How long to build a business, honestly?

[Beautybecca27]

After a quick Google I would say no, it's not equivalent to an NVQ. It's an online course. VTCT and NVQ are all about being assessed in your practical work. If you seriously want to do this, then do it. There are always back door qualifications and one day courses but if you're asking my opinion then do the best you can. Not the cheapest, fastest, closest etc. I know people will say they did an NVQ and the teaching was rubbish and outdated which unfortunately it may be, and yes, your real training comes when you leave college but an NVQ will give you all the practical and the a and p to get out there and start earning. Or just do one day courses. It really is up to you x

Thanks hun!

I 100% agree I've read time after time NVQ gives you a base etc - but like you pointed out people have said its old stuff and techniques...

It sounds like NVQ is my best bet - then added further training as I go .. Ie, HD brows directly with HD etc...

Decision made - NVQ level 2 .. Then build up from there!

It also sounds like hard work and dedication may sound obvious ... But it really is what it takes!!!!

Thank you to everyone for all of your words of wisdom you've really really helped and I'm glad I found this site! I searched and searched and searched online and just confused myself!! Hahaha!
Xxxxx

 

[hazelb]

I would say go the NVQ route, so I think you've made a good decision!

If I had my time again, that's the route I would take, as it is my qualifications are very lopsided and that does sometimes restrict the options I can take with further training and treatments. What i mean is I can do massages and aromatherapy as I took the individual ITEC route and facials as I did an individual vtct but can't do any nails, lashes etc as I don't have the full level 2 qualification.
My courses have been short ones so I've missed out on the experience of going through it all with a group of local students, allowing us to practice on each other, getting our confidence levels up!

 

[WaxGirl]

I was told don't do it, it wont work, its a recession, you're too smart for beauty (lolololol)

Years 1-3 no money, nothing, poor as sin but loving it, was that poor had to buy 1 couch roll at a time haha

Year 3 - this is going places

Year 4 - this is great, can take holidays

Year 5 - class, discovering strengths

Year 6 - amazing, began to specialise in waxing

Year 7 - more holidays, nice car, really nice life, loving work, nice customers, everything rolling along lovely

Year 8 - where I am now, really happy, really grateful, never expected business to be this good, cutting down on hours & taking lunch breaks so work no longer wears me out, getting good life balance

 

[Emm87]

Aww don't listen to others! Iv been working from home for about a year now, I am only now starting to get busier, and make money but still have my quiet times. Success will not happen overnight.
Just keep at it, advertise advertise advertise!!!! Facebook is great and I have done multiple leaflet drops.
Make yourself look extra professional; good logo, good quality treatment menu/leaflets. I only use professional brands from genuine suppliers also. I think when your working from a home salon you need to go above and beyond to 'prove' you are professional and qualified.
My clients love my home salon environment, they feel more relaxed, I do not rush their treatments and I love building up a relationship with my regulars [emoji4].
In terms of the NVQ, do it! It will give you a great base of knowledge. You can add to your treatments afterwards by picking and choosing courses you want to offer to your clients or there is a demand for.
Stick at it and don't listen to others negativity, it takes time (longer than 5 months) but you'll get there! As AcidPerm said, how many of those negative comments are coming from people with their own successful business?! I'd guess none. X

 

[Ruby S]

I was told don't do it, it wont work, its a recession, you're too smart for beauty (lolololol)

Years 1-3 no money, nothing, poor as sin but loving it, was that poor had to buy 1 couch roll at a time haha

Year 3 - this is going places

Year 4 - this is great, can take holidays

Year 5 - class, discovering strengths

Year 6 - amazing, began to specialise in waxing

Year 7 - more holidays, nice car, really nice life, loving work, nice customers, everything rolling along lovely

Year 8 - where I am now, really happy, really grateful, never expected business to be this good, cutting down on hours & taking lunch breaks so work no longer wears me out, getting good life balance

This is a perfect summary of how much time and effort it takes, but its worth it if you stick at it!

 

[byKaty]

This is a perfect summary of how much time and effort it takes, but its worth it if you stick at it!

