Giving up?

[Beautysince2012]

I feel stressed to the max, I left my old salon that was booming as I struggled having staff ( it wasn't something I could manage) and moved to a 'well known' salon that I thought I could push new business in for new treatments.
If always maintained a great client base until.this last year and especially the last 6 months. I'm absoulty dead!!!

Yesterday was my mate, a night I usually work until 8pm I left the salon.at 2pm.

Today I have 3 clients all day- I feel so stressed. Xxx

 

[Kateline1]

I feel stressed to the max, I left my old salon that was booming as I struggled having staff ( it wasn't something I could manage) and moved to a 'well known' salon that I thought I could push new business in for new treatments.
If always maintained a great client base until.this last year and especially the last 6 months. I'm absoulty dead!!!

Yesterday was my mate, a night I usually work until 8pm I left the salon.at 2pm.

Today I have 3 clients all day- I feel so stressed. Xxx

 

[Kateline1]

Hi there, I really feel your pain- I have lost the will - home salon- I work as well but it’s never enough - totally lost my motivation! - I think all small businesses are struggling right now - are your rents High? I am barely keeping my head above water it’s very frustrating - I sincerely wish you get more custom soon xx

 

[Ruby S]

Sorry you guys are feeling so low at the moment. I was exactly the same a couple of years ago.. honestly I was getting into awful debt & I had some VERY dark thoughts once or twice. I eventually realised that I needed to make a change one way or another... so I started looking for a new premises to work from & to ditch all of the chair renters that were taking the piss and in fact costing me a fortune. I emailed and phoned everyone in the local area that might have a little space for me to rent and heard back from a garden centre who have basically built me a summer house to work from and made my dreams come true! I am now working my way out of debt, my home life is great because I’m not putting so much pressure on my husband financially & I LOVE coming to work everyday. But if I hadn’t fallen on my feet with the new landlord I was planning on applying for jobs in spas & salons to start making a regular wage. The dream is always to work for yourself and be making loads of money straight away, but if this isn’t working out it’s really not worth getting ill over. Our mental health is too important & life is too short to be worrying about money and stuff all the time! Someone said to me the other day, “oh my god, you look so different... you’re glowing..” and that is because I was proactive and made a huge change in my life & we can all do that. You need to figure out how long you can last financially and mentally in the situation you are currently in. You can always apply for jobs elsewhere & come back to owning your own place in a few years time. Sorry for the long message, this is just so the situation I was in & I realise how lucky I am firstly to have an amazing supportive husband & family that helped me through some seriously low times & to have found the perfect place to work. I really hope you guys can make similar changes and get yourselves out of your ruts!

 

[Kateline1]

Sorry you guys are feeling so low at the moment. I was exactly the same a couple of years ago.. honestly I was getting into awful debt & I had some VERY dark thoughts once or twice. I eventually realised that I needed to make a change one way or another... so I started looking for a new premises to work from & to ditch all of the chair renters that were taking the piss and in fact costing me a fortune. I emailed and phoned everyone in the local area that might have a little space for me to rent and heard back from a garden centre who have basically built me a summer house to work from and made my dreams come true! I am now working my way out of debt, my home life is great because I’m not putting so much pressure on my husband financially & I LOVE coming to work everyday. But if I hadn’t fallen on my feet with the new landlord I was planning on applying for jobs in spas & salons to start making a regular wage. The dream is always to work for yourself and be making loads of money straight away, but if this isn’t working out it’s really not worth getting ill over. Our mental health is too important & life is too short to be worrying about money and stuff all the time! Someone said to me the other day, “oh my god, you look so different... you’re glowing..” and that is because I was proactive and made a huge change in my life & we can all do that. You need to figure out how long you can last financially and mentally in the situation you are currently in. You can always apply for jobs elsewhere & come back to owning your own place in a few years time. Sorry for the long message, this is just so the situation I was in & I realise how lucky I am firstly to have an amazing supportive husband & family that helped me through some seriously low times & to have found the perfect place to work. I really hope you guys can make similar changes and get yourselves out of your ruts!

