Is an At-Home Nail Business for You?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ม.ค. 2025
- We've so many questions about starting and running at-home nail businesses, but there are some key things to understand before you do. Habib and Tracey talk about some of the realities of an at-home nail business today on The Biz Talk.
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“How do two brothers get into the nail care business?” This is the single most common question people ask us. There’s a long and rocky version but we’ll give you the short one. We have our fearless and unconventional mother, Young Salo, to thank. With a single-minded entrepreneurial spirit, she decided to start her own business at the age of 49. She had a passion for the nail industry and we did everything in our power to support her. In the end, this is a family business.
Greg, the older brother, became a licensed nail technician after switching gears from fire fighter’s training. He is energy personified and has a true passion for developing the best professional nail care products and education. Habib is the younger brother. He jumped in a few years later; taking a detour from medical school and a life in music. He brings his own creative mind for business, marketing and strategy. Unexpectedly, we are a perfect team.
Today, more than 20 years later, Young Nails Inc., is a professional nail care manufacturing company exporting to over 40 countries worldwide and distributing domestically to over 3000 stores. We’re respected for our next-level product innovation and education. Our mission is to bring you the best quality products and we’ll show you how to use them with incredible results. It’s really that simple.
Welcome to the Young Nails family!
I have a “home salon”. I really don’t like using that term, because I feel as if it’s like a duplex (I share a wall with my home), but inside it’s totally separate. Now from the outside it does look like you’re entering my home.
Personally I’ve never had someone show up without an appointment. Some clients like to stay & talk, but I kindly remind them that I have someone coming shortly. 🤪Also, I’m still a little slow on my timing so they’re others who are ready to go (no matter how great the service is). 😝
But on the door 🚪 I have the HOO & By Appointment ONLY. I also cut men’s hair.💈
I tried working in a traditional nail salon & it was highly beneficial for increasing my speed vs technical skills. But the sanitation & ethics were so bad that I was afraid I would conform under pressure and because I was/am a novice.🥺 AND I noticed that my confidence was being shaken. They treated me as if I should have been further along because of my age & because I had a license. 🤦🏾♀️
The only real con for me has been my husband’s mind-shift. When I don’t have a client he seems to think I’m not working & want to do lunch, run errands, blah blah blah. I actually do more for my business when clients aren’t in my chairs!
I’ve learned MORE from your videos than in any salon, classroom, ...💜
That makes so much sense, nice when it works out, but the downfalls are frustrating for sure.
“I’ll come by in a week or two to pay you” ummm no if you can’t pay me TODAY you do not get the service. Period. That is so important! Know your worth, and set boundaries otherwise people will walk all over you. Such a shame but true.
Exactly!
Agreed 👍🏻
I've worked and built my clientele from absolutely nothing after leaving a salon to a wonderful consistent group of women in 3 years. I had already been a stylist for 2 years providing quality service. I would say quality service is key plus a little patience to allow word of mouth to work. I worked on the other side of my home by appointment only(with no children) in a very comfortable suite that I created. Super zen and private. No acrylic just gel services. Ultimately being professional, setting boundaries, and operating like any other salon, taking deposits will set the tone.
Happy you have found what works
Hello ! I am in France, I am a tech at home for 2 years now. I struggled 6 months for having an almost full clientele. I did some boudaries mistakes and learned from each of them. My policy is long but clear and I am now very confident in this. I have a separate room in my appartment, and avle to eat lunch at home, cuddle my cat for 5 min between client. I lost lots of my clients of the time I was in a salon but I just needed to target different people. I am now fully specialize in nail art, which I charge for :) and people like this cozyness and the quiet side of coming at my place. I am friendly but strict so everything is very respectful on each side. I do not want to go to a salon or open one because I really found myself in this system. I do stay focus the whole day, at the end of that I clean everything and prepare my sets for the next day, and when I close this door, i just step in my private life in seconds. I just "choose" my client before app by texting, see how is the feeling, etc. My clientele stay for 2-4 hours depend on art level, and I would say that they would not like me to move out in a salon..
Nice! As long as you and your clients are happy that is what matters
I’m home based. I gave a separate side of my house, separated door and separate driveway. I’ve been doing nails now for 18 years and had my own salon for 5 years. We sold our home in the country Last year and decided to move into town. We searched for the perfect house to move my salon home. We are in the center of town. A grocery store, Walgreens, Dollar store and the post office is only about 300 feet away. I wanted something very convenient for my clients especially the ones who come in their lunch breaks. I stay very booked and was very blessed to not loose a single client after the move. I do not advertise my business. I do not take walk ins. I do appointments only. If I get a new client it’s by word of mouth. I’m a private person and don’t like people in my private space. So I set boundaries as soon as I moved. My prices stayed the same for the first 3 months then I raised my prices. I didn’t loose a single client. In over a year I’ve only had one person to stop by when I was of. She was just asking to make a appointment but didn’t have my number. I gave her a card and told her to call me tomorrow for a appointment. I live on a main road and have a tiny sign just big enough to pass my state inspection. I’ve never been happier. It’s peaceful no salon drama. Several of my clients have told me they like it better because it’s very relaxing. There has been several times that I may need to move someone because of a Dr appt. and have them come after I get dinner cooked. And after my husband goes to bed sometimes I go play with new products or designs or my own nails. Every situation is different. The key is to set boundaries and make them understand that it’s no different. It’s just a different location
That sounds like you have it dialed in just perfect. As long as you and your clients are happy and you have those boundaries set that is all that matters! Congrats on your success.
