How to Start a Beauty Salon Business in Washington

Many cosmetologists and beauty experts choose to start a beauty salon business in order to practice their profession independently. A beauty salon can cater to different clients of both sexes and different ages and background, and it can be a successful venture with the right products, treatments and marketing techniques.

Starting A Beauty Salon Business

Starting a beauty salon can be difficult without the proper guidance. It is for this reason those who intend on pursuing such a venture  also should consider sharpening their business sense through business courses (often offered at the accredited beauty schools, such as Evergreen Beauty College).

Learn how you can use your talents and skills and make your mark in the beauty industry with these tips:

Figure Out the Types of Services You Want To Offer

As a beauty salon business, you are expected to offer services such as hair cutting and styling, hair treatments, makeup, manicures and pedicures, along with face and body treatments. Depending on your skills, training and equipment, you could even offer a number of related services such as facials, massages, hair removal, mud baths, aromatherapy and even tanning.

Based on what you decide to offer, consider the things you will need, such as special equipment and manpower that will perform these services and operate the machines. In some cases, the staff who will be performing certain services and using certain equipment will need both specialized training and licenses.

Calculate The Cost of Establishing and Operating the Business

A beauty salon is not the type of business you can start for a few hundred dollars, unless of course you are inheriting a lot of stuff or is benefiting from a generous donor. Be very careful when it comes to the financial side of this business because one mistake can cost you a lot of money. Consider:

• Your ability to support yourself and your staff while your business is still in its initial stages.
• Your ability to fund the cost of operating the salon and cover for rent, supplies, payroll, training and licensing, among others.
• The length of time it would take for you to begin enjoying the return on your investment.
• The type of clients you will be attracting and how much you will be charging for your services.
• Your ability to work within your operating budget.
• How much emergency funds you can tap in case you need more money.

Find the Right Location

Location matters. For one, it has a strong bearing on your overhead cost in terms of rent and for another, it helps you adjust your fees and charges based on the market available where you are. It will also influence how active your market will be.

Setting up shop in a good location can increase your chances of enjoying brisk business. Look for a place that is accessible by foot traffic or by vehicle, or both. A parking space nearby will also make it more convenient for clients. The area should also be safe, well-lit and clean.

Consider Your Competition

Based on your location, scout the area within a five-block radius of your salon. Are there other businesses that offer the same services? If so, who are they, what type of unique selling points do they have, who are their clients and why are they preferred by these clients? Knowing who your competitors are will help you determine your own selling point and find a unique position where you can compete well.

Some businesses, for example, are famous for their in-house stylist or specific treatments and may be so well-established that going head-to-head with them will spell disaster for you. Carefully study your competition to determine if you can still start a business where you want. If the market is too saturated, you can either offer something that is revolutionary and one-of-a-kind or set up shop elsewhere.

Getting A License For Your Beauty Salon Business

In Washington, you are required to have business and professional licenses along with public liability insurance in order to operate a beauty salon. If you plan to offer home and/or mobile services, you will need licenses for those as well. The licenses are renewable, usually every two years, although continuing education may be required to keep your license depending on your specialization.

If you need professional guidance on the best way to start a salon, Evergreen Beauty College can help you assess your skills and resources to determine your preparedness in entering the business. Our goal is not just to train beauty specialists to gain the best skills but also help you start a beauty salon business on the right foot.

Schedule a tour today and begin your journey as a student and beauty professional.