Having a secure income is right at the top of most people´s list. This is understandable and highly desirable. But finding a job that pays well, with hours that fit in around family responsibilities isn´t easy.
For many women, working for themselves is a good solution. They are their own boss, something that makes it easier to choose their hours and maximize their earnings. There are many different types of businesses that you could run.
In most countries, despite the rise in day-to-day living costs, demand for the services offered by nail salons is still growing. People want to look good and to be pampered. Having your nails done ticks both boxes and because it is affordable, most people will find the money to do so.
How to check there is enough demand for manicures in your country
You can read about the current state of the nail salon sector in the USA by clicking here. If you live in another country, do an online search, and carry out some local research to make sure that people are still having their nails done regularly where you are planning to work.
Decide what services you want to offer
A little local research will also uncover which nail services are likely to be in high demand in your area. It is important to offer what people want. That sounds obvious but it is surprising how easy it is to get carried away and start offering a service we would love, which might not be what other people want.
Try out as many local nail bars as you can and casually ask which services are most popular. While you are there, look at their prices and make a mental note of how the owner has laid things out and decorated.
Understand the numbers
Next, you need to sit down and crunch the numbers. To work out how much running a nail salon will cost and how many clients you will need to make a profit.
This is going to take a while. Most of the information you need to do this can be done online. For example, the cost of renting a salon can be found on local real estate websites. How much you will need to pay for nail care products and equipment is easy to find online. You can gain more insight by talking to people who already run a nail or beauty salon. Either by talking to them in person or asking a few questions on forums.
Put together your business plan
If you still believe setting up a nail salon in your area is viable. It is time to put together a business plan. It will guide you through setting up and growing your business. So, don´t be tempted to skip this stage. This is particularly important if you are going to need to borrow money to set up your salon. You can learn how to put together a business plan, here.
Identify the right location
Now, you are ready to find a salon location. How you do this depends on several factors. If money is no object, prioritizing opening up an area where the best-paying customers go is a good idea. Whereas, if you have a limited budget, you might have no choice but to open up in a place where rents are lower. If you are in that situation, just be sure that you can still reach enough potential customers.
Plan your salon
Once you have found a salon, put together a basic layout plan to make sure there is enough room for everything. Do this before you sign the lease. Also, get a quote for the shopfitting.
When you are sure that you will have enough space, you can create a more detailed plan. One that covers details like how the salon will be decorated, storage, and where each plug needs to be located. You are going to want to be able to power things like your sterilizing equipment, point of sale equipment, and digital signs for nail salons. These are all items without which you cannot operate. For example, you are going to want to use your digital screens to tell your customers about special deals and show off the latest nail products. You could also potentially get paid by local businesses to show short adverts.
Now, all you need to do is to get it built, plan your launch, and open it. You can easily find out how to do all this via an online search or by speaking to your local Chamber of Commerce.