I would love to find a nail tech in my area with this type of set up. Separate entrance, etc. I would feel more relaxed as well as having the personal attention.
I work from home. When you mentioned clients wouldn’t feel comfortable coming to a home salon, I wouldn’t want to work with them anyway lol. If someone likes my work and wants to book with me, they should know what comes with it. A serene, quiet, relaxed, friendly home environment. Appointment only is so necessary. Boundaries are so necessary
Totally
I had been a freelance [out of my home] developer for many years before working for a company doing the same thing. Looking back, there was so much that I missed, or didn't do quite right, like proper invoicing, pricing, policy/terms and conditions, consultations with new customers, and all the other stuff that goes with EVERY business. When all you know is how to do your job, it's REALLY hard to also suddenly become the business owner too [multiple "hats"]. I highly recommend that you [no matter the industry] start as an employee of a successful business so you can learn the rest as you go. There is just so much to learn that it is best done over time with people who have already "been there" so you can save yourself from learning everything the hard way.
I’ve been working for 15 years and only 3 in a salon in a different city. I’ve never had ppl not pay, stick around, or drop by. My clients love being in my home it’s private they can talk about anything and not have it get around town. A lot of clients come to me cause they HATE salon atmosphere, or have social anxiety being around a lot of ppl. I have online booking which clearly has my hours. My prices are comparable to other salons in the area. It’s definitely do able and profitable. Ppl are shocked when I tell them how much I make at home and I get to see my kids all the time. I love it and it’s been the best for me and my family. I’m in Canada 🇨🇦
That is awesome! As long as it is working for you that is what matters!
People might feel more confident and comfortable working from home as it's probably stressful in a workplace
True
Agree
I am a hairdresser, I worked in a salon for the first year of my career. I started working from home and love it! I don’t have to answer to anyone. Not only that, I make more money, my own hours and no overhead!
I'm in the UK and had my own beauty and nail salon in my home and it worked very well, it was by appointment only and I had my own prices and business hours 👍
Nice
I’m a newly licensed cosmetologist but really love doing nails. I’m working from home because i can’t afford booth rental. I have set hours and working on building my clientele. Most clients have told me they actually love the fact that they don’t come to a salon setting where there is so many people. I am new like i said so I’m not very fast but they’ve also expressed that they also like that I take my time.
All good, as long as you and your clients are happy that is all that matters!!
I have a home salon and I set boundaries from jump and I am by appointment only which all my clients know 100%
Nice, as long as you are able to set those boundaries for yourself that's what matters
Heyyyyyyy mrs cathy
@@Cardonda11 hey girl hey!
Im starting a home salon as well but i have no client's and the area is separate from my living quarters
In my state it is very common for people to have in home salons. In fact my teacher had never worked anywhere but in her home salon for 25 years.
Nice, sometimes it works and that's awesome!
Do u have any advice along these same lines for a traveling nail tech?
Possibly another video topic
Yes. A video on this please.
Yes any advice traveling techs I usually call them mobile techs.
In my country (Barbados), home salons don’t usually phase persons, especially if you’re properly certified. The popularity of social media is actually quite helpful, since over here lots of women tend to make choices based on an individual tech’s body of work along with word of mouth.If your training is fantastic and it shows in your work, you’ll find clientele no matter where you work 😊
Nice, thank you for sharing
I work from home sometimes. I have a mobile salon its parked in front of my home in Indiana USA. I got let go from the nail salon i worked in while i was building my salon so i had no choice but to work from home while building my nail truck. Ive been a nail tech for a few years so i had a few clients that went with me. Starting over has been rough because i switched to online booking and my ladies were use to walking in anytime at my old salon. I can say that online booking has helped me so much and i dont get random clients coming to my little nail shop infront of my home. Im still building my nail truck and almost ready to hit the city streets! My clients are cool with the move. I let everyone know that my location (at my home) is temporary. Working from home like this has been rewarding to me because im a married mom of 4 and i can see my kids off to school and get them dinner a little faster than before lol. If someone had to do nails at home i highly recommend online booking to keep clients and your timing for services and business in order.
