Thank you very much or giving a thoughtful response. It's something I will have to take time to think about. One of my reasons for wanting to do this is that I have always dreamed of running my own business. I live in a relatively nice area (upper middle class). There seems to be a nail salon on every corner and just about every woman I know gets their nails done regularly. Every time I go into one of these salons I sit there thinking about how it could be done so much better. My vision is of a higher end nail salon with a spa feel to it, offering massage and facial services as well. All the salons I've been to (and that's many), do a great job with the nails but really don't offer a very nice atmosphere. They also seem to change hands often. I was thinking that if I bought out one of them I could potentially pick up any customers they already had. Just a seed planted in my brain right now but I would love to make it happen.

I also never discourage anyone that have a dream, just be sure that you are ready to work over time and under pay for a while. If you see salon changing hands often mean they are not making money, who would give up their gold pot? It is true that many salon out there lacking of a relax atmosphere, but when clients are not used to pay high price you will have a tougher time to build the clientele, but when you do they will stay because not everyone looking for a discount service, many still live by one rule, you get what you pay for. I hope you would find you true calling :)

Do you think it is necessary for someone to be trained as a nail tech before they venture into this business?

There area pros and cons on buying someone else's nail business and if its a NSS (discount salon) those clients will not stay. They go there becasue they are fast and cheap and that's not the client you want to attract. Like Tina, I agree in not discouraging you but want to be realistic about this venture. You are on the right track about your visions of an upscale environment but there is a lot more You need to know before making the leap. I also think you could find a good location and build it out the way you want for the same money you would pay to buy a salon out. I would recommend you do a business plan as well. Let me know if you have any more questions - be glad to help!

I would definitely put a business plan together before starting anything but I guess I'm trying to figure out if it is a realistic idea in the first place. This is certainly not something I would run out and start tomorrow either...I'm thinking a few years down the road. I recently had my third (and last) child so I would not even be interested in doing this until he starts preschool. I've taken leave of my career (teaching) and I think I would just like to do something different at this point in my life. What I think I want to figure out now is:

1)Is this a realistic idea being that I don't have a background in this field?

2)If it IS realistic, what can I do now to help prepare? I can't work in a salon for lack of skill/experience and because I'm home with a baby anyway. Could I take any classes ?

3) What would the start up costs for a venture like this be (approximately)? Would renting a space not make sense?

and 4) What can an owner of a nail salon/spa realistcally expect to earn? I know the answer to that question depends on many different factors but is there a range you could give me?


I realize these are a lot of basic questions and may sound stupid, but I'm trying to just get an idea of where to start or if it's even worth considering.

Hi Sue
Let me address your questions!

1)Is this a realistic idea being that I don't have a background in this field?
ANSWER: Yes it is realistic, however you need to understand the industry enough to know about good services, how salons work and the laws your state board have so you know about msds, proper sanitation etc. There is nothing worse than a salon owner than does not "get it" from our perspective and be bottom line only focused. You need to know about employees vs. independent contractors and how that all works as well. a manual is in order, operations, customer service and techniques so as a team you are all on the same page and this can all be done while you are home raising kids and making plans!

2)If it IS realistic, what can I do now to help prepare? I can't work in a salon for lack of skill/experience and because I'm home with a baby anyway. Could I take any classes ?

ANSWER: Preparing is easy - go to trade shows, read Nails Magazine from cover to cover each month, and reach out on Beautytech and facebook to other techs. I would recommend you attend nail school as well and you may be able to do that part time. Mainly because it will give you credibility with your salon team and a good understanding of the lack of education out there and how to overcome that.

3) What would the start up costs for a venture like this be (approximately)? Would renting a space not make sense?
ANSWER: Start up costs vary depending on how big you want to go. I would be more than glad to discuss this with you on the phone. There is not a flat amount I could give you and doing a business plan will help you figure all that out. I can also share my experience with start up costs too.

4) What can an owner of a nail salon/spa realistcally expect to earn? I know the answer to that question depends on many different factors but is there a range you could give me?
ANSWER: Well realistically this is going to depend on how small or large you are going to so and if you are going to be working yourself as well. Plus you need to understand if you are starting from scratch with no clientele it is going to be tough building business and you need to plan for that.

Agian let's discuss. I am sure I can give you much more info to set you on the right and realistic path.

Email me at: vicki@vickipeters.com and send me your phone number.
Vicki