As we continue our 3-part series on the questions you should be asking yourself when starting your very own eyelash extension business, we turn our focus to licenses, locations and naming your lash business for long term potential. If you missed part 1 of this series, check out that blog HERE

Question 4: What kind of licenses do I need?

There are typically two kinds of licenses you’ll need for starting up an eyelash extension business.

1). Government Business License. Each government wants their piece of your pie. It’s what helps make the world go round, right? Love it or hate it, if you try to hide your business from the government, they’re pretty savvy about finding you and penalizing you generously for it. You’ll never hear me support you or your lash business in something illegal or that will be detrimental to the longevity and growth of your business and running a lash business under the table is doing just that. It is your responsibility as the business owner to know the laws in your state/province/country that small business owners must comply with to meet federal guidelines. Most governments offer these guidelines on their websites. A quick google search for “Starting a business in ________ (your city/state)” should give you a wealth of resources and step by step instructions on how to file for the right paperwork and licenses to operate within the appropriate guidelines.

2). Technical or Trade License. Most governments have some sort of regulating agency for beauty based businesses that keeps the public safe. How closely regulated and what the requirements are (and whether lash extensions are within the scope of a beauty business) vary from state to state. Here in the US, the majority of states (not all), require an aesthetics or cosmetology license to perform lash extension services. Google your state’s board of cosmetology or aesthetics to find their requirements for lash artists. You can even Google “What license do I need to perform eyelash services?” and look for a website that ends in .gov or .org to give you facts.

For US lash artist, this is an outdated list so if it states no license required…continue researching to ensure this is still accurate as of the date you are reading this, but a good starting place on websites to check out for licensing requirement here in the states is: http://www.lavishlashes.com/eyelash-extensions-state-requirements

Question 5: Where am I going to open up a location?

As with all real estate transactions, location, location, location is hugely important. There’s a lot to consider for both you and your

customers when it comes to not only choosing a location but a space as well. For a breakdown of the pros and cons of what type of space you can consider, head on over to the Location Series Blog here. As far as what part of town you might be thinking about, consider the following questions:

•    How long is my commute on a daily basis? Does it vary during certain times of day?

•    Is there a lot of traffic in the area that would affect my client’s ability to be on time during certain parts of the day?

•    Is there a school nearby that would affect traffic during certain times of the day/year?

•    What is the parking situation in the vicinity? Is it paid? Is it well-lit at night? Is there enough parking during lunch hour?

•    What other businesses are around that I might be able to collaborate with? Any other beauty businesses that offer lashes or complimentary services?

•    Is there easy access to a highway? This can open up the radius of client’s you can attract if you’re close to a freeway.

•    Do I feel safe being alone in my business in this general area? Is there a high crime rate?

These are just some of the questions you’ll want to consider as they are still a part of your client’s overall experience with your business, except you have very little control over these variables, so knowing what your client’s may be facing on their way to your place of business and giving them a heads up or additional directions may be necessary.

Why can’t you just be “Fab-u-lash” or “Blink” or “Lashes by Jessica”? There’s more to picking a name for your business than just what sounds pretty.  You want to consider both the ease of searching for your business online as well as the long-term growth of your business. Fab-u-lash and Blink are VERY common eyelash extension business names, so the odds of you being able to secure a web address (aka domain name), and social media handles are slim to none. Even if you add in your city (i.e. Blink Portland), it’s still a little dicey that someone who is searching for your business specifically would be able to find it easily in a google search if another business named Blink has better SEO on their website.

LASHPRENEUR LIGHTBULB

The important things to consider in choosing a name for your lash business is being able to secure a domain name and social media handles (FB and IG) with ALL the exact same name and spelling so there’s consistency in your online presence.

You also want to consider the long-term growth of your business may include bringing on other lash artists or other services beyond lashes. So, using “Lashes by (your name)” could become a complicated re-branding of your name in the future to reflect what type of business you are and the services you offer as you grow and expand. I recommend keeping your name out of your business name.

The last and final step before committing to a business name is to do your due diligence in Trademark Research to ensure no one else is running their business off of that name (or very similar) and has secured the Trademark rights to that name. For example, Borboleta has Trademarked their name and owns the legal right to use that name in affiliation with lash products, services, trainings, etc. If you’re thinking you could name your lash business “Borboleta Lash Lounge”, you’ll likely be contacted very soon by their lawyer to cease and desist the use of that name as you are not an authorized user of that name. There’s no need for you to think or worry about trademarking your business name as it’s very costly and unnecessary unless your business is going big or making a significant income and not having the trademark would be detrimental to your brand and business.

Next week, we’ll wrap up this 3-part series on the 9 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself When Starting Your Own Eyelash Extension Business. If you’re just starting out or thinking about starting your own lash business, The Lashpreneur Group Coaching Program is the most affordable and jam-packed crash course into lash business ownership available. You’ll learn how to market your lash business thru social media, how to take high quality before and after photos of your work, when can you expect to start to make money, how to get the best retention for your clients, branding your eyelash extension business, member’s only resources and so much more! No experience necessary! All levels of business ownership will find value and lots of info to impact your lash business for the better. For more info and to register for the Group Coaching Program, Click here

Have a Good One,

Tara Walsh, The Lashpreneur