I’m in Scotland and have run very successful at home nail business for 7 years. I’ve got great clients all of whom pay at time of service and have never turned up unexpectedly . I still get the same problems of now shows and last minute cancellations but this would happen no matter where I worked. I think I’m the uk more and more people are buying garden offices to work from home. Paying rent and rates is just too expensive. I would never work in a salon now love the freedom I have at home. Much more relaxed but still keep it professional x
That's awesome for you! Thank you for sharing your experience
Yes . You have to definitely set your boundaries ASAP. It’s a struggle at first till you get everyone on the same page. I kind of had to train my clients in a way.
For sure, def takes time getting comfortable having those direct conversations
Hi! So I actually started working from home about a month ago (I’m completely new to the nail game) and what i did was offer a 2 week promotion of free nails, it got the word out about me and my work and since I’ve started charging I’ve been VERY busy lol. It helps a lot in the age of social media to market yourself in local buy/sell groups and I have been very fortunate to have some loyal clients already 🖤
I’m a military spouse so it is extremely convenient to be able to work from home seeing as moving comes with my husbands job. Thanks for the video! I am new to your channel and can’t wait to try out some of your products soon! I currently only do Apres gel-x but am considering implementing acrylic because I absolutely love the way encapsulated nails look and don’t feel like you can get the same effect while using soft gel extensions. Have you heard of them? What are your thoughts?
Yep we have heard of them, however that is not a product of ours so we don't like to speak on them. :) If it is working for you that is really all that matters.
I have my home nail salon. Boundaries are set. Separate entrance,toilet etc. The best part if the client want to do nails at 5am . We do it! 1 pm my day is over. Best experience for me.
Nice, sounds like you've got it dialed in!
Loved this as I was going to be looking into running my own at home salon now I am goimg to be in Canada but all this information and help is great! I cannot thank young nails enough for helping me with my nail career 💕
Happy you found value in it.
I'm also in Alberta Canada, and trying to get as much information as I can. I'm going to school next month and hoping to start my own home based business.
I work from home in the UK and have a full time client base. 100% by booking only. It works well for me. This is very common here and growing. People wouldn’t dream of just rocking up to my house expecting an appointment it’s not the done thing. I choose my hours/ days and people especially with busy lives find it more convenient and less expensive than a traditional salon, I also have parking for them on my drive. I offer late evening bookings twice a week which works really well for professionals coming after work. Boundaries are in place. I do their nails and they leave, simple as that, no hanging around as they respect it’s a business I’m running. I have a four bedroom house and one of my bedrooms is converted into a salon. Another popular thing over here is garden salons that people build in their back gardens. It’s something I’m considering for the future. Rent and business rates in the UK are extortionate and with the rise of social media it’s so easy to market yourself and your business. It’s the way the industry is going now.
Nice, all solid information thanks for sharing
I work from home I have a clientele but I accept new clients left and right and they never mind especially when they see your work and they really want that set they don’t mind if it’s at my house most of my clients say I rather go to ur house they like that 1 on 1 people will support your career those who don’t don’t worry there’s always gonna be new clients that will that’s just my advice if you want something do it 💯
Solid advice. Thank you for your feedback.
6 years in the salon I have many successful friends making it by doing it at home a few clients came to me and asked me to do mobile and go to their home and a few of my clients love this atmosphere and it pays me well.
Im moving to a new home and it has huge yard where Im going to build my nail salon on. Very excited! I would definitely prefer the salon separated from the house though. Seems like its much more professional, and more secured than having people walking in and out of your house.
Makes sense
Hi! I would really love to speak to this. I am a licensed cosmetologist and I've been running my business out of my home now for 8yrs now as a hair braider. The rules are different for braiding hair because in cali its not under the jurisdiction of the cosmo license its self. However I still set my rules the same as if I was in a shop. I've been doing hair overall 26 yrs, worked in four different salons across the bay area. I left to have a peace of mind. Working from home does have its barriers and you have to set your standards and rules from jump because clients will treat you as if this is just your hobby. Pricing is one of them. Some clients feel they shouldn't pay as much as getting service in the shop. The only thing I disagree on is the overhead. I still pay out of pocket expenses for my products so I need to be able to charge a certain amount to break even. And even though I don't have to, I have to explain pricing to my clients. The don't understand that they pay for the time as well as the products used and services. I also figured out how ro weed the good from the bad clientele. You're going to pay a good price for a good quality service no matter where your business resides. There is also a safety issue, sometimes a client would be unhappy with there service even though I would make every effort to fix the problem or lack there of and there is no resolve. You can't make everyone happy 🤷🏽 And I need to be able to protect myself and my home. But I started back doing consultations. This will get rid of the unsureness of the client and hairdresser. In my area there is a lot of women who like to run scams or get over. So a consult will protect me before I start any new service. You can make good money from home, you just have to have to right type of clientele.
