So you want to own a salon…

 

About the Author: Janine Jarman

I have been an assistant, rented a station , been a platform artist, was on a reality hair show, a spokesperson and most importantly own Hairroin salon for the last 12 yrs in LA and NY for 4 . I recently launched Parlour H the worlds first online salon. I love hairdressers. This is a massive generalization to a complex journey into salon ownership. I take being an employer very seriously and strive to cultivate a creative, professional and safe place to work. I would love to hear your dreams and journeys.

 

So you want to own a salon… Let’s narrow that down a bit before you sign on the dotted line

Why do you want to own a salon?

  1. I continue to find my self in a leadership position,

  2. Coworkers are my least favorite thing about doing hair

  3. I just want a change

  4. I hate where I work

  5. I could do better

 

How many hours a week are you booked

a. 45+

b. 35+

c. 30+

d. 25+

e. 20+

 

How much money do you have saved?

  1. At least 30-50 thousand

  2. 10 thousand

  3. 15-20 thousand

  4. as soon as I pay down my debt I can start to save

  5. say what

 

How many of your clients will follow you?

  1. 75%

  2. 50-60%

  3. 50%

  4. 40%

  5. I have no idea

 

Do you have good credit…? A cosigner?… Any credit history?

  1. Yes, yes, yes

  2. Yes,no, yes

  3. Yes, maby, no

  4. kinda, no, no

  5. nope, nada ,huh

 

Do you have hairdressers that want to work with you?

Keep in mind it is a bad Idea to take any one you are currently working with unless you go 50 miles or more away from current salon.

  1. have at least 3 hairstylist friends at other salons, that I know well, and want to work for me

  2. not really

  3. me and my friend/client/ family member have been plotting and planning for years about opening a spot

  4. only the ones from my current salon… which would be hella rude to my current employer… so I guess not really

  5. me and the other stylist always talk about leaving

 

How organized would you say you are?

  1. totally … I love a good list

  2. pretty darn good

  3. good and looking to get better

  4. yes when I have to be

  5. no thank you

 

How good of a communicator are you

  1. I understand it is the key to success

  2. I don’t love confrontation, but I have great relationships and will do what it take to keep them

  3. I’m comfortable talking about hard things. And good at listening to others

  4. When I need to I will speak up and know how to stay calm and collected

  5. I bury, shove … explode… some times apologize

 

If you answered mostly A:

You are probably interested in a salon with multiple employees or renters. You don’t shy away from leadership or hard talks. Hopefully you have full books that could benefit from double booking and working with assistants. You have grown greatly behind the chair and want to challenge your self with a balance of business and clients through out your week. Be prepared to scale your time behind the chair back as your salon gets busier. A successful salon is full of staff busier behind the chair then the owner is . So you can have time and space to tackle client concerns, accounting, repairs, orders, marketing and more!

 

If you answered mostly B:

Maby a private booth rental is for you? You value one on one time with your client and are self motivated. Make sure you find a great accounting software and stocking system for you. Stay organized and set time aside for bookkeeping and stalking your shelf’s. it can be easy to over spend if you’re not always checking what is on hand, and what you have to spend vs what you charge. Stay up to date on licensing and taxes as well as a way to best communicate with your clients that keeps it professional. And don’t forget to make time for your self to continue to go to classes and connect with other stylist.

 

If you answered mostly C:

You probably want to team up with some one to open a spot! Make sure you have clear communication from the start. A partnership can be a wonderful experience if there is constant clear communication from the start. Keep everything in writing, from expectations, who is tackling what and financial contributions.   Also come up with a comfortable exit strategy for each one of you. this is a must! You don’t have a crystal ball and its anyone’s guess what the future will hold. The ideal partner will have different strengths then you … making it great to divide and conquer. Be prepared to compromise. And avoid good cop bad cop approach. Same page always as far as the staff can see. Duke it out in private

 

If you answered mostly D:

Maybe its time for you to get your feet wet at a rental salon. This is a great way to learn organization, get to know product reps and see what kind of salon owner you want to be… if at all. Much like a private booth stay on top of your innovatory, taxes and licenses. Build a rock solid relationship with your clients and put your self out there to meet other stylist should you end up opening a salon in the future.

 

If you answered mostly E:

YOU better check your self… Owning a salon will solve 0 problems. It will however come at you like a bad case of headline. Get your personal affairs in order. Stop talking shit… if you see a problem be part of the solution. Act like the leader you would want to work for. It has been my experience that busy and talented hairdressers complain the least. So rather then sizing others up – get busier. Show clients incredible customer service and amazing hair. And once you have done that… take the quiz again 

 

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Hair Nerd LifeAnnie | The Hair NerdsComment