Yip makes me feel whole lot better about my business which has only been open a year!!

 

[helencowleard]

I'm a mobile natural nail tech. Business has been going two & a half years. I was a nanny looking after kids before so no background in nails. I did a mani/pedi course to gain my certs then did CND Shellac & Brisa Lite training. Ive also done IBX cert too. I've priced myself high from day one. I have slowly been establishing my business. Nov, Dec & Jan were so quiet I thought my business was failing then since then it's turned a corner and I've gained lots of new regulars. I've been doing a lot of networking and in the back ground tweaking my website and changing things which has made a huge difference. It all takes a long time and it's certainly not easy but it's so worth it ☺

 

[Beautybecca27]

Thanks everyone! It has given me great insight to how much work and time and pure dedication you need in order to succeed! As I think I said earlier on - the negativity totally got me to with people saying 'no bookings again?' .. A month into the business! .. X

 

[daydreams01]

When I started, I was told 1st year -loss, 2nd year - break even, 3rd year if still going you should begin to make a profit! I am 3 yrs open in July and this exactly represents how my business has grown. It's really hard work, I'm doing 6days a week and even when I'm not open I'm working on the business but it's going really well now and this year I have even made sure I book out my holidays. Clients are lovely and I'm really enjoying it but you have to be patient as it won't happen overnight!

 

[Jordon]

Don't give up if it's your dream!
When I first started out on my own I felt like I was the worst beauty therapist and nail technician in the world and like I was worthless that's why I had next to no customers. But it grows! One day you'll look up and realise everything is going to be okay [emoji4] I'm still growing but I make a living and I'm established and have a good reputation and I'm hoping to train in a few new courses soon.
Just work hard and it will all pay off!
Xxxx

 

[squidgernetball]

When I started, I was told 1st year -loss, 2nd year - break even, 3rd year if still going you should begin to make a profit! I am 3 yrs open in July and this exactly represents how my business has grown. It's really hard work, I'm doing 6days a week and even when I'm not open I'm working on the business but it's going really well now and this year I have even made sure I book out my holidays. Clients are lovely and I'm really enjoying it but you have to be patient as it won't happen overnight!

The amount of times I've quoted that analogy I'm glad to hear it actually is correct.

Glad it's going well x

 

[daydreams01]

The amount of times I've quoted that analogy I'm glad to hear it actually is correct.

Glad it's going well x

Thankyou. There have been plenty of times when I thought why did I give up a perfectly good job with a salary and a pension & great holiday allowance to work double the hours at less than NMW but it was never about the money for me, just had this urge to build something from scratch and I can now see that all the hard work is beginning to pay off.

 

[Beautybecca27]

Back to the drawing board !!

Ive spoken to the college I was hoping to attend that would work around my job/kids etc and because we get married / honeymoon etc in September so wouldnt attend for a good few weeks to begin with ... They've suggested I do it NEXT september!!! :|

I do have my heart set on starting a business from home so its back to the drawing board I really want an NVQ after all this advice but online accredited and attending classes now and again are like £2000-£3000 and its simply too much!! [emoji31]

Something always ruins my plans! I didnt realise how much I'd actually miss and how hard they say it would be to catch up etc xxx

 

[CFBS]

Hi
Yes it's amazing how much you miss in few weeks. I always used to make sure my students never took holiday in term time either.
For example - miss one week - you could miss all the pedicure delivery
Students used to start taking clients before Christmas - basic facials, manicures, eye treatments.
It's not only the delivery you miss but the time to practice in between lessons on friends at home.
Sorry to put a dampener on your plans. Look into any courses they start in January such as massage, which you might add later anyway. Then do level 2 September 2017
Good luck!

