Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

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

What is the best way to handle no-shows?

I had two no-shows today and I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I always call to confirm in advance. What's the best way to handle them? Sincerely, Left in the Lurch... read more

How do I approach our employees about staying in the salon when it's not busy?

Dear Shari, With business down, there are more gaps in the salon's appointment book. How do I approach our employees about staying in the salon when it's not busy? Sincerely, Tired of Being Alone... read more

How do I avoid raising prices in this economy when my product costs are increasing?

Dear Shari, My product costs have gone up but I can't raise my prices in this economy. What do you suggest? Sincerely, Stuck... read more

How do I know if a salon is right for me?

Dear Shari, I am just out of school and I'm starting to look for work. I don't really know if I'm ready to go out on my own as a booth renter. How do I know if a salon is right for me? Sincerely, Searching for a Home... read more

Reader to Reader: In what ways will you run your business differently next year?

Online appointments have really exploded and my clients love it, so next year I will get a better online system to allow my clients to move their appointments and see their history.... read more

Reader to Reader: Why did you choose to work in the salon you’re in now versus other salons?

Why did you choose to work in the salon you’re in now versus other salons?... read more

Reader to Reader: What’s the best way to find a new job in the beauty industry?

What’s the best way to find a new job in the beauty industry?... read more

Reader to Reader: What issue scares or concerns you the most about the future of the nail industry?

What issue scares or concerns you  the most about the future of the nail industry?... read more

If you were suddenly given a day off how would you spend it?

Sunning, shopping, sleeping in — how would you spend an unexpected day off? NAILS asked readers: If you were suddenly given a day off, how would you spend it? Turns out a surprising number of you would spend the day working on your nail business.... read more

Reader to Reader: When did you realize you wanted to be a nail tech?

When did you realize you wanted to be a nail tech?... read more

Reader to Reader:To what extent should you guarantee your work?

To what extent should you guarantee your work?... read more

Should business owners tell all to staff?

Transparency is a buzzword in politics these days, and the notion of increased openness, two-way communication, and accountability is taking hold in the business world as well. Salon owners are among the business owners who are opening up their books and sharing sensitive financial information with staff . We asked salon owners and technicians: How much financial information should a salon owner share with her staff ?  ... read more