Home Salon??

[Rivone]

Since joining this site and after reading the very long and interesting post by Gigi, its made me think more about what I want to do.

While pregnant (although having a rough time) I want to plan for the future and 'take the bull by its horns' as it were.

Because I've got a 2 years old and a new baby due around the end of Feb (tbc next wednesday), I can't seeing me being physically able to work in a salon or rent a room/salon as I have no family around me (apart from hubby) who can look after the kids, and childcare is so expensive round here.

Lailah-Rae (my daughter) will be starting government nursery next September but I understand she will go everyday but only for half a day so I need a job that will fit in with this not to mention still needing to look after the baby.

Therefore, I had thought of having a home salon, although in our current property (which may have to be sold - another worry, another problem) we only have two bedrooms which will be used for us and the kids. I have a large living room and I had thought of putting a nail station in the one corner and work from home that way, but I'm a little concerned of:

1) Exposing the kids to any fumes (does CND products have fumes - only I'm thinking of retraining with them?)

2) Will clients mind having their nails done while there is a 2 year old and a baby in the room?

3) Is it really viable (or professional) to have a nail station in the living room?

See, I'm already thinking of failure again and yet I can't see of any other way of starting out in this industry again.

Are there any other people on here who have a home salon and young children, and can give me some real advise.

Help! Please!

 

[PinkPotions]

I can't speak for nails but i have a home salon. I have designated a whole room of my house to it and no-one else is allowed in it!

I would say if you have clients over they may not have a problem with being in your living room but how can you give the nails your full atention while watching children! My experiences of children round about nails as they are up in your face and want to 'watch' everything!

Other geeks can advise more but i have always been told by my clients that coming to me is so peacefull as there is no noise & noone to disturb the treatment.

 

[Doorie]

Since joining this site and after reading the very long and interesting post by Gigi, its made me think more about what I want to do.

While pregnant (although having a rough time) I want to plan for the future and 'take the bull by its horns' as it were.

Because I've got a 2 years old and a new baby due around the end of Feb (tbc next wednesday), I can't seeing me being physically able to work in a salon or rent a room/salon as I have no family around me (apart from hubby) who can look after the kids, and childcare is so expensive round here.

Lailah-Rae (my daughter) will be starting government nursery next September but I understand she will go everyday but only for half a day so I need a job that will fit in with this not to mention still needing to look after the baby.

Therefore, I had thought of having a home salon, although in our current property (which may have to be sold - another worry, another problem) we only have two bedrooms which will be used for us and the kids. I have a large living room and I had thought of putting a nail station in the one corner and work from home that way, but I'm a little concerned of:

1) Exposing the kids to any fumes (does CND products have fumes - only I'm thinking of retraining with them?) all the products in artificial nails have. some smell stronger than other, and some tips can help you with that.

2) Will clients mind having their nails done while there is a 2 year old and a baby in the room? if you'd ask my clients, they'd tell no when you'd ask, but wouldn't book with you. what are you gonna do, lets say, you're sculpting and your kid starts to play or scream, where will your attention go? this is unprofessionnal.

3) Is it really viable (or professional) to have a nail station in the living room? I would love to think it can be. but from my personnal (tho short) experience, I wouldn't do that. I can only speak for myself, but I need to have the little trip from home to work and back. just so I don't bring my work/office back home with me, nor my home/family problems at work. having a separated place, just for beaty/nails, would be okay as the doorstep could make it.

See, I'm already thinking of failure again and yet I can't see of any other way of starting out in this industry again.

Are there any other people on here who have a home salon and young children, and can give me some real advise.

Help! Please!

but I have no kid. I know childcare is expensive (worked in the Service of Protection of Youth of my country), and I also know it's hard to set up a business as an independant with young children.

I don't think I am well-placed (nor would be anyone here) to tell you to go for it or not to do it...

 

[xAnnaBannAx]

Since joining this site and after reading the very long and interesting post by Gigi, its made me think more about what I want to do.

While pregnant (although having a rough time) I want to plan for the future and 'take the bull by its horns' as it were.

Because I've got a 2 years old and a new baby due around the end of Feb (tbc next wednesday), I can't seeing me being physically able to work in a salon or rent a room/salon as I have no family around me (apart from hubby) who can look after the kids, and childcare is so expensive round here.

Lailah-Rae (my daughter) will be starting government nursery next September but I understand she will go everyday but only for half a day so I need a job that will fit in with this not to mention still needing to look after the baby.

