What should I do?

[Mobilenailsbfd]

I'm currently a mobile nail technician and I do spray tans, in the new year I'm hoping to start waxing when my course comes to an end. I have been looking at places to rent to open up my own salon as mobile isn't for me and I'd love my own salon.

After a chat with a friend she was horrified to hear about the amount of rent and rates I'd need to pay and offered me her cellar to work from.

The cellar has its own entrance from outside aswel as opening windows. It's large with a separate toilet and sink room. Her house is between a very busy baby shop and the local church and gets lots of passing traffic as is on the main road. She said if I paid for the cellar to be converted, sorted out my insurance, business rates etc she would let me have it for the first year rent free.

Now this would save me heaps of cash, she is a good friend who I have known for 20 years and she never uses the cellar so would be no bother to her. She has no kids and works full time. However would it be a good idea? Is it actually worth it has anyone had any similar experiences?

Sorry for long post :)

[Jane Mason]

To be honest, I'd get it all written up in a contract before anything further is done. It's never good to mix business with pleasure and it happens all too often that the best of intentions can turn ugly. I'm sure your friend means well, but at the end of the day, you need full say over the times and conditions you are willing to work in.

Will she mind you having early or late clients? Also, if you put x amount of money into the revamping of the cellar, what then? I understand you get the first year rent free but after that then what? What if you put all that money and effort into it and end up finding a better area or rental? I would also be concerned that if after you fix it up, what happens if she moves or she decides she doesn't want you renting it anymore?

I would just work out the details with your friend before you dive in because for I spent way more money than I thought I would decorating and getting my equipment together, let alone fixing up a place. It can add up really quick and it actually may be cheaper for you to rent a room somewhere than fixing up her place plus the price of your supplies, products, and decoration.

I'm not trying to be negative but these are the things that popped into my head immediately while I read your post. Definitely write up a business plan with future time lines and goals to start with. Think of where you want to be in a year or two or even five years from now.

There's lots to think about when going into business but when you mix business with pleasure, sometimes it can be too good to be true.

I hope it all works out for you and I do believe it could be a great idea once all the details are worked out. It just sounds like a lot of money on your part. Make sure you know what you're getting into or at least a clearer idea, before you start.

Take care,
Jane

[Mobilenailsbfd]

Thanks Jane. Yes I will def write up a contract if we choose to go ahead as I don't want things to get messy! She did say don't bother with rent at all but i put my foot down and said I will pay rent lol. To be honest the cellar is in great condition and not a lot of work needs doing so it would be cheaper than a years rent elsewhere as its so expensive in the city where I live. She wouldn't mind me working early starts as she leaves for work at 4am and evenings I won't be working too late as I have three children so have to be home for them.

I think my main concern is us falling out over money/bills or similar that's why I'd get it in writing. It really is an ideal spot to open up but I don't want to rush in and regret it later :(

[Jane Mason]

Well that sounds great then. Just get all the details out on paper to include a back up plan in case you fall out with each other... again not being negative but it's business and you have to plan for everything.
Good luck!! I hope everything works out for you.
J