That is so insightful, thank you for sharing, & congrats to you on a successful business
I have my salon at home 3 days a week because I have another job at home . Also, I use a booking app and ask for a deposit and have cancellations & no show fees. Most of the time I have set prices and sometimes I do change the prices depending on the length of nails. I sale some products for pedicures. As for clients I don’t have as many as I would like but since I don’t have the salon open every day like regular salons. My rules are no waiting room or lobby because it is my home and follow the guidelines. I make about about as I would as a part time job. I enjoy it
You can always use a booking app/site so card info is saved and a deposit is made with residential servicing. Just so the payment process doesn’t become an ordeal
You guys are so right. I had a home nail salon as a side job in Canada and yes people would bargain with me all the time and even some said to my face u shud be cheaper because u have no overhead
I've been licensed at home for 16 years. It's been great!! State board inspects me just like all other Salons. I'm a 30 year Nail Tech. My clients followed me from a previous Salon. I totally agree that a new Nail Tech should be out in a Salon situation. They need that exposure. My client base had been with me for several years. My clients love it!!
Well said!
I also forgot to mention, i operate my home business exactly the same way as if i was to have a storefront. I have a professional website, social pages, business cards, google page with information such as operating hours and address location (not the street number though), council registration, insurance, business tax number etc. All of the information you require to ensure it is a legitimate business.
I also have a secondary entrance to my nail room & whenever i am not working, i don't hang out in my salon, so mentally it is seperate to my home. As a working Mum, this gives me a lot of flexibility & i am saving hundreds of dollars a month on paying rent, which saves my client too, as my prices don't have to be outrages to cover store rent.
I ensure that every interaction & that of my brand exudes professionalism (much more than the local 'chop shop' store front salon 😉)
Sounds like you have got it dialed in! That's awesome.
So true a lot of people think because you are working out from your house, that your service or your product should be cheaper in price.
Some great advice
I’m in Australia and doing a nail course finish end of the year. Am a hairdresser by trade but can’t return to that as a car accident has left me disabled. So I’m aiming to work from home. Here in Australia we feel a lot more safe to go to peoples houses so shouldn’t be too much of an issue. But great advice on pricing, appointments, things I really didn’t think about
Thank you 🙏🏼
For sure, there are definitely pros and cons to home studios but if you can make it work for you that's what matters
Same here in Australia and home salons are becoming more popular.
I think it’s a cultural thing too! Because in some US cultures it’s not unusual to have/know hair stylists or nail techs that operate from their house! I know ALOT of nails techs that operate from their home and have huge a clientele! But the cons of ppl jus showing up to their house and getting “too comfortable” is a real thing!
Totally!
I’ve been in business for 22yrs, 14 in a Tanning/hair salon downtown in our small city. I had the opportunity to move my shop into our house that had a 1 bedroom apartment I had renovated into my esthetic/nail studio. In our proton NB Canada you must have a separate entrance, separate bathroom for a home based business. I book only, no walk in clients. I have a full clientele so that was easy. I agree with Tracy that you gain a lot by being in a busy place with the chance of sharing clients. When I opened there were only a few nail techs so working with one wasn’t possible. Over the years I have maintained a good relationship with my peers and have helped during maturity leave, sickness / accidents and vacations.
We are not islands, we needs to have a community to fall back on. During this strange times my group and I are talking a lot about reopening. I have not had the pressure of falling behind on rent on top of everything else. A few of the ladies in my group plan on moving their business’s home ASAP.
Thank you for you Biz Talk episodes. It really gave me the guts to raise my prices in February.
I hope you are all safe and well.
Thank you for sharing, hope you are staying safe as well.
I like how you guys pick each others brains
Here, in Australia it is SUPER common for nail artists among other beauty professions to work from home, in a separate room/area. Most of the nail salons in shopping areas & such, are the quick service salons that most reputable nail artists will not work from (of course there are exceptions in this scenario). So you will often find the most experienced (this includes educators) work from their home salon. Council registration & public liability still applies so it's no different than being in a shop.
As for building clientele, you gotta work for it. Put your foot on the pavement, get your name out there, use all forms of marketing that are applicable and hustle, hustle, hustle!
Having fear of client backlash depends on the demographic as well, where i live, that just doesn't happen. You will not get a rowdy, angry threatening client. Small town folk and all hehe.
Absolutely it can work but does take quite a bit of hustle as most areas of this industry. Home studios are great as long as you are comfortable setting those boundaries.
I rather be at home simply because I don’t like the energy that the public brings. Now in saying this I would only choose working from home if I have a set clientele of whom I’ve known and serviced for awhile. Then where am from dealing with other nail techs an co workers I do not care to be a part of. This industry can be a dog eats dog world in my neck of the woods. I’ve been in the beauty industry for 16 years now just moving over to becoming a nail tech for the last yr and 8 months and it has been hell for me to find a descent place to work in. It has been discouraging at times but I am trying my best to endure these not so good experiences 😐.
