Across the country and throughout the world, many people are facing difficult challenges due to the outbreak of COVID-19. While we’re all working hard to take steps to keep ourselves and others safe and healthy, now may also be the opportunity in disguise you’ve been waiting for to start your own business as an independent salon suite owner.
During a recession, many people may tell you it’s a bad time to switch careers, start a new business, or make any other work-related changes. Don’t listen to the naysayers. Many of the most successful companies in the world were started just after, or during a recession. The list includes hugely successful companies like Uber, WhatsApp, Walt Disney, and Costco. While these are certainly different than an independent salon, it goes to show what can be accomplished, even in difficult economic times. If you have the dream to be your own salon owner, the will to create your vision for the future, and the skills and experience to put to the test, then now could be the best time to become your own boss at Salons by JC. Here are three tips that we think can help you on your way.
1. Get feedback from your professional network and community about your business plan
While family and close friends can be excellent sources of support and feedback, especially when you’re taking on the challenge of starting a successful business, oftentimes they don’t have the direct business experience or more impartial feedback that you may need. Presenting your business plans and ideas to a fellow professional, ideally, someone who has successfully made the transition from renting a salon chair to their own salon suite already can be exactly what you need. This person can point out mistakes they already made, shortening the learning curve and increasing the effectiveness of your plan. Don’t stop with just one person though! There’s always more than one way to accomplish a goal, learn from as many people who have already been down the path your starting, as possible.
2. Be prepared to bring more than passion to the table
Passion opens the door. Passion for what you do may have been a leading factor to where you are today, but it won’t be enough to start, and more importantly, keep a successful salon business going for the long haul. You’ll need your current skills and expertise and a willingness to never stop learning, always mastering the newest and most in-demand skills too. You’ll also need determination. Determination to make it through the slow periods where you have fewer clients, determination to work extra hours, determination to identify the roadblocks in your way and persevere around or through them. The flip side of determination and resilience will also be one of your greatest assets. You may not be able to control what happens in the economy, the industry, or how major events like those currently impacting so many people affect your business, but you can control your responses. Staying positive, resilient, determined, and yes, passionate, will all aid you as you build a successful salon suite business.
3. Become comfortable with being accountable to your new boss – yourself
Self-accountability is the name of the game when starting your own business. That goes as much for a salon suite as it does for a new tech company in Silicon Valley. While the benefits of being your own boss are great, no company politics, no worries about fighting for the next promotion or the awkward requests for a raise or more time on the clock, you also have to take on the responsibility of being fully accountable for everything about the business. Sometimes, you will have to be a boss who’s a jerk and makes you stay late or come in early, work on extra projects around your salon, or spending extra time answering emails and social media messages when all you really want to do is go home and sleep. This means you’ll have to hone your personal level of discipline. You’re ultimately successful for your own level of success.
Bonus tip: You may be on your own, but you’re never alone
One of the hardest things about starting a new business is that you’re on your own. You set the hours, the prices, the services, and so much more. But, that’s a little different at Salons by JC. One of the greatest aspects of owning your own salon suite at one of our 100+ locations is that while you’re on your own, you’re never alone. We’re incredibly proud of our passionate and dedicated community of over 3,000 professional beauty, health, and wellness professionals. Each and everyone is part of a network that you can reach out to for support, ideas, and more. In fact, many of our salon suite owners become close friends with their salon suite neighbors as well as salon suite owners throughout the salon.
Another benefit is the opportunities for continuing education Salons by JC provides through our Empowering You program. Throughout the year Salons by JC hosts events with our partner network to bring you professional speakers, educators, and other opportunities for development. Even more, we regularly share content like training videos, blogs, tips, and more to help you be as successful as possible. individual franchise owners also have the opportunity to provide even more local events for networking, community, and more.
Right now, times may be difficult, but don’t let that slow down your dreams and goals. Adversity reveals character and hard-work builds it. You can do this. We encourage you to reach out to your nearest Salons by JC and inquire about the opportunities available to own your own salon suite. Even in areas where salons may be temporarily closed, being proactive and taking the first steps will help to ensure your success in the near future when we all persevere through the current challenges facing us.
It’s time to take your future in your own hands. You may be on your own, but you’re never alone.
Check out our other recent articles, 5 Ways Suite Owners Can Self-Promote During COVID-19, and 5 Tips To Manage Your Business Online During Challenging Times.
Written by Nicholas D. Dunlap
Director of Marketing
