Once you have graduated beauty school, the next question is where am I going to work? I realize I have touched on this topic a little here and there, but this thread is about what to look for and what to realize when finding that right little salon just for you. Booth renting can be an enticing option when you are craving flexibility without the responsibility of an employer dictating your schedule. Some of the perks of booth renting include taking charge of your hours, choosing your products and keeping all your earnings. On the other hand, if you are looking for an environment that provides mentorship and education, booth renting may not be the right choice for you.
One important factor to consider before booth renting is the location of the salon. Is it in a good location? Notice the streets around, what businesses are around, and what type of clientel do you think will come in based on where you are located? A salon that is located in a busy shopping area can be beneficial because your customers already frequent the area and will be more likely to swing by your salon. In addition, it offers the opportunity to network with nearby businesses who can send new clients your way. There may also be the possibility for more walk-ins. If there is another person providing the same services, find out the salon's policy for how walk-ins are assigned.
Another aspect I tend to look for is parking. Be sure to take a look at the parking situation. This is critical. If parking is difficult to come by, you may lose clients who do not want to deal with the hassle. I have been to salons that had the most badass hair dressers and nail techs. Those salons also had a good reputation, the only thing holding them back from a 5 star rating was their parking. Older clients do not want to walk, that is if they can. It can be hot here in the bootheel of Missouri so to think of walking on those hot days are simply not an option for myyself as well as others.
Consider how well you interact with the demographic that frequents the location. Do you vibe well with pampered princesses or do you bond better with "everyday people?" Do you like children? I can tell you what I DON'T deal well when it comes to client's children: I hate kids (I have a 5 year old of my own, love her to death), but other peoples kids I can't stand. I got a job as a nail tech not a baby sitting nail tech. I love my older clients, but there are a few that tend to be bossy I hate those clients. You cannot please everyone, but you can find a place of employment that will make you happy.
One HUGE factor in where I will be working is the enviornment itself. I am a team player, I am trustowrthy, and friendly. I've found others aren't the same. Working in a miserable environment takes a terrible a toll on your business and psychological state. I went to school with a good attitude, little did I know what I was walking into. The horrible enviornment took its toll on me. If it had not been for my amazing husband I don't know if I would have even made it (I would have probably quit). Beauty school is THE hardest thing I have ever done in my 28 years of living. Choose a salon with a pleasant atmosphere where you will feel comfortable. Ask how many other people are renting the same type of booth as you. Things could get competitive if there are several people with the same type of business. Are there any thieves among them? Having your stuff messed with is frustrating, and if you mess with my stuff it's a sure fire way to have it out with me and it ends by your head being ripped off.
Consider the price of the booth rental and how many clients you will need to service to make it worthwhile. Review all your expenses for the tools of the trade. Ask yourself if you are good at record keeping. You will need this information when paying your taxes. You should also be informed what the rental includes. Will you have to pay extra for laundry? Is there a secure area for your equipment?
The length of the salon owner's lease can also affect your decision. If a new owner takes over there could be many changes implemented including a rent increase. A written contract insures there are no misunderstandings between you and the owner. Everything that each side agrees to should be included in the contract.
Now I am going to let you in on a secret of mine. When scoping out a booth rental location, test out the salon for yourself as a secret shopper. People may be on their best behavior if they know you are a perspective renter. You will be able to see the dynamics of the salon from the customer's point of view. Do the people working at the salon appear happy or can you feel tension between them? Test the salon twice by having a savvy friend make an appointment for a service at another date and critique the shop for you. Make sure to let you secret shopper friend know your criteria.
Getting a job is stressful, but putting in the right work to find the exact match for you is well worth it. I enjoy doing nails, and I enjoy the art of it. I can do this every day for the rest of my life and be happy, but only if there is no immature salon drama. So it's like buying a house, take your time to find your home. A home that speaks you, and at the same time you are so happy you can't stand it.
No comments:
Post a Comment