Overall I do believe one can be successful at home with boundaries and rules being set that’s for sure. It dose depend on where you live though. I think that makes a big difference
Absolutely as long as boundaries are in place and you are happy that's what matters!
This is great advice! I opened a studio at a salon suite building just to keep that situation and its been awesome!
Nice, studios are great!
Dana Evans I would give my right arm for a suite opportunity! But I live in a less progressive area that lacks a lot of things.
And you actually make more money working from home where as working in the salon you either have to pay rent for your booth or get commission. You get to keep all the money you receive but you do have to keep up with buying your own products consistently which is why it’s very important that you set your prices correctly. Don’t feel bad for the clients and feel like your overcharging them cause your not. Our products aren’t cheap they are rather expensive so we as nail techs have to make sure that we are charging our clients correctly so that way you won’t be fucked over in the long run.
Right, and to each their own
I am so glad y'all did this topic. It was very informative and y'all brought up issues that I haven't thought of when starting my at-home salon. Thanks for this.
Happy it helped
I think it's about regional culture, where i live NL it's fairly normal to have all kinds of businesses attached to homes either with a house on top or next to it. Small clothing shops , accountants , therapists of different things etc. it's called main street in some areas.
For sure
I'm new in the process of getting my license and building a clientele. I'm starting with friends, family and referrals. I was thinking maybe the overhead would be similar because of the utilities that are being used.
I'm in the UK (wales) and went self employed last oct, qualified in July, Aug this year after working my ass off to build up a small part time clientele, I have a cabin in my home rear garden, I have signs on my gate, made it as professional as possible, side entrance etc all to work around my babies. I love my salon at home, not in my house though. My clients love it, more 121 x set boundaries x do what suits you and your personal circumstances x appointment only x
What’s funny is I completely agree that it might seem weird but this is when I lived in WA. Now I live in Memphis and there are soooooo many at home businesses I drove by one neighborhood and one house had taxes/notary, restaurant (best waffles I’ve ever had), nail academy, sooo many businesses and I think out here it wouldn’t be weird.
I'm not a licensed professional yet, I work in a office full-time, but as a hobby I do nails from my home and I charge really cheap ($20-30 full set plus designs) and because it takes me more time to do a full set (2-3 hours). I've been practicing for almost a year now, mostly on myself. I've had one client but not anymore, understandable as my timing kept her too long. I really want to become a professional nail tech, but have other things on my plate including a full-time job. How can I do it all? I really like the idea of side hustle/business at home, like a fun hobby that pays. I can't quit my job to go to nail school yet and I feel like if I were to get a professional nail tech license I'd be able get more clients. I feel like I found my true passion, but feel stuck with priorities, please any advice is appreciated, thank you!
Honestly that's kind of most peoples situation. Life throws a lot at you at once but if it's something you truly want you can prioritize it
I have ft job, i do part time at home and part time at salon. I prefer home MUCH better I am by word of mouth ONLY I pick and choose and I am full. No walk ins and appt only. My clients all now this ,I love it and I have a separate entrance, seperate room...being at salon is so loud and chaotic, my clients prefer my home its more welcoming. 22 years experience though. I think its all depending for sure. Each person different , plus home write offs big time :) just my 2 cents from my perspective. Great advice Tracey.... boundaries, rules and pricing all agree, ive never had an issue
Very nice! Happy to hear you have made it work for you. Yes boundaries are key.
@@youngnailsinc very much thank you for all your content!! always watching :)
crazy how just today i was really considering leaving the salon to work from home and you post this great tips
What perfect timing
Set boundaries of when people can come . I dont do well in salon because of anxiety issues . Less noise is better for me . I'm still looking into getting a small building .
Yep, boundaries are key
Just so much negativity on AT HOME NAIL SALON like wth . WHERE do these scenarios happen at ?! 🤣🤦🏽♀️
We believe there are both pros and cons to at home salons, if you can implement boundaries that work for you & you & your clients are happy that is all that matters!
Guys! Great episode! I agree 100% with your advice 🙌
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Home salons are very popular where i am.
And most clients prefer this.
Hair salons - massage etc are becoming more and more from home.
Cost of a salon in town is to expensive. ...
I dont get hassled, my clientele no its by appointment only. My is separated from my house ...
As long as it's working for you that's what matters
I work from home for bout 4yrs since i had my youngest for the simple fact i did not want to put her in daycare. I was booth renting before, the only nail tech in hair salon and the owner is still trying to get me to come back. I have a good clientele always busy. But yes there are times i wish my work was separate from home. I don't have any problem with boundaries i guess my problem is with pricing. Hubby says i should charge more and my clients say my prices are real reasonable just always scared to increase my prices. If i went back to work in salon i think my monthly booth rent would be $400-$500 not sure, but i also feel my clientele would also increase and probably wouldn't feel so bad bout increasing prices either. I'm just comfortable at home. I don't have just anybody coming to my house. Pretty much all my clientele are family, friends and people they trust that they refer to me. They usually ask me if it's ok if they give out my info so safety is not really a factor for me either working from home.
