Starting Out!

[cerries]

Hey everyone!

I'm thinking of starting my new nail business, and whilst I have completed a training course and have had quite a bit of practice I was thinking about charging an 'introductory rate' for my services, as I am newly qualified? The going rate in my area for a full set of acrylics is £30, so I thought of charging £20?

Whilst my work is of a good enough standard to do 'real' clients nails, I know it will take months and months to get to a great standard, however I don't know many people to practice on, and my Nail Trainer can only teach me so much! Do you think I should make clients aware that I am newly qualified, hence the discounted rate?

Any advice much appreciated!

C xxx

PS. Any other tips for starting out in the nail business?

 

[geeg]

Hey everyone!

I'm thinking of starting my new nail business, and whilst I have completed a training course and have had quite a bit of practice I was thinking about charging an 'introductory rate' for my services, as I am newly qualified? The going rate in my area for a full set of acrylics is £30, so I thought of charging £20?

Whilst my work is of a good enough standard to do 'real' clients nails, I know it will take months and months to get to a great standard, however I don't know many people to practice on, and my Nail Trainer can only teach me so much! Do you think I should make clients aware that I am newly qualified, hence the discounted rate?

Any advice much appreciated!

C xxx

PS. Any other tips for starting out in the nail business?

Good luck with your new venture! :hug:

What you need to make clear from the start to all clients, is that you will be offering an introductory offer of (I would go 25.00 if you think your work is worthy of it) for a 3 month period and then you will be raising prices to 30.00.

I would be honest but not do yourself down or in any way indicate through tone of voice or body language that you feel doubtful of your ability. Tell them you are starting out in business and you are perfectly competent to do so. If you show any weakness or vulnerability clients will sense it immediately and be begging for all sorts of favours and taking all kinds of liberties.


Advice .. never give freebies and never replace any nails for free UNLESS you have seen them (at the problem stage and not after clients have ripped them off) and feel that the fault is yours and not theirs.

Remember these things:

What type of person becomes a nail technician?

There is more to being a great nail technician than just being able to turn out good nails (although this is very important). Here are a few thing to think about.

:!: Doing nails is not for the timid personality or the faint hearted ... you need to be able to be strong and firm with people.

:!: Doing nails needs a person with an empathetic nature, one who cares for and about people.

:!: Doing nails is a business, and a good business head is essential if you want to be financially successful.

:!: Doing nails requires self sacrifice and a vocational attitude as you need to be there when and if your clients want you. Staying in late and going in early etc.

:!: Doing nails is not a fun little hobby ... it is a profession and should not be done by amateurs but only by professionals in the true sense of the word (look it up in the dictionary ... interesting).

:!: Doing nails requires a great sense of responsibility. We work on people's bodies. They trust us to work safely and to nurture and care for their natural nails while they are wearing nail enhancements.

:!: Doing nails requires integrity (as should everything) and good business ethics. Business ethics is something allot of newbie technicians know nothing about in the UK ... thinking they can use someone Else's good will ... work in a salon and then leave trying to poach business from the very salon that hired them and helped them in the first place.

:!: Doing nails is one of the greatest most fun and rewarding and satisfying businesses in the world. Enjoy your learning but realize that the learning process never stops ... you will know when you are ready because you will feel confident to make that start.

:!: Doing nails requires an atitude of Life Long Learning. Regular classes are not only necessary, they also increase your average earnings and keep you motivated.

 

[cerries]

Wow thanks for the fantastic advice hunni!

I have just bought The Encyclopedia of Nails - are you the same Gigi Rouse who's mentioned in the beginning? If so, I'm privigiled to have your opinions!

I work in a building society at the moment, and looking objectively at my career, the part of it I love most is serving customers, and providing top quality customer service that is above and beyond what is expected of me. I am a hard worker, and enjoy putting effort into anything that I do. What I lack in my career at the moment is a sense of personal achievement. Obviously I need the money so my husband and I can pay our bills, but money is not everything - with my dad having cancer I know only too well that life is too short, and is for living, not wondering if and when...

I have always wanted to run my own business, as I know I have it in me to succeed. I have the full backing and support of my husband and family, including my father offering to be a 'silent partner' to help me manage my accounts, and give general guidance on the running of the business.

