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Renting a space in a larger business means working as an
independent operator. You set your own hours, prices, and
services offered, and obtain your own supplies and possibly
your own equipment. You pay a rental for your space and
you're also responsible for handling your expenses, taxes, and
other accounting matters. What you don't have to deal with
is finding and procuring a physical space, hiring and training
employees, and the slow, laborious process of brand building.
Renting a salon suite is another option. Salon suites
are one of the fastest-growing segments of the salon
industry and a smart option, as you have your own space
without the risks and large upfront costs that come with
a traditional salon. Franchises like Phenix Salons and
My Salon Suite are like office buildings, but with suites
appointed specifically for beauty professionals. As a renter,
you pay a flat monthly rental fee, move into the space,
and run your own business. Plus, you'll be surrounded by
complementary businesses, which offers the opportunity
to do some serious cross-promotions that help everyone.
With either option, your steady clients might be sufficient
to cover your costs, and you can always add to your list by
marketing yourself on social media and offering your current
clients a referral fee. With minimal operating costs and the
freedom to focus mainly on clients instead of financial or
management duties, these options give the savvy esthetician
the chance to enjoy both independence and security.
HAVE NO FEAR
If you've ever dreamed of setting out on your own,
don't let a fear of flying keep you grounded. Whether
you hitch a ride on someone else's plane or take control
of the yoke yourself, you might enjoy the scenery
so much that you never come back down.
Notes
1. Lisa Starr, "Dream to Reality: How Much Does It
Really Cost to Open a Spa?," accessed March 2020,
www.mindbodyonline.com/education/blog/dream-
reality-how-much-does-it-really-cost-open-spa.
2. Mary Nielson, "Leasing vs. Buying New Salon or Spa
Equipment," accessed March 2020, www.miladypro.
com/home/skin/b/treatments/archive/2018/03/21/
leasing-vs-buying-new-salon-or-spa-equipment.
3. Shanika Chapman, "What Is Needed to Get Started in the
Spa Business?," accessed March 2020, https://smallbusiness.
chron.com/needed-started-spa-business-2375.html.
4. IBIS World, "Health & Wellness Spas in the US Number
of Businesses 2005–2026," accessed March 2020,
www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-
businesses/health-wellness-spas-united-states.
Mobile Spa Business
Another option for running a spa on a small budget
is as close as your own driveway. For those who
would rather avoid the hassles of a brick-and-mortar
business, a mobile spa could be a much easier—and
more affordable—direction to take.
The mobile esthetician's selling point is
convenience. You go to the client instead of them
coming to you, which saves your client a trip
and eliminates overhead on your part. Besides
your various licenses, all you need is reliable
transportation and a bag or rolling suitcase for
carrying your supplies. And, if you travel in a van
or other large vehicle with water and electricity
hookups, your transportation can also serve as your
treatment room.
The secret to success as a mobile spa owner is to
minimize travel time. Whenever possible, schedule
clients who live or work in the same area with
back-to-back appointments. Another good option is
scheduling group treatments at a central location,
giving you the chance to see several clients while
only making one trip.