 

[Kateline1]

Hi - Aww Thank you so much for your reply- I can cope from a home salon but still hard, I think we all have that dream - but any business takes at least 3 years to unfold and beauty is often a luxury- I live on my own - did loads of courses last year! But Christmas was a right off! I had made goodie bags and vouchers for regulars but now I feel I can’t offer anything - I fact I think I was giving away too much - a Big learning curve! I’m so pleased for you that you found your niche! I realise this business is very fickle and we have ups and downs! I have only been going a year! So early days - I will see out this year and see
Thank you so
Much

 

[Ruby S]

Hi - Aww Thank you so much for your reply- I can cope from a home salon but still hard, I think we all have that dream - but any business takes at least 3 years to unfold and beauty is often a luxury- I live on my own - did loads of courses last year! But Christmas was a right off! I had made goodie bags and vouchers for regulars but now I feel I can’t offer anything - I fact I think I was giving away too much - a Big learning curve! I’m so pleased for you that you found your niche! I realise this business is very fickle and we have ups and downs! I have only been going a year! So early days - I will see out this year and see
Thank you so
Much

You’ll make it if you’re determined. And yes a year is still very early days. Good luck & I hope you’re still posting on here in a couple of years time!

 

[Kateline1]

Thank you it’s so good to have support from anyone on here that’s lovely xx

 

[Tracy Swain]

Thank you it’s so good to have support from anyone on here that’s lovely xx

I am starting out in my beauty room in my garden! I am going to do another partime job aswell for now. I'm finding it daunting but really want to try. Trying to think of ways to advertise. Ideally I would like the older clients that want some one to one flexible appointments. I no how you feel and realise it will take time. Do you all have a website? I haven't yet but thinking of doing one. ( getting help to do one![emoji23])

 

[Kateline1]

I am starting out in my beauty room in my garden! I am going to do another partime job aswell for now. I'm finding it daunting but really want to try. Trying to think of ways to advertise. Ideally I would like the older clients that want some one to one flexible appointments. I no how you feel and realise it will take time. Do you all have a website? I haven't yet but thinking of doing one. ( getting help to do one![emoji23])

Hi there yes I had one quite soon it was very reasonable £350 for everything- logo - design - I emailed everything over and prices etc - Although cos I’m on fb I find people don’t always use it but I love it - I can message it to you! And you can have a look if you want? They did all the colours and everything I am very proud of it I wish you such good luck with everything xx

 

[Kateline1]

Hi there yes I had one quite soon it was very reasonable £350 for everything- logo - design - I emailed everything over and prices etc - Although cos I’m on fb I find people don’t always use it but I love it - I can message it to you! And you can have a look if you want? They did all the colours and everything I am very proud of it I wish you such good luck with everything xx

That’s a great idea in your garden! Xx

 

[Kateline1]

You’ll make it if you’re determined. And yes a year is still very early days. Good luck & I hope you’re still posting on here in a couple of years time!

Thank you for your kind Comments Ruby S x

 

[RosieR]