I guess the only thing that slightly holds me back is that I know it will take me months and months before I am producing nails that are of a 'superior' quality. I have trained in acrylic nail extensions, and am also currently doing a diploma. But I guess the best way to get experience is just to go for it?

My town is quite small, and there is a HUGE niche for nails here, as the one place that does them has a very bad reputation for bad customer service. There is a beauty room that has just become available and is ready to rent (nail desk there even!). I am considering handing in my notice at my full time job, and throwing all of my efforts in to my new venture. I am putting a lot of thought into all of the pros and cons, but my instinct is telling me to believe in myself and go for it :0) x

 

[geeg]

Trust your instinct and do it.
Yes .. the book "the encyclopedia of nails" was dedicated to me :green:

I have also written a book on the TECHNIQUES of producing gorgeous nail enhancements ... you may find it very helpful to you as it is a teacher by your side. It is called 'nailclass' by gigi rouse and is available to purchase from Sweet Squared Ltd. 08452106060

I'm excited by your determination/drive and your motives are true, so if I can help you in any way just let me know. I'm always here to help those that really want it. wishing you all the very very best ... sounds like things are slotting into place and that is a good sign. :hug:

 

[Annie23]

WOW Gigi Fabulous advice as always! I will definately be adding this thread to my favourites. I would rep you, but alas I cannot :cry: now as a mod cant you do something about that :lol:

anne xx

ps Gigi's nailclass is my bible

 

[spn01]

Annie23, I am with you, our Gigi is FAB. I put a rep on this morning for the type of person to be a nail technician. You can share that one with me xx

 

[weeleelee112]

I am doing the spa mani pedi with cnd sometime in oct/nov and l&p course sometime in jan just waiting on dates i purchesed nailclass when i was in doing my sienna x training good book the book u got will be next on my list. i cant wait to get started with my training.

Good luck chick :hug:

 

[mum]

Hi Cerries

You've had some fabulous advice from Geeg and it's great you know you need lots more practice (so many don't want to admit that!)

I know you want to get going and have some help with the business side, however, I did give you some advice in a different thread. I still don't think that a home learn course and a 1 day 121 is enough to deal with clients in your own business. Even with an introductory offer (even if you charge £5, as soon as a client has parted with money the situation changes).

I think you need more experience of the type of difficulties one has with clients and dealing with them in a very confident way. This is too difficult with no client or salon experience.

You said you want to rent a space in a salon. This is a very lonely place with no other techs to help you. There are so many threads on here from newbies who have their confidence so badly knocked by complaints (and you will get complaints!)

I'm not saying it's impossible but you are going a very tough route. You come across as a very determined and very sweet person. Good luck :hug:

 

[cerries]

Thank you all so much for your thoughts!

Geeg - I am quickly learning that you are THE nail guru! I will be ringing S2 this morning, as spoke to Julia yesterday about doing a conversion course. Will let you know how that goes! I will most certainly order your book - the more I read the more tips I'm picking up!

Mum - you are right, and I totally agree with the advice you have given me. The one thing I do know for definite is I need a heck of a lot more practice! I have exhausted all of the options for practising on real people - I have applied a full set of L&P to everyone I know (I don't have much family as I am new to where I live I don't know many people either!) - the only person left is my husband, however he is going to need some convincing :0) I practice on myself and on my Nail Trainer. I know I could carry on practising on this basis, but with this opportunity dropping at my feet I am just so determined to make it work for me! The space available to rent is literally 2 minutes walk from my house, and living in a small country town things like this do not come around very often!
I'm constantly looking for ways to improve - spend all my time reading nail books lol! I am hoping to go on a conversion course this week with CND. I know that none of this will prepare me with problematic clients - I guess one good thing is that working in a building society in this climate means I know how to deal with complaints lol! Although I know a complaint received about your own personal work is a completely different thing, and I know it will be tough.
I guess I've just had a rough few years (death in the family, dad having cancer etc) so I just feel that now is MY time...maybe a little naive, but you don't know unless you try, right? Hehe...time will tell lol

Thanks for all your support guys...so glad I found this forum! C xxx

 

[geeg]

Thank you all so much for your thoughts!

