Do you dream of opening your own salon – but you don’t know where to begin? You’re not alone. Most small business owners, regardless of industry, face the same challenge. Although starting your own business can be intimidating, don’t let the anxiety you’re feeling stand in the way of living your dream. All you need to help you get started is some supportive guidance.
Below, we’ll walk you through the six steps you need to take to successfully open your own salon!
Step #1: Develop Your Business Plan
When you’re starting a new business from the ground up, you need a sturdy foundation. Your business plan will provide you with that foundation.
Your business plan is the written document that you will create. In it, you’ll define your business model, identify your main objectives, and outline the actions you’ll need to take in order to achieve your business goals.
Your salon business plan should include the following information:
- An executive summary (an outline of your entire business plan)
- A financial plan (determining the amount of money your salon will need to operate)
- A management plan (an overview of the salon’s hierarchy that defines the role and responsibilities of each respective employee)
- A marketing strategy (identifying your core customer base, establishing how you will engage with your potential customers, and demonstrating how you will convert them to loyal clients)
Step #2: Satisfy All Legal Requirements
Once you’ve developed your business plan, it’s time to satisfy all of the legal requirements needed to open your salon. Like any business, you’ll need to register your salon with state and local governments. This is necessary because you’ll need these registrations in order to secure the required state and federal tax IDs for your salon. More commonly referred to as the Employer Identification Number (EIN), these tax IDs permit your salon to pay local, state and federal taxes.
In addition to these tax-related requirements, you’ll also need to secure all of the necessary permits and licenses for opening a salon in your state. These permits and licenses may include such items as your cosmetology license, certificate of occupancy, business license, and insurance. Since these licenses, certificates and permits can vary from state-to-state, we recommend consulting with a legal expert to ensure that your salon is in compliance with all business laws.
Step #3: Find the Right Location
After you’ve completed the various legal requirements for opening a salon, it’s time to find a location for your business. If you’re lucky, you may find an existing salon that requires very little renovation and is in a great location.
However, you may find a great space in a high-traffic area that needs to be transformed into a salon. If that is the case, you’ll need to work with a professional contractor to renovate your leased property to accommodate your equipment and design needs. They’ll work with you to develop a salon layout that makes the best use of the space, accommodates your professional needs and creates that welcoming atmosphere you want to provide to your clients.
Step #4: Purchase Salon Equipment and Furniture
You have the plan, the permits and the building. Now it’s time to start making your property look like a proper salon. Determine how many stations, chairs, sinks and additional pieces of salon equipment you’ll need to accommodate your professional needs. Don’t forget to factor in any tables, chairs, decor and accessories you’ll need for your reception and waiting area.
Step #5: Hire Your Salon Staff
Now that your salon is prepared for daily operations you’ll need to hire stylists to staff your establishment. This is where your management plan will come into action. By using your management plan as the foundation for your hiring process, you’ll be able to select qualified candidates who meet the requirements and responsibilities of the respective available positions. Having this management plan in place will ensure that your hiring process is more efficient and effective. That way you’re one step closer to opening your salon!
Step #6: Spread the Word
Your salon is equipped, staffed and ready to open its doors. The only thing left to do is let your targeted audience know that your salon exists. Using your marketing plan as your guide, you can spread the word by registering a domain name and creating a website for your salon. Once your site is active, it’s time to establish a presence on social media and run some targeted ads on these platforms that drive traffic to your site. You can also rely on your network of professional acquaintances, vendors, and neighboring businesses to help build awareness of your new salon.
Opening a salon is a lot of work for one person—that’s why the experts at Salon Search Party are here to help! Our team has the industry knowledge and business skills necessary to help you achieve your dream of opening and operating your own salon. Whether you need assistance with every step listed above or just one part of the process, our experts can make it happen for you. Contact us today to take the next step to achieving your dream of salon ownership!