Here’s How To Start and Run an In-Home Salon

Are you a mom who loves fashion? Want to work from home, but hate the idea of working all alone at a desk? Have you ever considered establishing a beauty salon in your house? This can be a great way to start a fulfilling at-home business. You can be a parent and a professional at the same time, in the same place. Here are the basics of how to start and run an in-home salon.

Read Up on Your Legal Obligations

Before you can welcome clients into your home, you need to know the legal requirements for running a salon in your area. You’ll definitely need to have a cosmetology license. Your area might also require a special license to run a business out of your home. 

If you’re already trying to figure out how you can get your cosmetology license while caring for your kids, there are programs that help you do a lot of the learning online, on your own schedule. You can study the theoretical side of cosmetology online while your kids nap or are in school.

Health and safety regulations are important, too. You’ll have to make sure you can maintain a clean, sanitary space in accordance with local and federal standards. Which leads us to the second step.

Set Up a Dedicated Space for Your In-Home Salon

You’re going to need a dedicated space to host your clients comfortably. It’s also going to need enough room to store your equipment safely – especially important if your home includes small and often sticky hands!

If you can dedicate a room in your home for your salon, especially one with a lockable door, perfect. Wherever you set up, you’ll need enough outlets for your equipment and great lighting and ventilation (think windows!).

Buy All Necessary Equipment and Supplies

You can’t run a salon without equipment, whether it’s a chair, mirrors, or styling tools. Think about the services you want to offer. Then make sure you understand which esthetician supplies you’ll need. Investing in quality equipment and supplies is important, as it gives your salon a good name and helps you provide excellent service.

If you can't figure out how to start and run an in-home salon on your family's budget, you might want to explore finding gently-used equipment to start. You can always upgrade when your income allows, and pass those items on to another mom starting out.

Curate a Relaxing Atmosphere

Salons are meant to be relaxing spaces. Believe it or not, it’s possible to create that even in a chaotic home that includes young children. Try soundproofing your workspace and play gentle music. You might even try diffusing calming aromas. Incorporate calming decor, but don’t go overboard. As you probably know from being a mom, clutter can be stressful!

And, so you can relax, too, consider your family when getting things set up. Can you work near a playroom where you can keep an eye on the kids? Make a corner for them in your salon area (maybe a dolls’ salon, or books and a place to snuggle in)? Or would you rather work only during school hours?

Thinking these questions through before you start will save you a lot of frustration later.

Start Marketing to Your Inner Circle and Beyond

Now that you’ve set everything in place, it’s time to spread the word about your at-home business. Begin by sharing your plans with friends and family. They can help generate buzz and refer clients—or they might need services themselves!

Also, invest in social media content, an attractive website, and memberships to professional cosmetologist groups.

If you’re involved in mommy-and-me or parent circles, be sure to put out the word there, too! Other moms might be thrilled to have a more family-friendly option.

In Conclusion: Stay Positive!

Finally, remember to stay positive! Starting and running an in-home salon is challenging in many ways, but if it’s your dream, let yourself commit to your new profession.

You can deal with setbacks in your WFH business by celebrating small wins and reminding yourself of the joy your work brings to your clients. Also remember that you’re showing your kids how to make dreams come true through hard work, and how to handle life’s tough spots – very important life skills for anyone to learn!

 A positive mindset not only attracts more clients, it also makes your work more satisfying.  And that lets you enjoy the rewarding experience of building a successful business from home. Good luck!