 

[emmajmcn]

Have you tried the 24+ government funding for training at a private college? It's similar to a student loan where it's only paid back when you earn over £21k - I'm doing VCTC level 3?in nails at the Beauty Academy this way

 

[Hazel1981]

Hi guys,
I first became self-employed 3 years ago, I wasn't very confident or business driven, I eventually couldn't afford the over heads, I had lots of negative comments from family saying to give up and it would never work!
I eventually did give up, became unemployed, went from job to job never happy.
Fast forward to now, I became self-employed again July 2015, I had some money coming in which I could set aside for my rent of a room, I am way more confident, I would say I have a good business mind and even though my business can be slow at times, I have a small client base of 6 clients who book monthly and some walk ins. I know my business will be successful this time round, the faith I never had initially..... what I'm trying to say is I'm glad a gave up the first time, it wasn't my time to succeed, I was the wrong person and didn't have the knowledge I have now. I am so happy I tried again and learned from my mistakes because it's made me who I am today. It's made me wiser, stronger and positive.
Everything happens for a reason, if you try again, when you try again maybe that's your right time for you, maybe that's when your the right therapist for your right clients. Learn from everything, turn a negative into a positive like me!

 

[Nster999]

Hello Everyone,

Long story short.

I trained in tanning and nails and absolutely loved it.

I set up a small business from home and it cost alot of money - training, setting up, doing the room out I was using, cutting my hours at my current job .. And nothing become of it.

5 months down the line I'd had around 10 customers (some came back a few times) and everyone around me apart from my partner told me 'I knew it wouldnt take off' 'I knew you'd fail' 'Its been months and nobody knows about you' 'stop wasting your money and time' .. So I stopped!

After hours of walking the streets posting leaflets / business cards / facebooking / building a site .. And I gave up!

A year on and all I think about is what if? And beauty is for me! I love it!

I mentioned going to do beauty level 2 NVQ and the same negative responses 'to do what? Your not going to try that again are you?'

So ..

All of you starting out and all of you doing really well...

How long did it take? Did it start really slowly? Do you have any tips?

X

This is what worked for me;
First thing that is crucial is always have your nails looking amazing! I don't mean just a nice polish job & a glitter finger...I'm talking art and length and shape and glitter that is 10x more than what you are comfortable with! You are your own walking billboard advertisement! Every where you go people will comment on your nails and ask where you get them done. This opens the door for you to tell them about your salon and give them a business card...but not just a plain boring business card...
Get inexpensive little nail files and place them with your business card in little craft ziplock baggies. Take them to all the businesses around you and introduce yourself. Give them out to anyone who you come in contact with. The reason for "packaging " your business cards this way is: people love free stuff & they remember people who give them free stuff!! They are also less likely to throw your card aside, it will probably end up in their purse which at some point they will need a file!
Next, if you have any coffee shops or women's retail stores or any businesses where your target nail client would shop that are close to your salon, chat with the workers there & ask them to be hand models for your work and offer to do a free set on them in return for them referring people to you. And guess what?! In 2 weeks they'll need a fill! Boom!! Building your books!!

 

[JayM]

Best of luck in whatever you decide to do Hun. A business takes time to grow and if you have a supportive partner ignore the other negative people! X

 

[Beautybecca27]

Thank you to all who have replied some amazingly positive points!

I cant get funding unfortunately as I've already got a level 3/4 for childcare and they said since I have this its not my first level 3 course therefore I'm not eligable!

Hazel - that is absolutely fantastic to hear! I'm so glad you gave it another go!!!!! Well done for jumping back in and doing it again and making a success out of it! I'm so glad you shared your story! Its an inspiration to me - I gave up after all the negativity I couldnt hang in any longer but feel alot different about things now! Xx

Nster999 - Wow! You seriously know what your talking about there what amazing simple ideas that get your name out there and get clients booking in! I love them and will 100% be using them as I build the business! Thank you for sharing xxxx

JayM - thank you, i realise that now i think i jumped in too soon and jumped back out just as quick to be honest! Xxx

 

[Geo_grl]

Beautybecca27 - I am a "struggling artist" myself. Started my mobile business in March as part time while in a full time employment somewhere else (not beauty related) and spend every free moment on advertising and practising and so far 1 returning client and a few one offs. With mobiles and salons that are popping up in my area with prices as ridiculous as shellac hands / feet @ £12 and if taken together another 15% off I can hardly compete .. but I am trying to continue on and believe that I will find my clientele.

So just be determined and believe in yourself! And you will succeed! xx