Are you starting out with eyelash extensions at home, but you already know you want to do it for a living in the future? Whether you got into this new hobby because of lockdown or a desire to own your own business, I've written a 7-step guide on how you can go from a beginner to owning your own salon. It will be a long journey, but I believe today's article will help you to step forward on the right foot and direction. So read on!
Step 1 = Practice makes perfect
All professional lash stylists, including me, have started somewhere, so don't worry that you can't do it. In the beginning, all you have to do is practice lash extensions and styling. It's up to you what pace you choose and how long it takes you to master the basic techniques and get a handle on it.
So my advice is: Don't stress yourself out. Rome wasn't built in a day, so give it as much time as you need and see fit.
How to learn everything?
To practice you can:
- use a test pad with silicone eyes or a mannequin training head to try out gluing on your eyelashes,
- or reach out to your friends, mum or aunt to learn the real process - you'll get to practice working with real people, which is absolutely invaluable as practice.
However, at any cost, do not forget about quality training material. Learn how to work with appropriate false eyelashes and extension tools from the start. You'll find that they'll be 100% easier to work with and you'll save yourself not only time, but also a lot of effort that you would have spent working with cheap substitutes.
Step 2 = Learn, learn, learn
The words that are sure to bring back memories of school are true in the eyelash extension business as well. In fact, it's necessary to keep educating yourself. If you're a trained beautician or have a cosmetic requalification course, you'll still need to take a certified course in eyelash extensions - it's not part of a traditional cosmetic course. There you will learn the basic methods, work with fluids and get the necessary information.
If you've already mastered everything from your home training, completing the course and getting the necessary certificate will be even easier.
My tip: If you have the opportunity, don't put it off and take the course as soon as possible.
Step 3 = A little paperwork
At this stage, you've got the practice down and you're wondering whether to "hit the ground running". And I say - definitely yes! You've come a long way and it would be a shame not to turn all the experience you've gained into a dream come true. Now you have no choice but to happily set up your own beauty business.
What do you need for that?
- A cosmetology school ending with an exam,
- or a requalification course in cosmetics and a guarantor who will guarantee your business for 1 year.
Then all you have to do is go to the trade office with all the documents (teaching certificate, certificate, documents), pay the administrative fee of CZK 1,000 and your trade is up and running. Don't forget to report your new business to the other authorities - the Social Security Office, the health insurance company and the relevant tax office.
Step 4 = Space
You have all the necessary paperwork, courses and you can boldly move on to the next step. The title of this section suggests that you are about to select a space for your business.
Whether you'll be renting a salon downtown or building one in a home setting, think about having the right facilities in your salon. That means access to a sink with potable, hot water, furthermore, adequate lighting, ventilation, heating, drainage, toilets, and other necessary amenities. It is ideal to get a space that has been used for beauty services in the past. These will already be tailored to your needs and will be easier for the authorities to approve as suitable for use.
A more joyful activity for you will certainly be the subsequent beautification and furnishing of the entire interior so that your clients like it, feel comfortable and you feel comfortable working there.
Step 5 = And again, the paperwork and the authorities
The next step is to report your use of the newly selected premises to the Regional Health Office. You will submit a written application, the operating rules (with all the information about hygiene, cleaning, sterilization of instruments, etc.), a price list and project documentation.
My tip: It will make your job a lot easier if you call here and find out in advance what all you need to provide and what they will require you to do to make the whole process go smoothly.
But it doesn't end with the county health department. You also have to report the salon to other agencies - the building department, fire department, the HVAC and energy suppliers for setting up services.
Step 6 = Now just get it approved
Here we go to the final step! Because at this step, you're almost done. But before you can successfully open the salon, you need to get the premises approved. The approval usually also requires a statement from the Regional Health Authority and the Fire Brigade that they think the space is OK. The final approval is then carried out by the building authority. And you can reward yourself for all your hard work and celebrate the approval properly.
Step 7 = Get on with it
All that's left to do is not rest on your laurels and get on with your new business with gusto. Call on the female friends, the clients you've made during your practice, and start beautifying the female gaze. There's nothing stopping you from your journey to success.
You may also be interested in:
Eyelash extensions from A to Z
Taping and tape work as a way to perfect results
3 eyelash extension kits - what do you need to get started and how to choose the right one?
14 tips for perfect photos of your work
UV Lash System - has the eyelash extension revolution arrived?
It's a challenging journey that will land you with a hurdle from time to time, but I believe that with due diligence and patience, you can do it. After all, there is nothing better than being the master of your own time, money and work. And to be rewarded for all your hard work with happy clients? That's just worth it.
So go for it ladies, you have my huge support!
