lessin@bobit.com and check back here for an expert answer.

More FAQ

Reader to Reader: Should a salon keep its menu basic or include multiple lists of service options?

Should a salon keep its menu basic or include multiple lists of service options?... read more

How do you make your clients feel comfortable after they’ve cheated on you with another tech?

How do you make your clients feel comfortable after they’ve cheated on you with another tech?... read more

Reader to Reader: Has your salon employment ever been terminated against your will (like a firing or salon closing)? How did you handle it?

Has your salon employment ever been terminated against your will (like a firing or salon closing)? How did you handle it?... read more

How can I get clients to buy retail items?

I don’t know if people’s budgets are to blame but they don’t want to buy products for at-home use. They want you to give it away to them for free. I do have promotions and giveaways from time to time, but I can not afford to constantly give away products. How can I get them to pay for these items?... read more

Why won't people buy products for at-home use, but instead seek freebies?

I don’t know if people’s budgets are to blame but they don’t want to buy products for at-home use. They want you to give it away to them for free. I do have promotions and giveaways from time to time, but I can not afford to constantly give away products. How can I get them to pay for these items?... read more

How do I stay within my clients’ budgets while my costs keep going up?

How do I stay within my clients’ budgets while my costs keep going up?... read more

How do I find a manicurist [employee] who cares about building a business?

I’m tired of nail techs who make only a minimal effort and expect me (the salon owner) to do everything for them. How can I find a manicurist who cares about building a business?... read more

Dear Shari: What can we do about those returning clients who tip $1 for a manicure and pedicure service?

What can we do about those returning clients who tip $1 for a manicure and pedicure service? Is there a standard percentage — like at least 15% is a standard gratuity for dining out? Sincerely, Tipped Off... read more

Dear Shari: What can I do when a salon owner randomly charges me for expenses in addition to my booth rent?

I just began work as a booth renter. It’s my understanding I am responsible to pay only the amount I contracted to pay monthly. However, the salon owner is asking for money here and there to pay for things like beverages, clothing, advertising, etc. None of these things were ever discussed or agreed on previously. Shouldn’t the monthly rent cover the things she wants to have at her salon? Sincerely, Disgruntled Booth Renter... read more

Reader to Reader: Is it wise to create a social, stay-and-chat type of environment for clients in the salon?

Is it wise to create a social, stay-and-chat type of environment for clients in the salon?... read more

What Would You Do if Business at Your Salon Slowed Down?

Although it’s not something most nail techs or salons owners ever want to think about, there may come a time when business may slow down. This may be due to a bad economy or other reasons. Have you ever stopped to think what you would do if this ever happened to you? We posed that question to a salon owner, a booth renter, and an employee. Here’s what they had to say.... read more

What is the best way to handle cell phone abuse during a nail service?

What is the best way to handle cell phone abuse during a nail service? Some clients are on their cell phones four to six times during their service. It not only slows me down, but leaves room for contamination of the nail surface.... read more