That is great! As long as it works for you and your clients that is what matters!
Great topic! Very informative on both aspects of in home and in a salon. I do nails in from my home but only friends that I trust who respect me and my boundries. However I do plan on also going into a salon ands working there as well and keeping the clients I have there only there. I would never pull clients away from a business. For it can look bad on you and possibly give you a bad reputation. And once again you guys are great and thank you for the great information. Love it!!
Thank you for watching, and for your input!
I work from home and I find it very challenging to build clientele. Being a truck driver I work full time and only have the weekends and nights to take clients. I want a salon suite, but I don’t want to shell out so much money and not have clients to back it up. So it’s hard:
I find my biggest challenge in building my clientele working from home is getting people use to scheduling appointments. How are you marketing to your ideal clientele?
I just use word of mouth and social media. @southernly_sweet_nails
Makes sense, limited availability for salon life makes it hard to pay full time rent. Maybe sharing a studio with someone willing to work weekdays would be an option.
really appreciate this topic!! Thank You
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I kind of agree with what you are saying, for example that people might think its ok to just come to your house whenever. I also feel for me personally I would rather work from home just because I don't have to deal with the salon, people working there. I also feel when you are new working in a salon or at a home base you still have to work your butt off to get those clients regardless where you are working ( that's just me) with social media today I believe that you can find help there if someone doesn't want to work in a salon to learn. really good tips love theses videos every week.
For sure! Home salons definitely have their pros and cons
What would your advise be for someone looking to convert a shed / outhouse in the back garden or would the same principles apply?
We would start by contacting your local state board of cosmetology to make sure that is allowed in your state. Follow all the proper licensing requirements, including anything that your city may require including business licensing, building permits, etc.
I have thought of doing an out of my home business, but then thought about my privacy and my family's safety. I have (going on) 4 children and wouldn't want them to feel uncomfortable being at their own home. There definitely is boundaries that have to be set for that type of lifestyle if you choose to go that route. It would be a no for me though :)
Right, there is a lot to consider.
I find my biggest challenge in building my clientele working from home is getting people use to scheduling appointments. How are you marketing to your ideal clientele?
I prefer to go to the nail tech's home. Its only by appt..... at the salon, theres always a few people, wanting to get their nails done by the same nail tech. I think it makes the other nail techs feel bad, I guess...
For sure
You still have to pay utilities, actually, it will increase. I have a home office and starting up. I have had a home preschool and set boundaries. I also plan to charge a deposit to avoid no-shows as much as possible. I plan to market what they would expect to see when they arrive and what to expect.
I honestly would prefer to work at home but you definitely definitely must set boundaries and rules for your clients and make sure they understand them as well. Working from home is very different from working in a salon. But u must set more boundaries and make sure your clientele understands the rules and regulations you put out for them to follow.
For sure there pros and cons to both. Just what works for you.
Such a new mind set on wanting a home salon after watching this video.
For sure, lots of pros & cons
I wanna know how y’all’s backs don’t hurt from carrying this industry on your back lmao. Much love from a nail student who is about to finish! Y’all taught me more than my teacher. Thanks 🙏
People definitely under value at home nail techs
Where I live in Canada this is becoming really common. Salons pretty much all use MMA and rip your nails off for removals. It seems like at home techs are the ones who actually take care of your nails and use EMA. They also tend to do better work, all around.
I’m sorry but I feel that you are trying to discourage people from working from home. I’ve had a home nail salon since 2001. I got a full clientele very quickly, then through community newspaper and there were no Asian salons at the time. My services were by appointment only. I never had any issues with my home business as I run my business professionally. Everyone pays me, no one shows up unless they have an appointment. For someone starting up now, with instagram, it’s much easier to build a clientele. Working from home is the same as working in a salon if you you do good work and run your business professionally. Also in my experience most ladies comment that they love coming to my home.
No way no discouragement here. We know people that have made it work & that’s amazing. There are many outlets in this industry would never say something that works for someone is wrong. Just having an open conversation about some pros & cons we have seen. Sounds like you have it dialed in that’s all we want for anyone 😊
YoungNailsInc I think because I have a home business that I love it so much that it sounded that way to me. I love your videos and products and have learned so much from your videos in the recent years, as the beginning years of my nail career was doing pink and white nails. Your videos are so well done and so easy to learn from.
My salon is a separate structure on my property. But i do have some horror stories about clients not understanding boundaries
I just posted this question kind of in the young nails community... now i have a garage 3 car garage the two car garge is separate from my living quarters inside the garage is a long room next to the two car area which is separated by a wall and that is where i will be doing nails it will actually be a salon next to my home in other words
Nice, sounds good, only thing to be aware of would be temperature.
