Hi all,

I've just qualified in acrylic nail extensions but now I really don't know what is the best thing to do, work in a salon? Rent a space self employed? or go mobile?

My main problem is that I can only really work during school hours so if I go mobile I don't think I'll get enough clients since I can't do evenings or weekends. I doubt a salon will take me on if I can only work 9.30-2.30 and if I rent a space I have the same problem in that I may not be able to cover costs only working these hours.

Any advice very welcome, has anyone been in this situation?

Thanks.

Why don't you hand your leaflets round at the schools. Most of your clients will be moms then who will only have school hours spare themselves.

I think it depends on what type of qualification you have.

If it's a short course then I would advise some more courses or lots of practice on family and friends.

If it's a long course and you are very confident in your services then you maybe ready for work on paying clients. Only working school hours is very tricky for any job! Maybe a job share? But finding clients among mums with kids at school could be a good starting point.

There is nothing magic in doing nails! You earn money for your skills and time put in. Why not try mobile for now?

Many of us have been in this situation and there no easy answer. I was many years ago and I found a business partner with same age kids and we opened a salon and shared the work and child minding.

Thanks for your replies. I really want to go mobile but I'm just worried that I'll lose my benefits and won't earn enough to survive! Also my course was with essential nails so I haven't had much practice on 'real' nails and tbh I only have 2 friends (sad I know) and my family won't let me near their hands with l&p they like their nails natural.

I think the idea of handing out leaflets at the school is a good one, like you say most of them have time during school hours. My worry is that the people who can afford to have their nails done are the ones who work and hence would require evening appointments. I do have a meeting on Tuesday with a guy from the Prince's trust to find out if they could help with the start up cost of going mobile but I'm still not sure that's the right decision! Sorry to babble so much but the more I think about it the more I worry that I'll make the wrong decision and I really want to make this work.

Why don't you ask at the job centre that your thinking about going self employed. I would imagine they can't just cut off your benefits just like that, when your just starting out?! You won't have any clients initially...see what they say, it can't hurt. Good luck!

You need to do lots of real people first and probably another course or 2 before you can hope to earn any money (if that is a n option for you)

Look at all the info on her re training, specially the home learn courses

I don't mean to be pessimistic; just realistic

If I go self employed the job centre will pay my income support (up to £50 per week) for the first 16 weeks.

I'm doing an airbrush course but at the same time I'm practicing pink and whites as the course didn't teach this.

Hi, you could advertise @ the school for models to practice on (for a Fee) so you can get in your practice, make a few bob and get yourself known. When you have built up a reasonable amount of models and gained confidence & experience you could review your circumstances and requirements from then, say in about a year. hth