Hi to you all, I really feel for you.
Working for youself takes an age to get the strong regular client base, there are dips in footfall as there are natural fluctuations in our years business. Don't give up , you have worked hard and toiled to have achieved all you have done so far to date.
Putting money aside for the less good weeks is part of being self employed.
I have had the worst 2 months than ever before !!???? and as no one has died or left to live elsewhere in the country I can only put it down to the very late Easter. I had 3 clients today too, but 2 of them had a couple of nails replaced and not a replacement set because they wanted it to last til next friday. Meaning they have had them on for 3 weeks. Not ideal money wise but that's their choice. The money from them comes next friday instead.
Looking at more essential maintenance treatments in beauty has helped me continue to provide the changing needs of a ageing client base. They have a better ,but smaller disposible income for those treatments that they cannot do themselves .
Introducing a pedicure aimed at the elderly client has made a big difference in my strong regular client base. They are easy peasy, no polish just a thorough pamper and ir's regular. ( every 6 weeks or so) These older clients can't get down to their feet so they really need me.
Pedicures have become over the years about nearly a third of my business., especially between march and october . (holiday and feet on show season)
Eyebrows are my second biggest need , any age again....but not your Hd brow , just normal wax, tint, trim. It's a big seller as they have the instant brow lift without the surgery.
Also older clients will come daytime, no late nights, so thats a positive.
I have given talks and demonstrations to the local Womens institute groups. There are 4 in my area and are always happy to have guest speakers or demonstrations. I was terrified, but got to meet a lovely bunch of ladies perfect for my business. Give it a try.
I also have a contact with a podiatrist, and any problem feet go to her for her care.
I hope you all find that now the sun starts to shine you will be able to start making some money without losing your dream. Hang on in there !
RosieR

 

[Medina Sugaring]

As Rosie and everyone else had said Hang in there! Keep going and don't even consider giving up. If you give up it will definitely fail. It you keep going it will be likely to succeed. What would you rather have? A solid customer base takes a long time to secure and lots of hard work aswell. Keep on reading ways of promoting your services. Keep on spreading the word. Not just by social media. Tell anyone and everyone who you are and what you do. Also don't fall into the trap of being a low-cost beautician. It instantly screams a low quality service. Concentrate on the people who will pay by making sure you are very very good at what you do. I wish you luck.

 

[Tracy Swain]

Hi there yes I had one quite soon it was very reasonable £350 for everything- logo - design - I emailed everything over and prices etc - Although cos I’m on fb I find people don’t always use it but I love it - I can message it to you! And you can have a look if you want? They did all the colours and everything I am very proud of it I wish you such good luck with everything xx

Thanks for your reply, yes could you message it t me please. Xx

 

[Kateline1]

Hi to you all, I really feel for you.
Working for youself takes an age to get the strong regular client base, there are dips in footfall as there are natural fluctuations in our years business. Don't give up , you have worked hard and toiled to have achieved all you have done so far to date.
Putting money aside for the less good weeks is part of being self employed.
I have had the worst 2 months than ever before !!???? and as no one has died or left to live elsewhere in the country I can only put it down to the very late Easter. I had 3 clients today too, but 2 of them had a couple of nails replaced and not a replacement set because they wanted it to last til next friday. Meaning they have had them on for 3 weeks. Not ideal money wise but that's their choice. The money from them comes next friday instead.
Looking at more essential maintenance treatments in beauty has helped me continue to provide the changing needs of a ageing client base. They have a better ,but smaller disposible income for those treatments that they cannot do themselves .
Introducing a pedicure aimed at the elderly client has made a big difference in my strong regular client base. They are easy peasy, no polish just a thorough pamper and ir's regular. ( every 6 weeks or so) These older clients can't get down to their feet so they really need me.
Pedicures have become over the years about nearly a third of my business., especially between march and october . (holiday and feet on show season)
Eyebrows are my second biggest need , any age again....but not your Hd brow , just normal wax, tint, trim. It's a big seller as they have the instant brow lift without the surgery.
Also older clients will come daytime, no late nights, so thats a positive.
I have given talks and demonstrations to the local Womens institute groups. There are 4 in my area and are always happy to have guest speakers or demonstrations. I was terrified, but got to meet a lovely bunch of ladies perfect for my business. Give it a try.
I also have a contact with a podiatrist, and any problem feet go to her for her care.
I hope you all find that now the sun starts to shine you will be able to start making some money without losing your dream. Hang on in there !
RosieR

Hi Rosie,

Thank you so
Much for your lovely post! and encouraging words- that’s amazing - your tips also are amazing! Could I ask how long you have been going please?
You sound so confident and on top of it all - I think I prob thought it would all be ok? But right now it’s just hard - they say the first year is the worst! - I have one pamper party this month which is fantastic! My friend helped me. And brought in 2 people she knew- as you say it takes a lot of time- and definitely correct about the older client base - as they prob have regular peds!
I think you are so inspirational! As you say Don’t Give Up!! Xx
Thank you so much and keep in touch xxx

