Salon-Based vs Home-Based vs Booth Rental Lash Artists: Weighing the Pros and Cons
L. Lash Bar & Brows in Edmonton
When starting as a lash artist or technician, you might wonder if you need to find an existing salon to work from, rent a salon or booth, or do it from home. Whether you're just starting or looking to switch things up, understanding the pros and cons of each setting is crucial. Let's explore the differences between working in a salon, working from home, or renting a booth.
Home-Based Lash Artist
Pros:
Flexibility: Working from home offers unmatched flexibility in terms of scheduling and work-life balance. You can create your own schedule to fit your needs, have your kids play in the next room and watch them via a camera, etc.
Cost-Effective: With no rent or commission fees, you can keep more of your earnings and invest in your business. Plus there is less transport costs.
Comfortable Setting: A home environment can create a relaxed atmosphere for both you and your clients. When I started, I started at my apartment in Paris, and some clients mentioned how much they loved it because they could see the warmth, the ambiance, and the aesthetics of a Parisian apartment, which is unmatched!
Lower Start-Up Costs: You don't have to worry about remodeling, adding signage, adding walls of separation, etc., as you would when taking a space and turning it into a lash salon. All you need is a spare room or even your living room, a lash bed and chair, a table, and your supplies.
No Lost Time: You don't have to travel for work, so your commuting time is basically zero, which means you have more time for other more important things to do for your company. Also, if a client cancels on you, you lose some potential money, but you can go back to another room at home to do whatever you want, like watching TV, cleaning, or organizing your inventory.
Cons:
Limited Space: Home setups might lack the professional appeal and space that some clients expect. Many clients may also see it as less sterile than a salon because of pets and children.
Zoning Regulations: Operating a business from home may require compliance with local zoning laws and regulations. Some places require a separate entrance for customers and a dedicated (separate) washroom.
Marketing Challenges: Without the foot traffic of a salon, you'll need to invest more in marketing to attract clients. It is also risky to put out your home address for everyone to see online, so some clients might not book because they would like to know precisely where it is before even considering contacting you for bookings.
Less Secure: Some clients might also feel audacious enough to return outside work hours to have you "fix a quick lash here and there." I had a lash friend who also used her apartment in Paris to lash from, and she had a client steal some of her expensive face creams (I think it was La Mer). In another instance, a disgruntled client was tired of waiting for her to finish with the client she was working on, so she rang all her neighbor's doorbells… like the whole building.. just because she was bored and upset!
Blend Makeup Salon
Salon-Based Lash Artist
Pros:
Independence: Having your own salon gives you the freedom to set your own prices, schedule, branding, marketing, etc., and choose the products you use. You can control the customer's experience from start to finish to make sure it is as pleasurable as possible.
Professional Environment: Working in a salon provides a professional setting that can enhance your credibility and attract clients who prefer a more formal atmosphere.
Walk-In Clients: Salons are often located in places with higher foot traffic, which can lead to more walk-in clients and opportunities to build your clientele.
Shared Resources: If you share the salon with other beauty professionals, you can share resources like marketing, booking systems, and utilities, which can reduce overhead costs and administrative burdens.
Networking Opportunities: Being part of a salon team allows for collaboration and learning from other beauty professionals. Sometimes, you can even exchange services for free!
Cons:
High Start-up Costs: Not only will you have to pay rent, but you'll also have to pay utilities, taxes, etc. And sometimes, you'll even want to renovate it to make it look exactly how you dreamed it would be.
Slow Growing: If you're starting out and do not have a steady stream of clients already, it may be hard to make a profit as the overhead costs may be more than the revenues at the beginning.
Hard to Enter & Exit: To buy or rent a commercial space, you will need to provide a lot of paperwork that all the other formats do not require. Renting a commercial space typically incurs a minimum lease of three years. This means that if you want to change your mind in six months or later, you'll either have to break your lease or find someone else to sublet it. Either way, this format is the hardest to enter and the hardest to exit.
Blink Beautique
Booth Rental Lash Artist
Pros:
Independence: Renting a booth allows you to set your own prices, schedule, and choose the products you use most of the time.
Professional Setting: You can enjoy the professional environment of a salon without the constraints of being an employee.
Networking: Like booth rental artists, you have opportunities to network with other beauty professionals, which can lead to more bookings.
Client Base: Being in a salon with other professionals can help attract clients who are visiting for different services.
Cons:
Rental Costs: Booth rental can be expensive, and you'll need to ensure you have enough clients to cover the costs.
Administrative Responsibilities: You'll be responsible for managing your own bookings, marketing, and supplies.
Shared Space: While you have your own booth, you'll still be sharing the salon space, which can sometimes lead to conflicts or distractions.
Salon Employee
Pros
Professional Environment: As mentioned above, working in a salon provides a professional setting that can enhance your credibility and attract clients who prefer a more formal atmosphere.
Walk-In Clients: Salons are often located in places with higher foot traffic, which can lead to more walk-in clients and opportunities to build your clientele. Plus, usually, you don't have to worry too much about bookings as the salon takes care of that for you with their own marketing.
Low Start-Up Costs: You don't have to worry about overhead costs such as utilities, legal, or administrative costs, as that is all taken care of by the salon. Some salons may even provide you with the lash supplies so they are consistent with what other lash artists use, so you won't even need to worry about the lashes or glues!
Networking Opportunities: As mentioned above, being part of a salon team allows for collaboration and learning from other beauty professionals. Most of the time, they even exchange services for free when there are no clients.
Cons:
Less Control: You may have less control over your schedule, pricing, and the products you use, as these are often dictated by the salon.
Commission-Based Pay: Many salons operate on a commission basis, which might limit your earning potential compared to other setups.
Competition: Sharing a space with other lash artists can lead to competition for clients within the salon.
Conclusion
Each setting offers unique advantages and challenges. Your choice should align with your personal preferences, career goals, and financial situation. Whether you thrive in the structured environment of a salon, the comfort of a home setup, or the independence of a booth rental, there's a perfect fit for every lash artist. Consider your priorities and make the choice that best supports your professional journey.
What do you think would work best for you or your business? Comment below!