Therefore, I had thought of having a home salon, although in our current property (which may have to be sold - another worry, another problem) we only have two bedrooms which will be used for us and the kids. I have a large living room and I had thought of putting a nail station in the one corner and work from home that way, but I'm a little concerned of:

1) Exposing the kids to any fumes (does CND products have fumes - only I'm thinking of retraining with them?)

2) Will clients mind having their nails done while there is a 2 year old and a baby in the room?

3) Is it really viable (or professional) to have a nail station in the living room?

See, I'm already thinking of failure again and yet I can't see of any other way of starting out in this industry again.

Are there any other people on here who have a home salon and young children, and can give me some real advise.

Help! Please!

I think it would be virtually impossible and totally impracticable to do what you are suggesting....you just cant carry out nail services on someone and have 2 very young children to look after, I personally think it would be very unsafe to have all your products in the same room where your 2 year old might be able to grab something...I also think it would be a very unhealthy environment for your children to be in...filing dust and vapours released from some of your products cannot be good for those tiny lungs....to be honest I personally think you should completely rule that option out.

Im not saying you should forget about nails as a career, where there is a will there is a way.....you say you cant see yourself being able to work in a salon but are you sure this wouldnt actually be a more feesible option? If you can get some regular hours in a salon...you could consider paying for child care ( with which you may be able to get help towards the cost), that way...you are working doing what you love and your kids are safe and sound in nursery.

 

[nailspirit]

I have an 1 year old boy and a home salon. My salon is in a private room, 2nd floor, just for that. I only do nails evenings after 5 pm. and weekends. Sometimes i do some repairs when my boy is taking a nap, but thats only for loyal customers. Those who i know and they know i have a baby.

I did my training while my boy was just qouple of months old. I used quite a lot of time and effort into in. Travelled aroud and out from my home country. Now thinking back...i could have waited and enjoyed my time with my baby.

What comes to your idea...i definately would not do that. Starting from health inspections for beauty salons...there are critiques what you have to follow. And many more things you need to know before opening an home salon. Better do it the right way.

You said you are probably going to sell your flat? What about the next one? Would there be an extra room? Actually we just bought a new home and there will be an extra room just downstairs straight from the main door and the water unit is just next to it. We definately kept my work in mind while searcing for houses. I suggest you do the same.

Good luck! And dont give up, you will think of something:hug:

 

[milkshakerrr]

Apart from what's already been said, having a separate and dedicated space in your home for your business will be a lot more beneficial when it comes to tax time and sorting out what part of your mortgage, etc., can be written off. If you won't be able to have a dedicated space in your next place, maybe it would be worth it to rent a room locally; it does have the benefits of "free" advertising and opportunities to sell your services and stuff like that. And you wouldn't have to worry about your stuff getting knocked over or harming your kids.

Maybe you can find a nanny (full- or part-time) at a local university? That's a very popular and sought after job for students in the States.

Good luck!

 

[choc choc]

I have a home salon and a five year old girl , and never do any treatments when she is here it just does not work ,my husband always takes her out or if she is in bed i make sure some one is there in case she wakes up . i used to give treatments on family and friends when she was with me but i dont do that anymore cause it was a complete nightmare so sorry i wouldn't reconmend it at all. all the best in what you do

 

[Rivone]

I knew it was a bad idea, looks like I'll just have to give the idea up until my kids are at school.

Childcare round here is very expensive for what it is. Don't get me wrong anyone who has a qualification can look after your child(ren) but you need to trust them - there are so many dodgy people out there even if they are qualified.

We've been able to claim some childcare vouchers but we're not entitled to the whole amount as my hubby earns too much apparently. My hubby has to pay maintenance for 2 kids from a previous marriage and we've just realised we are going to be in so much strife soon when our mortgage goes up that I'm not sure we'll be able to keep the house so see I'm in a really bad situ.

Maybe I'm just wishful thinking and need to face up to facts and just give up the idea for another 5 years :cry::cry::cry::cry:

Thanks guys for your comments I know your right, but it don't make me feel any better :irked:

 

[Deena]

This is probably a dumb suggestion, but even though your husband is duty bound to pay maintenance for his other children, he still needs to be left with enough to support his current family. Could he apply to have his maintenance contributions reassessed, if you're going to get into difficulty? x

 

[xAnnaBannAx]

I knew it was a bad idea, looks like I'll just have to give the idea up until my kids are at school.

Childcare round here is very expensive for what it is. Don't get me wrong anyone who has a qualification can look after your child(ren) but you need to trust them - there are so many dodgy people out there even if they are qualified.

