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SO YOU WANT TO START A SALON?

We all want that dream career – the one where you love what you do AND you get paid for it! For many beauticians and hairdressers, owning a salon is their one big dream. Hair care happens to be the oldest, most developed and fastest growing ethnic market sector in the UK. With black women spending anything between 4 and 6 times more than the mainstream on hair and beauty products and services, now’s as good a time as any to join up and cash in on creativity in the ethnic hair and beauty sector!

Although running your own business can bring huge rewards, success in business is never automatic. Starting a new business can be full of challenges, and success depends primarily on your foresight, organisation and level of commitment. This guide will help you avoid the pitfalls and give you a true idea of the reality of starting a business in the hair and beauty industry.

Whether you’re a show stopping stylist or a brilliant barber, be prepared to do your homework on a range of issues, including your market knowledge, your financial status and the personal qualities that you can bring to your new business.

On A Mission!

Every business has to have a mission, an aim … to be the biggest … the best … the only … or the first! This defines the business concept your clients will buy into. Your vision helps you set your business apart from the competition. Your USP (unique selling point) is the reason why clients will choose you over the others.

Fail To Plan – Plan To Fail

Prepare a business plan that gives a detailed description of the business, its goals, and the state of the local market. Discuss the ownership of the business and the legal structure. List the skills and experience you bring to the business. Do your homework! Carry out research on competitors in your local area so you can discuss the advantages you and your business have over those competitors.

Money Talks

A carefully researched budget is essential. The amount of capital needed to start a salon or spa business will vary depending on the type of services you will offer, the salon and spa equipment required, the basic fixtures and administrative equipment required, the opening inventory of products you will offer, and deposits for rent and utilities. Calculate your costs carefully and include the costs of shop fitting, initial cost of furniture, stock, staff recruitment. If you are offering shampoos and other similar treatments, you will probably need to install plumbing for washing basins. Apart from the cost of building improvements, you’ll need to cater for interior layout and design, flooring, painting, window fixtures, indoor and outdoor signage and general decorations. You will probably need at least one cash register and computer, phones, basic office supplies, desks, and furniture as appropriate.

To Market, To Market …

Every successful hair salon or spa owner knows that the most important element in retaining clients in their business is having quality staff that ensures client satisfaction on each and every visit. But if you’re just starting out, you’ll need to find the clients in the first place! You have to market your salon or spa to new customers! In identifying how you plan to attract clients, retain existing ones and convert casual clients into regulars, start with the basic branding. This includes everything from creating a compelling name for your business, to logo design, a compelling slogan and attractive signage. Then consider the marketing tools available to you – a website, email, advertising in the local press, on radio or by direct mail. Devise an initial 6-month plan to include monthly marketing activities designed to achieve your business goals.

Location, Location, Location

For most hair salons, beauty salons and day spas, choosing a location will be one of the most important elements that will lead you down the path toward building a successful business. For many salons “walk-ins” are a big part of the trade. Look for a location near easy parking facilities with a lot of daily foot traffic and car traffic.

Your business and marketing plans should become working documents that you refer to and update or change on a regular basis in order to ensure that you keep on track once your salon is up and running. Finally, commitment, drive, perseverance and support from family and friends will go a long way towards transforming your business idea into reality.

Salon Strategies has developed a number of programmes to improve business skills and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation within the sector. Support is available for salon owners, barbers, aestheticians, nail technicians, manufacturers and mobile practitioners starting or running a business.

For information on Salon Strategies and its programmes, or to make an appointment to see a business advisor, call 020 7377 9922.