Small Business Loan To Get Started?

Hello, I am a newly licensed esthetician 3/2011 and have yet to jump into the field. I intern at my school P/T and I am desperately wanting to go full time in this field that I am so passionate about, but have a few catches. What I would like to do is get a small business loan to aquire all of the products/machines/linens etc.. necessary to open my own treatment room. Have any of you gone through this process and have any advice? I work in the corporate world so this is a huge leap for me! Thank you in advance!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lori Taylor on July 15, 2011 at 2:06pm

Kristen I love your enthusiasm! Not sure what state you are in, I'm in California and I checked into obtaining a SBA loan and it's not quite that easy. You must have collateral in order to get the loan and you have to have about 20-30% of the amount you are asking for saved, in other words they don't give you all of what you need. The collateral part is what made me stay away from it, I wasn't willing to put my family's home on the line for a business that I was starting. Instead, what I've done is just work on a shoestring budget. I furnished my studio on used equipment that I found on Craigslist, some of my equipment is new, like the waxing heater and the facial bed. But the steamer/mag lamp, hot towel cabbie and furniture is all used. If you are creative you can make your studio/treatment room look fabulous and inviting. All my clients LOVE my studio! :) I don't mean to discourage you and maybe others have some great advice on obtaining a loan—I'd be interested in hearing it too.

Permalink Reply by Kristen Dugas on July 15, 2011 at 2:20pm

Lori~

Thank you for your advice. I am starting from scratch and really was not sure what direction I would/could go in. I am interested in a room rent situation that comes with the bed, steamer, wax pots, and mag lamp. I am just concerned about the other things needed, like a autoclace, towel steamer, all of my starting line products, towels, linens, etc... Did you find it costly to buy and find all of these at reasonable prices to get started? I do like Craigslist and look on there often for great deals, and am not opposed to being creative with the things I have on hand. Did you find your initial investment into your room costly, even buying some things used? BTW.. I live in CO, I will let you know if I come up with any loan info as in the next week I am going to talk to a banker about some possible options.

Permalink Reply by felicia medlock blair on September 14, 2011 at 1:03pm

Whatever you do don't start buying equipment yet. Just look at craigslist to see all the practiaclly new, unused spa and skincare equipment[good place to buy when you are ready!!]. Try to find a room already equipped in a salon or wellness center you can rent with no long term lease. Massage therapist are really good to team up with, they are quiet. If you go into a salon make sure it has a quiet, and private area for you to work out of. Noise will kill your business dead. Don't jump into big commitments yet until you have more exp and clients. Check out my group Neals Yard for a way to start selling products with no opening order and very little start up cost. It can also help you gain clients.