How to Know You’re Ready to Start Your Own Beauty Business
So you’re thinking about opening your own beauty salon or studio. Maybe you’re dreaming of calling the shots, having your own space, and finally putting all your talent to work on your terms. But how do you really know when you’re ready to go solo?
In Episode 2 of The White Chair: Beauty Series, we shared everything we wish we knew before opening our first brow bar. From building a client base to pricing high-ticket services with confidence, this blog breaks down the key lessons that can help you start strong.
What Does “Ready” Really Look Like?
Being “ready” doesn’t just mean you’re tired of working for someone else. It means you’ve put in the time to hone your skills, build relationships with clients, and understand the pace and demands of the industry.
One of the best ways to prepare is by working somewhere with high client volume. Seeing a client every 15 minutes might sound exhausting, but it forces you to sharpen your skills quickly and learn how to work efficiently. Fast-paced environments mimic real business ownership, where multitasking becomes second nature.
You should also feel confident in your core services. That doesn’t mean you have to know everything, but you should be proficient and consistent. Whether it’s brow waxing, threading, or tinting, being a master at what you offer builds trust with your clients and gives you a strong foundation to grow from.
The Reality of Going Solo
Let’s be clear: owning a business is more work, not less. Many new beauty entrepreneurs assume they’ll gain freedom and flexibility. And while that’s true eventually, the early stages are full of 12-hour days and wearing every hat in the business.
You’re not just the service provider anymore. You’re the marketer, the bookkeeper, the customer service team, and the inventory manager. You’ll be running email campaigns, tracking expenses, scheduling appointments, and answering every text and DM. It’s tough, but if you’re passionate and prepared, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Building Your Foundation: Clients, Capital & Confidence
Before you ever sign a lease or start shopping for wax warmers, you need to have two major things: clients and capital.
Build Your Client List
If you’re working at a salon now, start collecting emails and phone numbers of loyal clients (with their permission, of course). A good rule of thumb? Aim for at least 250–300 clients before launching. This list will be your most valuable asset when you open your own doors.
Save, Save, Save
Aim to save at least 6 to 12 months of living and business expenses. Business can be slow in the beginning, even with loyal clients. Having a financial cushion means you won’t be scrambling when rent is due or when there’s a slow week.
And if saving isn’t realistic? Consider a family loan, small business grant, or part-time job to ease the transition.
Choosing the Right Services for Your Salon
Don’t try to offer everything under the sun when you start. Instead, focus on services you’re skilled at and passionate about. If you’re a brow specialist, lean into that niche. Expand gradually as your clientele grows and you start to notice demand.
Services like brow waxing, tinting, threading, and shaping are a great starting point. They’re low overhead, high return, and can be completed quickly. Once you’re ready, consider adding complementary services like lash lifts or brow lamination to boost your average ticket price.
What Services Work Best to Start?
- Brow Waxing & Tinting: Fast, in-demand, and great for client retention.
- Threading: Sets you apart from salons that only wax.
- Lash Lifts: A high-ticket, high-demand service that boosts revenue.
- Facial Waxing: Lip, chin, and sideburn waxing are easy add-ons.
Avoid launching with too many options. Too many menu items can confuse clients and dilute your marketing. Stay focused and grow intentionally.
Why High-Ticket Services Are a Game-Changer
High-ticket services like lash lifts and brow lamination can fill your books faster and increase your daily revenue with fewer appointments. For example, a $150 lash lift takes about an hour and includes minimal product costs, leaving you with high profit margins.
They also help you stand out. When clients see your schedule is consistently full with premium services, it builds urgency and credibility. And let’s face it—clients who value quality are more loyal, tip better, and are more likely to refer their friends.
What Kind of Clients Book High-End Services?
The answer: busy women who want to wake up and feel put together. Whether they’re professionals, moms, or creatives, they want to look great with less effort. That’s the appeal of lash lifts and brow laminations.
To attract these clients:
- Geo-target your ads based on income and location
- Set competitive pricing that reflects your value and market
- Show results on your Instagram and Google profiles
Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth. If you deliver quality work and a luxury experience, people will pay for it.
Branding + Customer Experience = Long-Term Loyalty
In beauty, it’s not just about skill—it’s about how you make people feel. Studies show 80% of a client’s loyalty comes from emotional connection and customer service. Only 20% is based on the actual service.
Build real relationships with clients. Greet them by name. Ask about their lives. Offer a full consultation. Make their appointment feel like a self-care ritual, not just a transaction. That’s what keeps people coming back for years.
Do You Need In-Person Training to Add New Services?
Not necessarily. If you’re confident and experienced, a well-produced online course can teach you everything you need to get started. That’s exactly why we created The Brow Fixx Academy—so beauty pros can learn brow waxing, lamination, and lash lifts at their own pace.
Regardless of how you train, the key is practice. Master the technique on friends, family, or mannequins before offering it to paying clients.
Quality Products Make or Break Your Business
Don’t cut corners with cheap Amazon kits. The products you use directly impact client satisfaction, skin safety, and long-term retention. After testing countless formulas, we created our own lash and brow line to ensure consistent, high-quality results.
Clients will notice when your products are clean, gentle, and effective. And they’ll trust you more when they see you care about quality.
Final Thoughts: If We Had to Start Over…
We wouldn’t change a thing. Why? Because we focused on branding, niche services, and giving people an experience they can’t get anywhere else. We didn’t chase trends. We built a brand around brows and added new services only when it made sense.
If you’re ready to start your own beauty business, ask yourself:
- Do I have the skills and client base?
- Have I saved enough to cushion the startup period?
- Am I ready to work harder than ever?
If the answer is yes, then go for it. Build your business around what you love, invest in your craft, and never stop learning. Your chair isn’t just where you wax brows or lift lashes—it’s where confidence is created.
Want to boost your skills and grow your beauty biz? Take 50% off all professional online training courses at The Brow Fixx Academy using promo code THEWHITECHAIR.
✔️ Lash Lift Online Training – Includes Certificate of Completion
✔️ Brow Lamination Online Training – Includes Certificate of Completion
✔️ Brow Waxing Training – Includes Certificate of Completion
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to expand your service menu, these high-quality trainings will help you build confidence, attract clients, and level up your business—on your own schedule.
