Is it time for you to start your own lash business?
It just might be. But, before you shout it from the rooftops, there are a few things you need to consider.
For instance, do you have the appropriate certification to provide eyelash extension services in your community?
Have you thought about where you’re going to work from? Setting up shop from home isn’t for everyone. So, you might need to find a space to rent.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg!
There are so many things you need to think about before launching your own lash business. In this episode, I share the 20 questions that you should ask yourself before starting your own lash business!
{If you want to listen to the podcast episode on this topic, click on the player at the top of the post. Alternatively you can watch the video below, or read on…}
Have you taken a lash training course?
It seems obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people forget they need to do some form of lash training! Yes, you can probably learn the basics of lashing from other lash artists or pick up a few tips from a YouTube video. But investing in a high-quality lash training course will set you up for success.
After all, a business can’t survive when countless bad reviews about poor retention are streaming in on Yelp. However, finding a great lash training course that doesn’t leave you with lash course buyer’s remorse (yes, that’s a real thing) isn’t easy. But don’t worry, I got you!
Read my guide on How to Avoid Lash Course Buyer’s Remorse to help you choose the right lash certification course.
Have you saved enough money to purchase the minimum amount of supplies and equipment needed to start taking clients?
How much money do you need to spend on supplies and equipment right off the bat?
The good news is that as lash artists, we have a very low overhead. You don’t need a whole lot to get started. Three or four mixing trays, some adhesive, a few eye pads, mini tape and a pair of tweezers is enough to get you going.
Be careful you don’t go overboard and end up swimming in debt. Set money aside if you can. Or, take out a loan to invest in your business set-up because we all know there’s a lot more that goes into running a business than our physical supplies.
Do you have a space to lash out of?
Lashing from home isn’t for everyone. But, if you do choose to go down this route, make sure you check that it’s legal to provide services from your home. My California friends, for example, yeah…you guys aren’t covered by insurance, sorry!
So, you probably need a place to operate your business. If you’re doing lashes as a favor to friends and family (and you’re not getting paid), you’re fine. But, if you are accepting payments, you are a business. And, you’ve got laws and regulations you must follow. Do your research and stay on the right side of the law people!
Do you have a business name?
This question stumps people like I’ve never seen before. But I get it, it’s not east to find a name that will stand out and stand the test of time. However, if you’re super picky with your business name, I suggest starting with whatever name pops into your head.
Thinking about the perfect name for your business can be paralyzing. Plus, it’ll waste a lot of time. Time you could spend making money from your lash business!
If you want my advice, choose a name that gives your business room to grow and expand. Yes, you do lashes now. But, what if you’re going to introduce facials or microblading in the future? A name like “Laura’s Lashes” is a bit restrictive. But, something vaguer like “Laura’s Beauty Salon” could have a range of beauty-related services under the same umbrella.
Remember to make sure that the name you choose hasn’t been taken! Check your country’s Trademark database and avoid the legal headache by selecting a name that doesn’t appear on the list.
Do you have social media pages for your lash business?
You need a separate social media account on all the big platforms. And, by separate, I mean NOT your personal account.
Reserve the social media handles for your business name to keep branding consistent. If the name is already taken, choose a different name. Trust me. You don’t need to make it difficult for potential customers to find you on social media!
From your social account, you can market your business on Instagram and Facebook and create highly targeted ads too. It’s an absolute must.
Have you reserved your website domain name and are working on getting a website up and running?
Before I even opened my business, I had a website. I made it myself, and it was a hot mess. But that’s not the point. You need a site because without an online presence, you don’t exist. Everyone and everything is online. That’s where your customers are searching for you, and that’s where you need to be.
Creating a website doesn’t have to be crazy expensive. You also don’t need to be a computer whizz to make a decent site. We’ve even got a DIY Web Design e-course you can take that’ll teach you how to create your very own lash website.
Do you have a base of clients you can start charging?
In the beginning, I recommend doing lashes as a side hustle. It may not stay a side hustle forever, but it’ll be enough to get you started.
Getting your first few clients is always the hardest part. The best thing to do is to offer a discounted price to friends and family. Try to get as many eyes on your handy work as possible and keep practicing and improving your skills.
If you’re an employee or contractor in a lash business, you might have some wiggle room to take the clientele you built with you. If you want to find out more about this, check out my Prep and Planning for your Lash Business guide (link at the bottom of this post!).
Building enough clients to pay yourself a decent wage regularly is tough. Starting the business as a side hustle gives you the time to generate a baseline of clients. So, when you are ready to open your business, you’ll have some clients lined up.
Do you have a business license?
Before you ask, yes, you do need a business license. Regulations vary from state to state (and beyond), so make sure to do your research on how to start a business in your city or province.
You need the green light to start a business because there are different zoning regulations you need to be aware of to make sure you stay compliant. The last thing you need when you’re launching a new business is a big fat fine or violation penalty. Nothing sucks up your internal happiness like a fine you didn’t expect. So, do your research, fill out the necessary paperwork and rest easy at night knowing you’re a good, law-abiding citizen.
What is the legal structure of your business?
Sorry for all the legal talk, but it’s important!
In the US, we have three main types of businesses. They include a sole proprietorship, a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) and S-Corp. Defining which one your business falls under would be a question for your lawyer or legal service. A lot of it has to do with your personal financial situation and assets because it affects how you pay taxes.
It also affects the overall structure of your business, including how you pay yourself. Yes, it all sounds like legal jargon. But, it’s important jargon! You don’t need to figure it all out for yourself though. An accountant or lawyer can assess your situation and give you the best course of action.
FREE Prep and Planning For Your Lash Business Guide
Look…I know I said there were 20 questions you need to ask yourself before starting a lash business, and there are 20 of them, but this would be a never-ending post if I answered each one here!
So, if you want to find out what the remaining questions are, you can go ahead and download my FREE Prep and Planning For Your Lash Business Guide – it’s packed with lots of useful resources, tips, and advice for launching your own lash business, so I highly recommend it!
It might seem like a lot of hard work, but have faith in your ability as a lash artist and business owner. You can and WILL get to where you want to be in your profession. It might not happen tomorrow, or next year, but it will happen. You just need to work for it!
Have a Good One!
Tara Walsh
The Lashpreneur