 

[Kateline1]

As Rosie and everyone else had said Hang in there! Keep going and don't even consider giving up. If you give up it will definitely fail. It you keep going it will be likely to succeed. What would you rather have? A solid customer base takes a long time to secure and lots of hard work aswell. Keep on reading ways of promoting your services. Keep on spreading the word. Not just by social media. Tell anyone and everyone who you are and what you do. Also don't fall into the trap of being a low-cost beautician. It instantly screams a low quality service. Concentrate on the people who will pay by making sure you are very very good at what you do. I wish you luck.

Hi Medina

Thank you so much for your lovely words of encouragement! Fantastic support on here! And yet I don’t usually come on here much - I need this feedback definitely - any other tips would be amazing and helpful - yes your right don’t undersell yourself - I was definitely giving away too much st the beginning and it was all a learning curve! People do take advantage when they can - what do you think of social media videos on insta and fb? Are they worth doing??

Thank you so much for your lovely posts everyone

 

[Kateline1]

Hi Medina

Thank you so much for your lovely words of encouragement! Fantastic support on here! And yet I don’t usually come on here much - I need this feedback definitely - any other tips would be amazing and helpful - yes your right don’t undersell yourself - I was definitely giving away too much st the beginning and it was all a learning curve! People do take advantage when they can - what do you think of social media videos on insta and fb? Are they worth doing??

Thank you so much for your lovely posts everyone

 

[RosieR]

Hi Rosie,

Thank you so
Much for your lovely post! and encouraging words- that’s amazing - your tips also are amazing! Could I ask how long you have been going please?
You sound so confident and on top of it all - I think I prob thought it would all be ok? But right now it’s just hard - they say the first year is the worst! - I have one pamper party this month which is fantastic! My friend helped me. And brought in 2 people she knew- as you say it takes a lot of time- and definitely correct about the older client base - as they prob have regular peds!
I think you are so inspirational! As you say Don’t Give Up!! Xx
Thank you so much and keep in touch xxx

Hi kateline,
You are welcome and it's very generous of you to reply so nicely. I am an old school trained therapist and actually been in the industry for 37 years. Self employed for over 25 years now. The work has changed a lot over the years but if you can be patient and afford a gradual start you will hopefully gain momentum with your client base.
Word of mouth has been my best advert, and it's allowed some degree of having nice clients , personally recommended.
Waxing was the real money earner at the start, but as it becomes progressively more like a permanent hair removal they don't need such regular appointments now their hair has reduced over the years.
My clients stay with me , I think it's called client retention now, but I have always made sure that future treatments are discussed during the service so that they know they need to book before they leave me. ( I have bookings already listed for christmas week )
My diary does have time of year fluctuations and as I have said it's been a very strange couple of months.
I am not a very confident person, and I still worry about things I could have done better, but that care and needing to do as good job as I can comes through with my treatments. That's why they rebook.
Love feet and my pedicures are very good I am told , thorough, and very consistant ; As for eyebrows the biggest compliment an old lady like me can have is your clients bringing their grandaughters to me to do their eyebrows too.
I wish you all well and hope Beautysince2012 will read our messages for some support too.
RosieR

 

[Medina Sugaring]

Hi Kateline. You are very welcome. Starting a business takes a huge amount of determination, patience and hard work. Making it successfull and ensuring it stands the test of time demands even more determination, patience and hard work.
Specialising in a certain treatment and marketing yourself as an expert can be a great way to attract interest and gain client confidence as opposed to being a general, same as the rest beautician and Jack of all trades. When they know you are really good at a certain treatment they will instantly want you to do the rest and they will start to recommend you aswell. If you are consistently good it will develop with time.