We've been able to claim some childcare vouchers but we're not entitled to the whole amount as my hubby earns too much apparently. My hubby has to pay maintenance for 2 kids from a previous marriage and we've just realised we are going to be in so much strife soon when our mortgage goes up that I'm not sure we'll be able to keep the house so see I'm in a really bad situ.

Maybe I'm just wishful thinking and need to face up to facts and just give up the idea for another 5 years :cry::cry::cry::cry:

Thanks guys for your comments I know your right, but it don't make me feel any better :irked:

Dont ever give up on what you want to do...where theres a will theres a way...you just got to look at it from a different view...you got to go through the rough to get to the smooth....times are hard for you now but they wont always be like that....get a good nights sleep...wake up feeling more positive and make an action plan.

 

[mally123pink]

I'd just like to say I admire you for wanting to start your own business. I too have had the same problems as you and nearly had to down size to a smaller property because our mortgage went up so much!
I have a little boy who is now 7 months old but i am very lucky to have my Mum who looks after him during the day whilst i am at work.
I own my own salon and went back to work two weeks after giving birth (had to sit on a cushion for a couple of days!!).
I have to say i do agree with most of the comments made about having your children there while clients are there. Sometimes people have their nails done to escape from their own children!
Don't let this put you off. You obviously are passionate about nails and want to start your own home salon but take it easy, enjoy your little ones and then start thinking about your options.
What about just working at night once the kiddies are in bed and hubby can see to them if they wake?
I don't see a problem with the living room situation once the kids are asleep, it could be nicer for clients (more homely and relaxing!)
I really do regret going back to work so quickly but like you I really had no choice.
Don't give up!!

 

[jenny2]

I knew it was a bad idea, looks like I'll just have to give the idea up until my kids are at school.

Childcare round here is very expensive for what it is. Don't get me wrong anyone who has a qualification can look after your child(ren) but you need to trust them - there are so many dodgy people out there even if they are qualified.

We've been able to claim some childcare vouchers but we're not entitled to the whole amount as my hubby earns too much apparently. My hubby has to pay maintenance for 2 kids from a previous marriage and we've just realised we are going to be in so much strife soon when our mortgage goes up that I'm not sure we'll be able to keep the house so see I'm in a really bad situ.

Maybe I'm just wishful thinking and need to face up to facts and just give up the idea for another 5 years :cry::cry::cry::cry:

Thanks guys for your comments I know your right, but it don't make me feel any better :irked:


Darlin, please to not give up hope hun, Yes u have two very young children, I am a mum of two, both who have disabilities, my eldest one is autistic, adhd and a sever to profound hearing inpairement. We have no family that can take the boys off our hands and child care well u may as well give them all your earnings. Cost of living at the min is a nightmare and to survive we need to work, and as mums we need time for us to keep our brains ticking. I have a home salon and it works great, i have a whole room, ie was once dining room and made it into a treatment room, i am lucky as well as we have french doors on the front of the room so ladies do not have to come through my home.
Ok suggestions In the holidays i work evenings and weekends, but only do a select number of clients, If i can arrange it for the evenings i will do as my husband is home, which is an option for u hun. U could start perhaps doing a couple of evenings or a sat when hubby home.
If u have not got a room that u can spare do u drive ? If u do go to your ladies, it will give u a break from the four walls as well.
NEVER EVER GIVE UP HOPE< ALWAYS LOOK FOR HOW CAN I, RATHER THAN HOW U CAN NO. enjoy your new baby , and then sit down and relx and think mm what can i do. Hope that helps chic:hug:

Ps if u ever want to just chat, send me a pm, even if it is just to say how many nappies u have changed:lol:

 

[lady R]

Hiya

I too have a little one and need the extra money so I have my own mobile business at nights and weekends. As my boy goes to pre school 2 days a week from Jan i will then rent a space in a salon and build it up from there. Maybe you could try that route too?!

 

[Rivone]

Hi everyone thanks for all your comments they mean alot to me, but now I've got a new baby on the way its going to be more difficult I suppose.

Another problem I have is my husband works shifts and the last time I did mobile I found myself having to let customers down because I couldn't do their nails when THEY wanted them done. Some were ok with it and some you could tell weren't happy about it.

Ideally I'd like to rent a room in a salon or somewhere but its just not financially viable as I would only be able to do 2 days in the week and alternative weekends as my husbands shifts don't give me every weekend either and as all of you know most slons open on a weekend.

Another problem I have too is I don't want to be out the house too late at night as then there is no family time and my family mean the world to me I don't want to abandon them too much.

