Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kyle Guenther on June 3, 2013 at 7:22pm

I recently graduated and will be taking boards in a week and a half, I am planning a big "Spa Night" theme event right after I finish my boards. I'm making tons of flyers and I will be handing them out to people in my building (I live in a condo). You could totally go door to door with neighbors, have music, food, conduct mini facials, have lots of skincare samples and tips/tricks. I'm going to make "Summer Skin Bags" that will have lots of things like loofahs (.99) and sunscreen samples along with candy/my business card and other goodies. Make it fun and have everyone sign in with their name and number so you can keep track even after everyone leaves. 

Hope this helps! 

Good luck! <3 =)

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Johnston on June 3, 2013 at 8:00pm

Having a home based business is all about your comfort and confidence level. I have up to 20 people a day come through my home for services. Mainly female clients but some males who I book only during specified times (when my husband is home) I have a monthly ad that runs in a local women's magazine. Used to have my website on my truck when I first started out. (never put your phone number on a vehicle!!) My website (waxbitch) specifies what type of salon I am. No walk ins, by appointment only, set hours and days. We have security cameras (installed ourselves) in living room area/waiting room and one that faces the deck and driveway. (we used it to figure out who left their coat but no one has done anything criminal to make us have to look at the camera footage) Electronic ding that lets me know when someone pulls in driveway and comes to front door. In the last 6 years I have had no problem with strangers coming to my home salon. I live in a small  subdivision out in the country so people have to drive to get to my location. No walk by traffic. It works for me. If you are too squirrely about who comes to your home based business you may not be giving out the vibe that you really 'want' clients in your home. I would stick to just female clientele, unless its the husband/boyfriend of a client. In the end do what is most comfortable to you for your own peace of mind and security.

Permalink Reply by Lugenia's Skincare Studio on June 3, 2013 at 9:38pm

Jennifer thanks for sharing... I'm moving my studio from a salon to a home-based business, and I'm really looking forward to it. Your business is truly successful, and I’m praying that I will be able to do the same. Thanks again for sharing!

Permalink Reply by Janie Moorehead on April 5, 2014 at 6:51pm

Jennifer, you have some great ideas and congratulations on your success! I do plan to have a part time home spa on the side. I am a RN attending esthetics school. I have plenty of space at our home. Does your state require you to have a separate entrance for your spa? I am only interested in doing facials and lashes and no male clients. I am just starting to look into what all it is going to require and I will need to get started at the Med Spa job before even getting this going. Good job on all you have done : )

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Johnston on April 5, 2014 at 7:59pm

thank you! I don't have a separate entrance (nor need to for licensing reasons) but in a perfect world it would have been nice. My salon is on the main floor of my house and was originally a master suite with its own bathroom.  I've made my entrance way and living room, professional, tranquil and inviting. Works perfect as my waiting area and in the evening a place for my hubby and i to hang out. I think some new clients are always pleasantly surprised when they come to me because I think they are imagining in a home salon that you are going to clear some clothes off your bed to do a treatment!!

Permalink Reply by Janie Moorehead on April 5, 2014 at 6:43pm

Hi Dana. Maybe it was a competitor trying to get your prices. I don't have any experience with this as I am still in school. I do plan to start a home spa on the side along with working at a Med Spa. I wish you all the best but do be careful. Maybe you should stick with friend referrals for now and offer incentives to friends that bring you new clientele.

Permalink Reply by Paulette Banoza on June 5, 2014 at 8:56am

Dana, ditto for me on this question.  I am moving from CA to TX and I'm concerned on how to build my business.  I am in a commercial building here and over the last four years have built my business quite well, using groupon, living social, etc, word of mouth and various ads.  I just wonder if that works for a salon in my home.

Permalink Reply by Pamela Chiarizzi on August 1, 2014 at 4:32am

Welcome!! I'm late on this post, sorry. I have a tight budget for marketing, so I create my own brochures, print them out using good quality paper. Investment is in the inks and paper for now. However, I do use VISTAPRINTS. They always have great sales 250 cards for 10 bucks! Postcards are great to print using card stock paper or lighter (Walmart, staples etc.)

OK ...facebook. ... Look into your community Facebook groups, such as "school district MOMS" for example, mine is "Three Village Moms" some groups will allow you to post your FB skincare page (some once a day, some once a week)  I've have gotten a few bites for Prom and wedding makeup! And while they're in my studio for makeup trial, what better way to get them on the chair for analysis!  I think when school start in September, MOMS will be wanting some pampering. Plan a grand opening (invites only or bring a friend or two. Pick out a name from a hat, and that person can be your model for demos. Hand out refferral cards ... with "to:__________  & From:_________. The person referred to, should present that card (ex. $25 towards a full facial) w/ the person referring person's name, put it in her file, so when she comes for her appt. she gets $25 off that service.    As for the phone calls, you may get plenty of them ...even texts! But don't let that get to you. Someone in the business may want to see if they have a competition. Be cautious tho. Don't refuse a service, try to make appts when someone is home. If you don't have a camera installed, put up a phony one .... not laughing, seriously  ...lol  Good Luck :)