Beauty Business Talk: Do you work in a spa/salon or soloprenuer?

[Doran]

Do you work in a spa/salon or solopreneur?  How has that helped move your business forward or what challenges came up from it?

[AestheticsElite]

When I went into business for myself in 2017 in a three room space w/reception area in a building with other offices and businesses that all shared one bathroom. I asked two other people in to share the cost of leasing. I realized about a year and a half in that I didn't go into business for myself to have to bargain or debate with people about temperature control, how doors are closed quietly, clients using their speaker phones in other rooms that affected my room and then feeling bullied by people telling me I shouldn't worry about those things. As soon as shut down happened I started looking for a solo studio and found one and believed in myself and my ability to handle the expenses of being on my own.  I have not regretted any of it.  My guests have been extremely complimentary of my new space with private entrance and private bathroom including how quiet and calming it is to be in it and even down to how the building looks from the outside and how easy it is to park!  All of the things that I was told didn't matter by my suitemates. So a little bit of a venting there but the point is - find the space that makes YOU comfortable and that you know will support your efforts to give your guests a special experience. 

[Doran]

That is great advice! Good for you for making the scary leap to go out on your own.  It sounds like it was a great decision and is working well.  

I too started in a big salon and now am in my own studio.  I love the freedom of it.  

[JessPoynter]

I have a similar past. 

I started at a 10 chair salon; moved states; went to a 4 chair salon; and now I'm in my own studio and I love it! 

The move to a solo space has elevated my business in more ways than one. I can create whatever space I'd like; I can bring in whatever retail I'd like to support my services; I can put a little bit of me into everything that I do there.  

This is all not to say that it hasn't come with challenges because it has. I no longer have a safety net of any kind. All the ordering and business operations come down to me. I'm a CEO/CFO/COO/CMO/designer of a salon day in and day out....and I wouldn't have it any other way 😊

[Doran]

I feel the same way.  I love having my solo space but I do kinda miss the inspiration of watching others in the salon create awesome looks.  

[rjonin]

I am a solo manicurist with a salon studio.  

I do take joy in having a for deal business, LLC'd and all. But, I miss working alongside other pro's sometimes. 

In addition, as a solo beautypreneur we're the receptionist, tech support, housekeeper, barista, therapist and countless other things.  That's quite overwhelming.  I'm looking for more resources to streamline, so that I can scale with ease.

[Doran]

So true!  We do wear so many hats.  

[TBV]

I run my own little studio out of my house. I went from booth rent in a very busy salon to my own chair in a small room. It was nice to have the safer option as less people when the pandemic hit, but I miss the social and community of a full salon with multiple chairs. I have been wanting to go bigger and expand but feel daunted with no end in sight for COVID. I still am working on my plan to expand and feel excited for when I can actually grow. Definitely pros and cons to both

[SBabaSkincare]

Presently I am Solo Esthetician-and loving it! 5 years ago I left a partnership of 16 years, 30+ employees and 2 locations. My ex -biz partner is much younger and we are just at different places in our lives.  Now as a solo I avoid the constant compromise, conflict and awkward conversations!  This Oct I am opening a beauty boutique to run as a separate business from my skincare studio.  That will require an employee!!!! I think I have a good one on the line. Have a happy day!

[OMGi]

I have my own space and have someone renting one of the rooms from me. When in school I didn’t like the idea of being tied to a contract and working for someone else so I got a boutique certification through state board and did approved styles to build my clientele. Once I graduated I was able to go straight into independent contracting with a solid clientele and expand my services. 

The biggest challenge is being the only one to run every aspect of my business on top of home life. Business is growing and I’m sure I’ll need to expand within the next year so keeping a good work/life balance is key for me. 

[JEHair921]

Salon! 6 chair salon to be exact.  all of my stylists are renters.  its helped my business because its less micro-managing than if they were all commission.  however, that is also a negative because its difficult to give them direction since technically they are not employed by me.  

[Jackwyatt]

That sounds like a relaxing weekend! I did something similar—last weekend I treated myself to a Head Spa and a Manicure at Ethos Day Spa. It was the perfect reset. I’ve been going there for Hair Color, Lash Extensions, Lash Lift/Tint & Brow Lamination, and more. Highly recommend if anyone’s looking to unwind and feel refreshed.

Hope more people share—it's fun to see how everyone spends their weekends!

[Bronze_Palms]

I own a couple of tanning salons with about 8 staff members. I preach and practice consistency which means doing a lot of the same mundane stuff we did to build the business like instagram engagement, inviting local businesses in at a reduced rate, and posting fliers.