Maybe I'm just making excuses now but I just can't seem to get the happy medium so maybe waiting until both children are at school will give me the opportunity to do what Ive always wanted.

Its the sad truth that I don't have the wonderful help of parents like most people do and I'm not in the habit of dumping my kids on neighbours its just not my thing.

Still if I stay on here and learn as much as I can when I do come to doing my business I can be the best I can at it.

Thanks
xxx

 

[Zingara]

I just wrote a different long answwer to this, giving you all sorts of things to think about....and deleted it.

Not because I don't think there were any good ideas, because, believe me, from someone who's just been through a year of hell, with a child that medically wasn't allowed out of the house, never mind into childcare, and lived 250 miles away from any family with a husband in the army, who may be called away at the drop of a hat...I know exactly what restrictions are like when they are there and you feel that whichever way you turn there are obstacles.

Thing is, and I wil probably get slated for saying this....I'm not utterly convinced you really want to do this. Please don't take that the wrong way....its just a little feeling from someone who can pick up undertones of reluctance...probably from a little fear....and can recognise it in you as I've been there myself. I think you think you need to do it, ought to do it, but you aren't quite ready for the potential seperation from your family that it may cause, and are bit apprehansive about the change it may inevitably incur.

I hear in your above post the good reasons....but I promise you, where there is a will, there is a way.

Personally....I think you need to take the first step but gently. Get diary planning with your husband, and find one or two night a week, where you can start. You know, it may not even make you a lot of money right now....but at the time when you are ready, and you need that cash, you'll just be in a ramp up position and won;t be starting from scratch. Don't tell customers when you can't work...tell them these are the only times you have available...let them think you are in demand! Its works....I can tell you that, fro experience.

But to do so has to be your choice. I've been where you are....I now have a successful growing business...and I can now afford childcare (my daughter is recovered), in an area of the country where its at its most expensive as its there are too many children for too little places. I still have to plan carefully, as to when I can work, but it does work.

I hope you find your way forward soon....its just a leap of faith, but a rewarding one. Good luck whatever you decide to do :hug:

 

[milkshakerrr]

Wow, good post, Lindsay!

If you really want to work in a room/booth in a salon, maybe you can find someone to job-share with, and then you guys can split the rent per day or whatever! Perhaps you could find another Geek here or post an ad on gumtree or the Job Center website. Definitely worth a shot; it doesn't cost anything and is better than feeling down and reluctant.

Keep your head up and it'll work out, dude. :hug:

 

[Rivone]

I just wrote a different long answwer to this, giving you all sorts of things to think about....and deleted it.

Not because I don't think there were any good ideas, because, believe me, from someone who's just been through a year of hell, with a child that medically wasn't allowed out of the house, never mind into childcare, and lived 250 miles away from any family with a husband in the army, who may be called away at the drop of a hat...I know exactly what restrictions are like when they are there and you feel that whichever way you turn there are obstacles.

Thing is, and I wil probably get slated for saying this....I'm not utterly convinced you really want to do this. Please don't take that the wrong way....its just a little feeling from someone who can pick up undertones of reluctance...probably from a little fear....and can recognise it in you as I've been there myself. I think you think you need to do it, ought to do it, but you aren't quite ready for the potential seperation from your family that it may cause, and are bit apprehansive about the change it may inevitably incur.

I hear in your above post the good reasons....but I promise you, where there is a will, there is a way.

Personally....I think you need to take the first step but gently. Get diary planning with your husband, and find one or two night a week, where you can start. You know, it may not even make you a lot of money right now....but at the time when you are ready, and you need that cash, you'll just be in a ramp up position and won;t be starting from scratch. Don't tell customers when you can't work...tell them these are the only times you have available...let them think you are in demand! Its works....I can tell you that, fro experience.

But to do so has to be your choice. I've been where you are....I now have a successful growing business...and I can now afford childcare (my daughter is recovered), in an area of the country where its at its most expensive as its there are too many children for too little places. I still have to plan carefully, as to when I can work, but it does work.

I hope you find your way forward soon....its just a leap of faith, but a rewarding one. Good luck whatever you decide to do :hug:

Lyndsey,
Your post is very true in some parts and I do have to think more positively, I just need to plan better.
I will be having 12 months of maternity leave early next year from my job and my husband is off every Monday and Tuesdays so I could do mobile on these days to build it up and then at the end of my maternity I could make the decision to leave work or do both. Good idea.
I'll write down a plan starting with retraining and then what I need to do to get started.
Thanks Lyndsey you've showed me a little light at the end of a dark tunnel.
Thanks
xxx