As a cosmetologist, nail technician, esthetician, beauty supplies salesperson, and other jobs within the beauty field, you have the opportunity to work for yourself. You can easily rent a chair at a salon, work as an independent contractor, or even open your own salon or business. Being your own boss gives you flexibility, and you can often make more money than if you work as an employee.
Although owning your own business is a lucrative opportunity, and many beauty students’ dream, to succeed as a beauty entrepreneur, you need more than just incredible talent and great people skills.
The Importance of a Professional Network
Before starting your new beauty business, you need to develop a solid professional network. This is something you can start in cosmetology school, or even before. You should not only find people within your own industry, but you should also talk with others in associated industries. You may also find helpful and beneficial advice from those in completely different fields. For example, you may get some invaluable advice on running your own company from someone who works in business.
Start building a professional network while in beauty school.
You can start building your network with the people you already know, including your friends, family, fellow students, and co-workers. Once you have your cosmetology license and begin working, you should attend local networking events and continuing education courses to continue to build your network.
Don’t Be Afraid of Change
Throughout the life of your company, you should never be afraid of change. Although you should have a solid foundation on which to work, you also need to be able to adjust and evolve, especially when new ideas, lucrative opportunities, and new technology presents itself. Before jumping into something new, you should always research and thoroughly evaluate it; however, you should avoid saying no just because it is something new and different.
You may find your plan having to change over time.
You also need to be flexible and agile. You may have to use one particular method for success in one area of the business, and another one for a different area. You may also have to change up your business tactics or strategies as the business grows and changes. Try not to get too hung up on doing things a certain way just because that is what worked in the past.
Remember Customer Service
If you plan to build and grow, you will need to provide a good customer experience. You also need to build trust, according to Forbes. If you plan to open a salon, then you will need customers to trust they will get an excellent hair cut or style from you or your employees. If your goal is to sell supplies, then you will also need to gain your customers’ trust. They will need to feel comfortable sharing personal information with you, as well as feel confident in the quality of the product.
Success Takes Time
If you want to be a beauty entrepreneur, you need to remember that most successes do not happen overnight. You will have to put in the work, and it may take you several years before you achieve even the first major step in your plan. However, that does not mean that you cannot always be working for your goal.
Don’t get discouraged with the time it may take to finally branch out on your own.
When you first leave school, you should put in the time and effort at any of the salons where you work. This will help you to build a loyal customer base that you may be able to take with you when you go. Additionally, you should build a relationship with your boss and other veteran workers. They can provide advice that may just help you to reach your goals faster.
Once you finally embark on your own, you also need to be patient. Opening and running your own business takes a lot of effort, and it may take months or years for you to really achieve the success you want. To make it more manageable, make smaller goals along the way that help you achieve your overall goal. Additionally, you should focus on why you wanted to open your business, rather than just profits and growth. This will help you through the darkest periods. According to Richard Branson in Entrepreneur, if you can make it through the tough spots and persevere, you will be the better for it.
Do not be discouraged at the first sign of defeat, and you may just find yourself finally reaching your ultimate business goal. Additionally, remember to network, adapt, and create an excellent customer experience, whether you want to own a salon, excel as an independent contractor, or sell beauty supplies.