How to know if you’re ready to go independent as a hairstylist.

How to know if you’re ready to go independent as a hairstylist.

Is it time to go independent from a commission position?

As a commission stylist, you may have often thought about going independent, renting a suite or starting your own salon or. While the idea of being your own boss and having more control over your career may be enticing, it’s important to know when the right time to make the transition is. We broke down eight points to help you determine if it’s the right time to go independent as a stylist or if you should wait.

Consistency In Income

One of the biggest concerns when starting your own salon is consistency in income. As a commission stylist, you are paid a set amount by your employer, regardless of how busy the salon is in most cases. However, when you start your own salon, your income is directly tied to how busy you are. It’s important to have a consistent flow of clients before you make the transition to ensure that you can support yourself financially. We recommend a pre booked rate of 70% as a minimum.

Client Base

Before you make the transition to being an independent stylist, it’s important to have a solid client base. This means having a regular flow of clients who trust you and are willing to follow you to your new salon space. Building a loyal client base takes time, so make sure that you have put in the effort to do so before making the transition. Making sure you have clients who are also comfortable with a price increase is extremely important, as your operating cost will be high. There is no magical number to how many clients you “should have” as each stylists works at different time paces, offers different services and specialities. A barber may need a client base of 300 while a hairstylist could need 150 if their services are high time and high price.

Financial Stability

Starting your own business requires an initial investment of money. You’ll need to pay for rent, equipment, supplies, and other expenses before you start seeing a return on your investment. It’s important to have a financial cushion before making the transition, such as savings or another source of income to support you during the initial stages. Having a security savings of 3 months rent and 3 months of average color cost is strongly suggested. Having proper insurance is crucial, if you are unable to work, or to cover damages, you must protect your self properly.

Location

Location is a crucial factor when it comes to starting your own in a suite. You need to make sure that you are in an area that is accessible and visible to current and potential clients. Before making the transition, do your research and scout out different locations to ensure that you are in the best possible spot for your salon. Is there parking? Is it a safe area? Is it a popular area with other amenities? Aim to stay no more then 30 minutes from your current location if you wish to keep the majority of your clientele.

Competition

Another factor to consider is competition. Are there already established stylists or salons in the area that offer similar services? If so, it may be more difficult to build a client base if you are moving farther than your current location. Consider the competition before making the transition and determine if there is a need for your services in the area.

Time Management

Being an independent stylist means that you are responsible for all aspects of your business, including scheduling appointments, managing inventory, and handling finances. It’s important to have strong time management skills to ensure that you are able to handle all of these tasks effectively. You must consider the time to takes to clean your suite, maintain your social medias, gather product from distributors, as so on. Many people think going independent will create more freedom, which can be true if you are organized.

Marketing Skills

Marketing is essential when starting your own salon. You need to be able to market yourself and your services effectively to attract new clients. Before making the transition, make sure that you have a solid understanding of marketing techniques and are comfortable with promoting yourself and your salon. Marketing is more than posting on social media. You have to create a brand, an image, upkeep all socials, maintain Google My Business all while working behind the chair.

Passion and Drive

Finally, it’s important to have a passion for what you do and the drive to make your salon successful. Starting your own business requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Before making the transition, make sure that you are ready to put in the time and effort required to make your salon a success. We often see online all the glitz and glamour, but it is important to think behind the scenes.

There are many factors to consider before making the transition from a commission stylist to an independent stylist. While the idea of being your own boss may be enticing, it’s important to ensure that you are financially stable, have a solid client base, and have the necessary skills and drive to make your salon a success. By considering these eight points, you can determine if it’s the right time for you to make the transition or if you should wait.

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