Like many people today, I live a very stressful life and when I am not at work, I am always busy caring for my two young children. One day, I decided to get a massage at a local spa to ease my sore, aching muscles. Once I entered the salon, I realized they had a great half-day package deal that also included a manicure, pedicure, and a body wrap. I decided to go for the package and I found the experience very relaxing. My stress virtually melted away and I now take time to visit the spa every month to enjoy the package. I am eager to share my experiences with salons and spas with others who want to learn more about what they have to offer on my new blog!
Opening your own hair salon gives you the chance to make people feel beautiful on a daily basis. Such a business also comes with some challenges, especially if you're just starting out. Make sure your hair salon stays profitable and successful by preparing in the following ways.
Choose the Right Location
One of the first decisions you'll need to make is where your hair salon will be located. Ideally, you want a place that is highly visible to people as they pass by. Consider areas on the corner of busy streets, near highways, or in a shopping plaza. Basically, the more activity an area gets, the better your chances are of gaining new customers and attracting walk-ins.
You also want your hair salon to be easily accessible to as many people as possible, which might mean setting up shop in the center of town.
Join a Trade Organization
Starting out, you may not know much about owning a salon. Trade organizations can provide insightful information that helps you plan appropriately. Some topics they can provide knowledge on include marketing, HR, budgeting, and equipment maintenance.
There are plenty of business blueprints you can access as well, which have been researched and analyzed by the trade organization already. This takes away some of the guess-work, so you can start a profitable salon as soon as possible.
Compensation models are also broken down, and you can choose one that works for the services you offer. Lastly, these organizations host annual events, where you can learn the latest industry trends that help your salon stay relevant in an ever-changing market.
Hire the Right Employees
The type of experience your customers have is directly correlated with the staff you hire. Hair stylists and receptionists need to be friendly and possess interpersonal skills, as salons live and die by the rapport they build with customers.
Start by asking for recommendations, focusing on professionals who are experienced and have obtained the proper licenses. Even if employees have never worked in the industry before, a passion for cutting and styling hair can more than make up for inexperience. The same can be said for employees who are loyal. Look for individuals who will remain loyal to the salon for years, possibly decades, down the road.
Starting your own hair salon may be a dream you've had for a long time. Make sure it doesn't turn into a nightmare by knowing how this industry works, inside and out, and planning correctly. To learn more, contact a hair salon like Just Hair 101.
Share5 December 2017
