Everything You Need to Open Your Own Salon
You've finally decided to follow your dreams and open your own beauty salon after months or years of deliberation. Getting started, however, can feel more like a nightmare than a dream come true, what with choosing your business structure, mapping out plumbing, and much, much more.
The good news is that you aren't alone. It's natural to feel overwhelmed when starting a business. What's even better? To make things easier, we've put together a comprehensive guide. From selecting a name to planning your grand opening day, here are the eight steps to opening your salon!
How to Open a Salon
Our guides will walk you through every step of the process of opening your salon. The following steps will help you navigate the checklist and arrive on time for opening day:
1. Plan and Establish Your Business
From your branding to your business structure, a successful salon begins with solid business foundations. You've probably already fantasized about your brand identity, which includes everything from your salon's name to its logo and interior design. Create a brand that is cohesive, luxurious, fun, and one-of-a-kind. Then begin looking for a location where your salon would be a perfect fit.
After you've established the fun stuff, it's time to get serious about business. You'll need to create a business plan and research the requirements for opening a salon in your area, which vary by state but are listed below. Following that, you must obtain the necessary licenses in your area and apply for tax IDs. The business structure you choose will have an impact on your taxes, so do your homework before committing to anything. Always consult a tax professional before making a final decision, in addition to your own research, to ensure that you are fully aware of all tax implications involved.
2. Location & Operation Setup
After you've selected a location and signed a lease, it's time to start preparing your company for day-to-day operations. This includes designing your salon layout, laying out your electrical and plumbing, and connecting your utilities. You should begin renovations well in advance to allow for any hiccups that may arise before the grand opening.
3. Purchase Your Equipment
It's time to get started on making your dream a reality! Research and order major equipment such as shampoo sinks, styling chairs, salon stations, and more at least 8 - 12 weeks before your grand opening to allow for set up and unplanned obstacles. While some items may arrive faster than others, it is always better to be safe than sorry! Check the number of stations, sinks, and other specialty equipment you're ordering against the requirements for your salon's permitting/licensing.
4. Establish Your Core Values and Start Hiring
While you wait for the renovations and salon equipment to be completed, it's time to start hiring. But, before you post that help wanted ad, you should establish the core values of your salon.
A solid business philosophy is essential for success. What your company stands for, where you want it to go in the future, and the experience you want both customers and employees to have at your salon are your core values. When faced with difficult business decisions or unsure of what to do next, your core values will serve as a compass.
They will also assist you with the hiring process. When interviewing stylists, look for people who believe in and will support your salon's core values as it grows.
5. Install Equipment & Get Inspections
When your equipment begins to arrive, you can begin installing it and preparing for inspection. Before you begin, contact your local authorities to see if they have any resources to assist you in preparing for your inspection. This will assist you in ensuring that you are fully prepared for the inspection after everything has been installed.
As you begin installation, keep in mind to always leave plenty of time for any problems that are bound to arise, and to always use professional, licensed plumbers, electricians, and handymen for your installation.
6. Get the Word Out About Your Salon
There are a million ways to advertise your salon's opening, from social media to newspaper ads, and you'll want to use as many as you can! But, before you place any ads, make sure you have a website for your salon that is easily found on search engines.
Start spreading the word once your website is up and running. Create a Facebook page for your business, list it on Yelp, distribute flyers to coffee shops and other businesses, and advertise your salon's grand opening in the local newspaper.
7. Take Care of Finishing Touches
Opening day is quickly approaching! Now that your equipment has been installed and your renovations have been completed, it's time to get all of the details in order.
Set up your product displays, stations, and wall art, and make sure your towels match. Everything in your salon, big or small, contributes to your brand.
8. Opening Day
Your salon is prepared for the day of its grand opening—just cut the ribbon and pop the champagne!
Your salon will be prepared for success if you have fantastic stylists, solid core values, the appropriate tools, and some hard work.
Are you prepared to begin? For specialized assistance opening the salon of your dreams, get in touch with our salon furniture!
