Moving On From The Salon

How Do I Know If I’m Ready?

The transition from working at a salon or spa to being your own boss with your own space is a tricky one. Does it make financial sense? Will my clients follow me? Am I ready to be responsible for my own future? If you’ve considered getting started on your own but you’re worried about what might happen next, you’re not alone. Here are five key signs to tell you if you’re ready to take the plunge:

You’re Fully Booked

If your calendar is full, that’s one of the best signs that you’re ready to be your own boss. Having an extensive client list means you’re in demand, and those clients are probably happy to shout from the rooftops about you to their family and friends. One of the best parts about running your own show is being able to control your schedule. With plenty of clients, you can work when you want and how you want without anyone telling you otherwise. 

You’re Motivated

Being busy in a salon or spa is one thing, but being in charge of your own business is quite another. The freedom of being your own boss is truly amazing, but it takes work to get there. In addition to the actual job itself, you’re also responsible for your own marketing, accounting, management, and customer experience. Think about the feeling of being in charge of your own business and make sure it excites you in both opportunity and challenge. 

You Know Your Money

If you’re going to go out on your own, you need to understand your weekly gross income and how that relates to your expenses. You need to make sure that your incomings are about 70% more than your outgoings and you should have some concrete ideas on how to build out better margins or develop additional revenue streams. If this all sounds foreign to you, a good small business accountant or a business mentor can help. 

You’re Ready to Build Your Brand

A huge part of owning your own business is self-promotion, which can feel a bit uncomfortable for many people. As a business owner, you’re now in charge of bringing in new customers and creating an environment that excites people. You’ll also need to know a thing or two about branding, advertising, and marketing, which is a big part of what we offer at Briary Salon Suites. Having a strong knowledge of how to showcase your skills will give you a leg up in those crucial early days. 

You’re Excited About Growth

For many people, there isn’t much room to move up and earn more as a stylist in a salon or an aesthetician in a spa. As a business owner, the possibilities are endless. Consider carving out a niche to attract a wider audience and hone in on the favorite aspects of your talent. This is a great way to make coming to work every day exciting and to foster a deeper connection with your ever-expanding skillset. 

Talia Horta is the co-founder of BriAry Salon Suites, a collection of boutique luxury spaces designed specifically for beauty business owners. BriAry Salon Suites offers rentals as well as business mentoring and coaching to help stylists, aestheticians, and technicians navigate the world of entrepreneurship. www.briarysalonsuites.com