Room renters - did you go through this?
I worked at two different spas over the first three years of my career. There were things I liked about both but many things I didn't care for as well, and so I decided to go out on my own. I found a space in a hair/tanning salon less than a mile from my house, and I've been renting the room there for almost a year and a half now.
Because it's a small town, it's been very slow getting off the ground. I have a good group of regular clients now and typically can do around $200 in services in a week. Because of this I have a part-time side job.
I feel like all my marketing efforts don't generate my business and go through some great, very busy times and some really depressing times.
I guess I'm just wanting to hear from others who basically started from scratch like I did and hopefully hear some words of encouragement, recommendations for what helped you, etc.
I will be finishing massage school at the end of June, so I really hope that adding massage treatments will help out.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Deborah Kenney on
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I rent space and started with nothing, 5 years ago. (I moved here about 2 yrs before renting). Large salon, mostly hair stylist, a few nail techs and currently 2 other dually licensed like me and 1 esty. The salon sells Gift Certificates so that helps-we don't have alot of walk-in traffic. There have been several weeks when I haven't made rent (239 wk), starting about 3 yrs ago. Prior to that, I usually made profit-I ave. with expense about my equal to rent, so need 500 before I make profit a week. It is still not where I think it should be but...
I am a 13 yr. LMT and 1.5 yr. out of esty school. My bus is about 25% esty, mostly waxing-though that has even cut down as it did last fall/winter.
I am not very good at marketing, I belong to a local marketing group but frequently feel I need to work when it's avail. so don't always make the monthly meetings. Tried BNI but didn't feel like it was good enough to go another year with one group and started with a group (trying to get established) closer to where I work but I dropped out-just not enough interest in my services. I also donate to local charity-mostly auctions. I offer all the tenets a discounted price/$10 credit referral.
Like you I live close by, going into a more densely populated area would add a lot of time/gas and I feel I'm just as well off staying here but I have thought of moving. Takes time and patience. If you don't have interent presence I would def. start there. there's alot of older posts here you might find helpful as well. Good luck!
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Business Networking International, groups all over the country.
It's around 300 a year
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Permalink Reply by Amy Lynn Scheele on
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it takes a few years to build a solid client basevfor most estys... ive moved around a bit to find the right spot. its only been a month there, but there is a huge client base to build from. i find the best way to build is to be seen, build rapport with clients, earn trust, and offer advice when asked. put in 8 hours days, even if you dont have a single appointment in the book. off freecservice to coworkers, as they will build you up to their clients. i work with a lmt, nail tech, and hair stylist... i insist they get a monthly facial. they become a walking advert for you. also, i am happy to fetch waiting cli ents coffee or water as it builds a back anf forth between us. i also find establishments with consistant, older clientele offer stability and client retention. they have the want, need and resource to be steady. never be pushy or over sell yourself. clients naturally have interest in healthy skin, and wanting a way to get it. its the world we live in. i make small talk, get to know people, and appoingments start flowing in. i love love love my clients. and they know it. patiance and a smile....
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Permalink Reply by Mandy Neagles on
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I LOVE this! Definitely the right direction and attitude!!! You can't build business if you ARE NOT THERE!!! So many people don't realize this... I learned the hard way myself :)
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Oh gosh this is almost EVERYBODY's story girl... it doesn't matter if you are in a small town or not- you have to start somewhere and it never is easy... decide what you want to do and stick with it- are you in a place where you can go towards specialization? Or do you have to be more general? Have specials, gift with purchase, market YOURSELF as well as what you do...
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