Yes the whole thing is having a makeover
I am home on full disability. I need something to do and love doing nails and nail art. I would love to work out of my home because it would make it much easier for me. But in the state of WI it is not legal as far as the studying I have done to create a workable business plan. Still looking into it though and will talk to a lawyer. I could never handle a full time clientele so working from home as opposed to a salon makes more sense for me. I also plan to go mobile 2 days a week away most for people who are unable to get to a salon. Would love to see a future talk about that.
Yea state regulations definitely are a factor.
I needed this!!! Cause I live in a verryyy small town, and their really aren’t any opportunities for nail techs. There are literally 3 nail salons where I live .
Happy you enjoyed it!
I think another thing you sacrifice by working from home is location. Obviously if you have a full clientele you don’t have to worry about advertising but people are much more likely to just walk into a business and pick up a list of services or even if they see the sign for the business to go online and check it out. When it’s your home you have no way of advertising that way.
I do understand though that if you are disabled or have a loved one that is home bound and you are their primary caretaker, this could be your only option it just might be a bit more difficult than conventional salon set ups.
True true, valid point
I moved to Las Vegas about 6 months ago and I currently work at a Shop....Things are going well ( besides me not really like the shop life) & I’m building a following... but 99% of them wants me to work for home‼️ They prefer a Home based Tech. So my question is do I give them want they want ( state rules licensed Tech can not work from home) or rent a studio?
If those are the state regulations I would be cautious of that.
I am wondering what are the laws in California about being a "mobile manicurist" now i do not have a big van or anything i travel with my foldable manivuring table pedicure bowl my chair and my product and my tools and towels and go to people's home. I wear mask always and so do my clients .I clean and sanitize my tools at home and wash towels at home. When I do my service we will sit outside. Balcony or back yard. .. i am wondering what do i need to know in order to do this so I am safe and legal
I did mobile, but since chemo I just haven't had the strength, so I do some mobile that I already did and some from home, I just can't carry my stuff anymore so it's necessary for me, I'm in UK and I don't get the issues you listed x
Nice that it has worked for you but definitely agree mobile is hard.
Hi all. I’m using my dads laptop. My name is Lori, I’ve been doing nails for 31 yrs, I am 10 yrs away from retiring from doing nails and I am thinking about moving my business home. My question is for the home based nail techs. Do you advertise for new clients or do you only do the clients that you did in the salon? I have clients but might lose a few soon due to old age and or even me moving from a salon so I’d like to keep my options open to taking on new clients but I worry about strangers coming into my salon that weren’t referred by an established client.
That would have to be a personal call, really just depends on what you are comfortable with and what you have time for.
what about the smell in home is it best to use a air purifier ?
You could
Thank u both!
Somewhat unrelated but future episode idea: pros and cons of a business phone. Is this something beginners should look at doing? What about google voice or various other text apps? How would you transition your customers if you’ve had them on your personal number or if you may have put your personal number on business cards or ads?
Also, what about online booking software? Is that a must have in today’s day and age or do you restrict your booking to business hours only?
Thank you for all your biz talks, so helpful for us!
All solid topics, thank you for the feedback
CosmoProf's app has a way to collect someone's service money right on it which is so kewl because that would help to fix collecting money from clients. You gotta be structured and have it figured out first before you do it definitely. I just wish people were not so selfish that they think someone can be at their beckon call. That's ridiculous.
guys would you ever open shipping to canada ? i love ur products is been using them for few years now but i can never find what i want on amazon i just have to get what they have so is that something you would consider ?
For orders to Canada, please contact our customer service team directly and they will be happy to place that for you. Business hours are M-F 8:15 am - 5 pm PST. Contact customer service at 1.800.777.9170 or by email at info@youngnails.com
I am also novice. I am in a salon setting. I have an employee. We're the only two people who do nails.
But the sanitation 😫. I am thinking of building at home to also avoid rent. I've built a really great clientele and I did have it at my other home but my grandmother used to show up and start shouting that it's late. So I left.
Boundaries neh. Shew
Haha yea boundaries are huge!
Love the biz talk! Can you talk about scheduling clients? If you are the only nail tech, how do you accommodate 2 week fills with other clients who want three week complete new sets. It becomes a problem every 6 weeks when they start to overlap. Thanks! 💕😊
For sure will look into it
You have to train your customers to respect your time and space by setting limits from the beginning. 😉
I can imagine a disaster happening at a home-based salon, but disasters happen at brick and mortar as well. A few of my favorite nail techs on ig are home based. One of lives ~30min in walking distance from my mother and another ~15min walking distance from me. I've had conversations with the one close to my mom via ig. Although, I'm relatively comfortable with her, I could never just show up. Too rude for me. And she's always booked. When would she have time to do my nails. Lol
Also, I hear people, who are not techs btw, mention that services should be priced less when one works from home. This doesn't make sense to me. So if the price should be less at home because there aren't any overhead costs, when working outside of the home prices should be at least 50% more. So a $90 full set should at least be $135 AND still add a tip if the quality and service are good.
