QUESTIONS re: Business Setup

I sincerely appreciate the responses to my previous questions, and I have just a few more. I’m trying to get a visual of what’s acceptable for a home-based skin care business. I’ve received the requirements from TDLR, and though the information is pretty clear to me, some of the areas are a bit gray.

So, here are my questions:

Are any of your spas/studios/salons based directly inside of your homes, for example the front or back areas of your homes?
Are your studios/spas/salons located on your properties, but housed in a separate building?
If your businesses are located inside the home, are your clients ever exposed to your personal space or is that area sealed off?

I realize these are many questions, but I’m just trying to get an idea of how other skincare professionals have setup their home-based businesses. Please let me know if you’d rather speak/communicate offline and you can simply email me directly.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Renee Knipp on March 20, 2013 at 6:29am

My studio is located inside my home on the lower level. I do have a separate entrance so my clients do not see any personal space at all. I feel that it is important to try to keep it as separate as possible if you have that option. Besides...if you don't have a chance to get the dishes done in the morning...they can't see that!! :)

Permalink Reply by Lugenia's Skincare Studio on March 20, 2013 at 6:49am

Thanks so much for responding Renee! I most definitely understand. That sounds like a great setup!

Permalink Reply by Lugenia's Skincare Studio on March 20, 2013 at 10:27am

Hey fellow skin care professionals, I really need y'alls help! Please review my post regarding home-based businesses set up. I'm seriously trying to determine if my desired setup is ideal. Please guys, I need your help today! Thanks so much!

Permalink Reply by Susan Lujan on March 20, 2013 at 11:00am

My acne/skin care clinic is set up within my home. My clients never see my personal space. The master bedroom has a separte entrance and a private dressing area and bath. So being that it's just my husband and I we moved into one of our other bedrooms and turned the master suite into my clinic. It has a private patio off it and we pored a concrete sidewalk out front of the house from the sidewalk infront of the house up to the sidewalk on side of house that follows all the way to the private patio. We installed a pretty iron gate and I put a small sign out 15 mins before my client is to arrive to direct them to come in and another welcome sign hangs from the fascha board and signage actually on the door to the clinic. We have that whole front and side of the house lit up like daylight at night when I have a client. My clinic has state board approval as it met all requirements. (Separate restroom, dressing area, entrance, ventilation, etc. Nothing is in this space that is personal. The bedroom/clinic door that would open into the hallway of my home remains closed at all times and on the inside of the door I have a mural so my clients don't even know there is a door there that opens into my home. I have a small reception/consultation area. My clients when they walk into the clinic dont even realize that they are actually in my home. They think it is a separtate building. I have a large water fountain in the center of the back yard which sounds so relaxing. I have placed potted palm trees around the patio to the clinic to block off the view to the rest of the yard and main patio to our home. Once we had four dogs but they have all passed away so this arrangement is doable. However if you have a dog or dogs it very well could be rather hard to have a home-based business. I do know estheticians who have casitas/studios in their back yards who have turned these into their skin care businesses which worked out great for them as well. Hope this answered your questions. Wishing you much success! Susan

Permalink Reply by Lugenia's Skincare Studio on March 20, 2013 at 11:20am

Thank you so much Susan! Your setup sounds close to what we're hoping to do. We actually have four entryways, including the front door, and two empty rooms plus a share bathroom in the front of the house. Now, this is the area that I'd like to use. Any thoughts and/or suggestions?

Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Susan Lujan on March 20, 2013 at 11:33am

Ok, I am trying to attach link to picture gallery of my home-based clinic. Hope you are able to open. Will try another way if not. My website is down temporarily.

http://preview.thefacialroom.vpweb.com/Picture-Gallery.html?alt_id=...

Permalink Reply by Lugenia's Skincare Studio on March 20, 2013 at 11:50am

Susan, your place is truly nice, and I love the way you've used curtains throughout the design! Did you have your sign made or did you guys create it yourselves? It's lovely! Thanks so much for sharing! I probably sound like a broken record, but I sincerely appreciate your input! :-)

Permalink Reply by Lugenia's Skincare Studio on March 21, 2013 at 9:23pm

Hi Estys, I’m still reaching out…and hoping for more replies! Thanks to those who did reply and share! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Please read over my original posting “Questions re: Business Setup.” I’m sure that others would benefit and appreciate any information you provide as well.