Geeg - I am quickly learning that you are THE nail guru! I will be ringing S2 this morning, as spoke to Julia yesterday about doing a conversion course. Will let you know how that goes! I will most certainly order your book - the more I read the more tips I'm picking up!

Mum - you are right, and I totally agree with the advice you have given me. The one thing I do know for definite is I need a heck of a lot more practice! I have exhausted all of the options for practising on real people - I have applied a full set of L&P to everyone I know (I don't have much family as I am new to where I live I don't know many people either!) - the only person left is my husband, however he is going to need some convincing :0) I practice on myself and on my Nail Trainer. I know I could carry on practising on this basis, but with this opportunity dropping at my feet I am just so determined to make it work for me! The space available to rent is literally 2 minutes walk from my house, and living in a small country town things like this do not come around very often!
I'm constantly looking for ways to improve - spend all my time reading nail books lol! I am hoping to go on a conversion course this week with CND. I know that none of this will prepare me with problematic clients - I guess one good thing is that working in a building society in this climate means I know how to deal with complaints lol! Although I know a complaint received about your own personal work is a completely different thing, and I know it will be tough.
I guess I've just had a rough few years (death in the family, dad having cancer etc) so I just feel that now is MY time...maybe a little naive, but you don't know unless you try, right? Hehe...time will tell lol

Thanks for all your support guys...so glad I found this forum! C xxx

I started out from day 1 after my course working on the public ... I learned on the job and clients went along with me and my progress. You know where to come for help ....... and you have the courage to get stuck in. You go for it .. It didn't do me any harm starting that way and I have a feeling it won't do you any harm either. :hug:

 

[jankax]

Hi Cerries,

just wanted to say good luck - reading your thread is really encouraging as i'm in a similar position to yours.
I too have decided to just get out there and go for it I know my nails are not 100% perfect but I'm prepared for criticism and (hopefully!!) am ready to take it on board and get better!

As per your earlier question about introductory rates etc. - I have a special offer on at the mo on all the enhancements until the end of this year. I will make it clear to every client that I'm newly qualified and hence the price, but that the prices will go up in 2010.

Good luck again and let me know how you get on, I'm sure you will do really well :hug:

Jana xxx

 

[mum]

I did that too and probably would again! But the industry was very different then. I'm just playing 'devil's advocate'. On 'paper' I don't believe you're ready but you do seem to have a certain 'something'!

If you're committed and determined, you'll make it work! :hug:

 

[cerries]

Lol Mum - I completely agree with you! It does seem like I am running before I can walk, but for some reason it just feels like the right thing for me to do - bit confused by this 'gut instinct' as by nature I am a cautious person and don't normally get carried away with things!
Thanks to Geeg's advice, I am now booked in for some 1-2-1 CND training on Saturday, which will also include some Minx training, which I am SO excited about! You know what...if after 6 months I am completely broke and have had a really bad time I can reconsider and go temping or something lol! I am 25 this weekend, and can't say I'm totally happy with my life at the moment, so the way I see it I could either carry on like this or put all my effort into changing my life for the better...? I'll do whatever it takes to get there :0) (thank God I have an understanding husband and encouragement from my family - they must all think I'm totally nuts!) x

 

[mum]

Lol Mum - I completely agree with you! It does seem like I am running before I can walk, but for some reason it just feels like the right thing for me to do - bit confused by this 'gut instinct' as by nature I am a cautious person and don't normally get carried away with things!
Thanks to Geeg's advice, I am now booked in for some 1-2-1 CND training on Saturday, which will also include some Minx training, which I am SO excited about! You know what...if after 6 months I am completely broke and have had a really bad time I can reconsider and go temping or something lol! I am 25 this weekend, and can't say I'm totally happy with my life at the moment, so the way I see it I could either carry on like this or put all my effort into changing my life for the better...? I'll do whatever it takes to get there :0) (thank God I have an understanding husband and encouragement from my family - they must all think I'm totally nuts!) x

Good for you!!! PM'd you x

 

[Clare84]

Where about in North Wales are you Cerries?