Right. There are all kinds of different circumstances that come with home based salons.
My only concerns were if my client fell in my home and handling my business taxes. I don’t want to get sued or owe a ton in taxes. I never thought of the topics you two brought up. It’s not worth the trouble.
Very good point.
I am now starting my nail studio business at home need advice on acrylic products to buy .Its so costly in Trinidad .Advice on nail products when starting off
Thank you
We have a biz talk episode on needs vs wants when getting started. Young nails has a great starter package. You can find our Trinidad distributors info at www.youngnails.com under "resources" - " locate distributor"
@@youngnailsinc thank you
I just have to have that separation of salon and home. It wouldn’t be my prices it would be me working myself into the ground because I would not be able to have set hours with my personality type. So salon I stay 😂❤️
For sure have heard a lot of people feel that way.
I do lashes and nails out of my home and yes it’s difficult (pay you later, can you book me in @ 10 pm, I drove by your house and you weren’t home, a client showing up at my doorstep wanting service done without an appointment) I could go on and on....
You have to be professional, set your rules & have a policy in place and make sure to let your clients know all of that, have a price menu so they know what they have to pay!
Thank you for covering this topic! Keep them coming 😊♥️👍
Absolutely! It can work if you have boundaries in place.
A video about acrylic powders to use as beginners would be appreciated! Mia secret products are pretty cheap but are they healthy to use on a client? Is there a such thing as healthier powders/products?
Not exactly a difference in health. What is healthy for your or your clients nails is an educated tech that knows what they are doing with quality product.
YoungNailsInc sorry I meant I’ve seen some companies not promoting the fact that their acrylic liquid is MMA free. Would that mean their product contains MMA? I know MMA is banned but I’ve read online some salons still use it.. I’ve also seen on some websites under the description or ingredients of the product, won’t say what it contains but on the bottle it will say mma free in the corner. Should customers purchasing online be worried if the description doesn’t say mma free?
Absolutely it is a concern MMA is very common despite it being illegal
When you work for someone at a salon, the material is not yours to pay. But when you work at home as an entrepreneur, you buy your material and it can be REALLY pricy. For example, I live in guadeloupe. When I order acrylic stuff, I have at least 60 euros to pay just for the shipping most of the time.
I wouldn't lower my prices.
Nice good for you!
Personally I don't like people invading my private space and that's how it would feel to me even if they were paying me.
Totally understand that.
What if I become licensed in my state but decide fo move to another state?
You would need to check with the sate you are moving to as they may have different license requirements. The new state you are moving to may or may not accept/transfer your current license. It may transfer but you may also need to take a written test or even possibly take additional class hours in the state you are moving to.
not to mention people thinking they can just bring guests to your house!! ugh it’s so frustrating i’m so glad i’m in a salon now lol. i had a girl and her boyfriend stay at my house foreverrrrrr they would not leave
oh no! haha
It can be as long as you have the qualification for it and have experience
For sure
It's very common here in Germany
Nice
Can you guys do a Podcast on how to protect your business from staff that’s working from home ?
Yep we have a couple regarding current situations and are creating lives on instagram daily
And above all your more independent
I want to work at home so bad! I want a dog but I’m gone too much. But then again, the dog won’t be aloud in the at home Salon 😩
For sure some state regulations prevent dogs from being in salon settings.
I totally agree with everything you both have said. I do nails from home, & it’s been a struggle. Actually 🤭 your gonna get me, I actually just did a full-set, with gel, glitter, rhinestones.....for free. I know, I know, but the client didn’t have money & it’s for her wedding shower. I’m a single mom of four kids, no one has sympathy for me, but I try to give it to ppl. Not sure if I was right. Plus another client sometimes pays on a different day. I know I’m too nice & accommodating. The clients get used to a certain way, & then they act funny when I try to change things. I KNOW I charge below what I should, & I can’t be doing that I need the money. So I attempted to “raise” my prices $5 🤭 I’m giving ppl “breaks” before it’s implemented. Any advice for me, or am I too far gone lol thank you ❤️
You just need to make the change. Put your foot down, don't think of it as being harsh on your clients just know you are doing right by yourself. It isn't always easy but in this industry we are independent can't rely on a boss or someone to be your backbone you have to do so. However that was very sweet of you, just remember you need to look out for yourself as well.
YoungNailsInc thank you so much!! You are always encouraging, & I appreciate that. I wish I would have followed you guys long ago, it would have saved me a lot of stress & frustration. And thank you for responding back ☺️