Thinking about putting your beauty skills to the test and opening your own salon? Make sure you follow these 10 expert tips first.
Create a business plan
"A business plan is key to starting a salon. The plan offers a road map for salon owners to follow and helps entrepreneurs consider all areas of the business. A business plan makes sure you set up a metric for success and consider the financials before you invest huge amounts of time and money in a new salon." Ali Ryan, owner, The Dry House
Find a way to stand out
"With salons on every corner, even in small towns, entering into the market with a specialty or service niche can dramatically increase buzz and press about your opening. Most salons try to please everyone, offering a huge menu of services. But this does nothing to differentiate you in the market. Even if you do offer many services, promoting a niche or specialty service will help you attract not only a very loyal client base, but will [also] instantly lend credibility to your salon as the experts in your niche space." Pamela Jeschonek, owner, Everyday Esthetics Eyebrow Studio
Research local laws and regulations
"Do your research. Ensure that you are complying with the state laws and regulations. If you have to make some adjustments to your plan because of regulations and laws, do so early so that you can avoid potentially having to stop your operation later or [having to pay] a fine. This will save you time and money." Shanell Jett, owner and stylist, JettSet Mobile Studio
Talk to distributors
"Get in touch with major product distributors like Redken, Paul Mitchell, etc. Some of them offer support services such as training [and] consultants to salon owners and Tom Justin, author and business consultant
Create a solid client base
"My number-one tip for aspiring entrepreneurs before they open up a salon is to have a number of professional clients of your own that will cover your overhead. Salon employees have an independent mind-set and will try to make power plays. With a solid client base of your own, you'll be in a better position to call the shots." Sandra LaMorgese, speaker and entrepreneur
Choose the right location
"Secure a solid location with plenty of parking. If you make it convenient for clients to visit your salon, you'll have more customers, which in turn means more revenue to pay off your initial loan and to put toward growth expenses." Jim Salmon, president of business services, Navy Federal Credit Union
Focus on your staff
"I would advise any new salons to invest time in the training and motivation of the staff. Now, any technician is going to know their trade. However, they might need help with the selling and customer-retention side. Your salon will be built around your stylists and technicians, [so] ensuring they are comfortable with up-selling products and other treatments across the brand is the difference between success and failure. Spending time before launch training your key staff to learn these key skills and learn how to teach them to new employees will pay dividends once the salon is running, and will go a long way to help with the smooth operation of a successful business." Jennifer Quinn, client relations and Web content executive, Phorest
Think about your clients
"Create a vision for how you want clients to feel, what you want them to experience and what adjectives clients will use when describing their experience. This will help in developing a look, feel and atmosphere."Samira Far, founder, Bellacures
Hire a designer
"Work with a designer or space planner to ensure you are maximizing your revenue potential for the space. Keep in mind any plumbing needs, and take advantage of space in the center of the salon with double-sided stations or other uses. Know the dimensions you have for each area, so you can shop for salon equipment to fit the space or have it custom-ordered. If construction work is needed, try to negotiate those costs in your lease agreement." Miriam Deckert, marketing director, SalonSmart
Charge what you're worth
"Don't go and see what others are charging in your area, because you don't know anything about them or their skill set. I charged $60 a haircut when I first opened in a town where the most expensive haircut was $38. I had 25 years of training and education to get here. Some people thought I was crazy and wouldn't get it not only did I get it, [but] I have since raised [prices] to $70 and keep billing. If you are great at what you do, people will pay for it." Sheryl Miller, owner, Fringe Hair Art