| |
Hair Salon Owner
Owning a
hair salon means more than counting the cash in the till at the end of
the day. Besides having some business savvy, you also need to
understand the basics of hair care.
"In my experience, the majority of salons have owners who are also
experienced stylists," says Lori Wiebe. She is a stylist and a partner
in a hair salon.
Jennie Bev, editor-in-chief of StyleCareer.com, agrees that the
combination is an important one.
"There are great distinctions between a hairdresser, who must possess
technical skills, and a business owner, whose entrepreneurial skills
would determine the growth of the business," she says.
"Ideally, a salon owner has what it takes to be able to distinguish
excellent hairdressers from mediocre ones. This means at least he or
she must have working knowledge of hairdressing, even though
advancement is not necessary. This skill is important in hiring the
best people for the salon."
So if you want to own a salon, learn the hairstyling side of the
business first. Plan to spend approximately three years learning your
craft and earning your license.
But while there are training programs for hairstylists, nothing like
that exists for salon owners. So you'll have to combine your
hairstyling training with at least basic courses in accounting, small
business management and marketing.
It's crucial that you write a business plan. Not only will this help
you get started, but it can also help keep you on course during the
turbulent first years. Be realistic in what you want to do and how long
you're willing to take to achieve your goals.
You can have an independent business or purchase a franchise. There are
some critical differences. One of those differences is cost.
For an independent salon, the investment can be a little or a lot. You
may choose to lease or buy a small shop, which can cost a lot. However,
many cities and towns allow home-based salons, which don't cost nearly
as much to get started. Either way, you'll need at least $3,000 to buy
equipment (i.e. chairs, sinks, mirrors, supplies, etc.).
You must also consider the fees for registering a business name and any
business taxes that may apply.
"Sometimes it is best to start out cutting hair at a salon on a
commission basis," Wiebe says.
"You can build a clientele, which then with time will sustain all the
costs incurred with owning a business. As an owner who is also an
experienced stylist, you know you will at least be generating income
from your own clientele."
If you choose the franchise route, the biggest downside can be cost. A
Regis franchise, for instance, would cost a minimum of $50,000.
However, the franchiser provides many things, such as signage,
advertising, product purchasing and decor. Another trade-off is the
lack of flexibility to do your own thing.
"The primary difference between owning a franchised salon instead of an
independent salon is that you would need to follow the agreed terms and
conditions of the franchiser," Bev says.
"If you own your own independent salon, you're free to experiment.
Freedom is always an issue, but as a franchise salon owner, you'd get
immediate recognition and it's also easier to market services."
Franchises typically offer lower prices. On the flip side, privately
owned salons usually focus on quality and personal care and will spend
much more time with each client.
Franchises often have the cash that it takes to obtain prime retail
mall locations. However, independent salons tend to become a real part
of the community in which they are located.
Wiebe, although an independent owner, sees another advantage to the
growth of franchised hair salons.
"The spread of franchises is probably good for stylists as individuals.
It offers more options of places to work. Typically, franchises are
opened in busy shopping malls, so there is good walk-in traffic for a
stylist to gain experience and -- potentially -- clientele."
And without clients, your business doesn't stand a chance. So how do
you build your customer base?
"The best way is through satisfied clients' word of mouth," Bev says.
"For a neighborhood salon, you might want to get involved in the
community to spread the word about your new business."
"Hair salons are relationship businesses and nothing can replace
word-of-mouth advertising for hair services," agrees Wiebe.
"If you have good stylists and your salon is in a good location, you
will attract clients. If the stylists do good work and are able to
connect with clients, clientele will grow. There is no quick fix for
drumming up business."
So if you have some talent with scissors, an entrepreneurial spirit,
people skills and an eagerness to learn, owning a hair salon may be
right for you. Just don't expect instant success.
"The first two years are probably the hardest, which explains why many
new salon owners close their doors," says Bev. "If you encounter
hardships during that period, don't blame anybody. Accept it as a
challenge to conquer."
"Opening a hair salon takes a lot of time and patience to see it
through to being a thriving business," says Wiebe.
"If you do not enjoy being in the hair business, it will be very
difficult for you to make it through all of the challenges. You need to
gain some experience prior to opening a hair salon so you can
understand the business and to find out if you really want to be a part
of it."
 |
Net
Sites
|
Regis Corporation Franchise Division
Get information about franchise opportunities in
North America
http://www.regisfranchise.com/
StyleCareer.com
This site gives an overview of a variety of
beauty-related careers, including hair salon ownership
http://www.stylecareer.com/hair_salon.shtml
Small Business Administration
Find out about the help that's available to get
you started
http://www.sba.gov/
|
|
Home |
Tell
Us What You
Think |
About Us |
Tell A Friend
