A common question among nail technicians across the United States is whether they need a license to do nails at home. The short answer is Yes! A license is how you prove that you are a professional in a field. It is also how you command value for your brand and business. If you’re yet to get a license, it is best to obtain one now. However, you can explore nail salon investment opportunities via freecoatnails.com/franchising/investment/ to save you from the tough licensing process.

Please note that having a license as a nail technician opens you up to many opportunities. For example, as a licensed nail tech, you can get a job at a spa, nail salon, or other nail care establishments. You can also decide to start your nail salon business from scratch. However, starting your own business requires a lot more than licensing and permits.

Starting Your Nail Salon Business

The nail salon business falls actively under the beauty industry. The beauty industry currently boasts of trillions of dollars with new products entering the market by the day. As a prospective business owner, you need to know what you want to do and how to approach it.

Starting a nail salon requires you to carefully brainstorm the services you would be offering. Most nail care salons’ common services include pedicure, manicure, gel extensions, acrylic extensions, silk wraps, nail art, fiberglass nail extensions, etc.

Check out each of these services and the requirements, and pick out whichever ones your business wishes to offer.

Seek Education and Training 

The right education and training are precursors to a license and permit. Now is the time to enroll in a nail tech school if you do not already have the training required to qualify you for a license. 

You can also decide to get started at a nail salon. Working at a nail salon offers you the practical experience needed to understand how certain services are rendered. It also gives you an idea of how a nail salon business is operated, the possible setbacks, and how you can deal with them.

You’re also better off attending industry workshops, watching tutorials, actively participating in training and seminars, etc. Do whatever it takes to learn more about the services and how the nail business is operated.

Obtain your Licenses and Permits

You must be able to prove to the licensing board that you have what it takes to obtain a nail technician license to operate. Each state has different requirements for licensing nail technicians. It is important that you read the fine print of the rule and regulations guiding the license you’ve obtained.

For example, some states have specific rules regarding attending to clients in your home. Some states may also vehemently frown against such acts. It is wise to follow whatever the law says to avoid getting fined.

It would help if you also familiarize yourself with local laws and how to obtain permits for your business. Citing your business in a physical location may require you to obtain a permit to practice. 

In addition to your license and permits, ensure that you’ve strictly followed the hygiene and health recommendations.

Draft Your Business Plan

A business plan is an essential map that guides business owners at each stage of their business growth. Having a business plan in place gives you better clarity on the direction of your business. Your business plan can also help with common problems like where to cite your business, how to manage it, services to offer, future projections for growth and revenue generation, etc.

Consult with your state and local authorities on handling clients at home if you cannot afford to open a business location. It would help if you also considered whether it is better to hire additional hands and how to manage them. Ensure that all business decisions are properly calculated and in line with the stipulations of the law.

Purchase Quality Products

As a new business, you need to offer services that reinforce your customers’ confidence in your brand. One of the best ways to do this is to invest in quality products. Ensure that the products used meet the highest quality standards and that services are delivered excellently.

You can significantly grow your customer base simply by leveraging word-of-mouth advertising from satisfied customers.

Buy Insurance

Now that you own a business keep in mind that anything can go wrong. Assess your risks and consider choosing the right insurance product to cover your risks. You can speak to an insurance broker or agent to discuss your business needs and the right coverage for them.

Market, Market, Market

Marketing is an essential part of running a business. You should identify the best ways and channels to market your business and connect with more customers.

All of the steps above can help you set up your own nail salon. However, you can opt for franchising solutions if you’re averse to the risks and stress of starting a business from scratch.