But not just any beauty PRO…

Meet Claudia, a strong, independent, ambitious individual who has made her self-employment goal a reality.

Claudia has been a licensed hairstylist for 13 years. She studied Hairstyling at MC College and proudly earned her diploma in 2006. Throughout the years, she gained the experience and confidence to be her own boss!

Claudia opened her very own salon, Claudia’s Beauty Shop. She states, “My salon is meant to feel private, comfortable and family friendly, with competitive pricing.”

Though Claudia trained in all areas of Hairstyling, including haircutting and chemical texturing, it is the magic of hair colouring that drives Claudia in her business.

“I’m in the business of beauty and Hair therapy (Hairipy).”

-Claudia, Owner of Claudia’s Beauty Shop.

Storefront vs. Home Business

The two main types of beauty businesses are storefront and home businesses. While a storefront beauty business can grow large with many departments and staff to manage, it is home business owners that can truly be called self-employed.

In our Salon/Spa Startup course, we teach students the tools necessary to manage a beauty business, however, having the right tools is only half the battle. The other half comes from within. It takes discipline and perseverance and time to win the game of business.

Home businesses offer the flexibility craved by many of us. The ability to work from home is an attractive quality. For one, transportation to and from work is no longer a matter. You save money in gas/transit, but most importantly, you save time. Time to spend on the kids/house/yourself/etc.

“My favourite benefits of having a home business is the freedom of scheduling appointments to suit my life.”

-Claudia

Self-employment is not for everybody.

While the benefits of being self-employed outweigh the ongoing work (if you’re doing it right), don’t underestimate the challenges you will face, these will turn into lessons learned.

Challenges of self-employment.

Claudia has faced some challenges in her ever-growing career. One of the biggest challenge she has overcome is learning how to be independent and accountable From paying for her ongoing education to staying up-to-date on new hair techniques, she is responsible for every aspect of her business.

“I have no other hairstylist in my home salon to be inspired by. I am responsible for all costs incurred by the salon. I am responsible for cleaning and maintenance.”

-Claudia

Advice from a PRO…

Claudia believes all beauty providers should work/apprentice in a storefront salon/spa before making the decision of opening a home business.

“There is so much to learn in the beauty industry beside techniques. Working in a multiple stylist environment you’ll learn how to work with multiple personalities, how to manage time.”

-Claudia

We couldn’t agree more with Claudia! Working with and learning from others will show you different ways of thinking and problem-solving.

“[Working in a storefront first teaches you] how to problem solve, how a salon works financially. You can learn how to be a mentor. How to sell products, services. All the fundamentals of becoming a successful business owner.”

-Claudia

How do I become a Hairstylist?

Visit TRAINING 411 to learn more.

EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP

Edmonton Economic Recovery Grant

The Edmonton Economic Recovery Grant can help your business recover from COVID-19. One of the lessons learned from COVID-19 is that it is important to have an online presence and to be able to sell online.

The average online store saw a 500% increase during COVID-19.

This makes perfect sense! We were all on lockdown, yet customers still had a need for their products to tide them over while unable to get their regular beauty services. Businesses that had an online store were able to stay afloat as they had another source of income besides services. We want to take this opportunity to give a shoutout to Binary Logic whose support during COVID-19 was incredible.

Applying for the grant.

You can apply for this grant in one of two phases. Phase 1 goes from June to December 2020 and consists of microgrants of up to $1000. Applications are accepted weekly. Phase 2 consists of larger grants of up to $25K.

Applicants can apply only once for either phase 1 or 2. You must have a valid business license to apply.

One of the core criteria of the Edmonton Economic Recovery Grant is business transformation and economic diversification. The grant cannot be used for rent/lease/mortgage, payroll, membership fees, permit fees, debt reduction, retroactive costs, insurance, and other similar expenses.

Matching the grant.

Before you get too excited, there are eligibility requirements to this grant, one of them being that you have to match the amount of the grant you apply for.

Other ways for beauty industry business to use the grant.

You can use this grant to purchase masks, gloves and other safety equipment to keep your staff and clients safe.

EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP

Are home businesses lucrative?

You bet they are! As long as you manage your business with the same effort and respect that you would a store-front, these businesses can bring in a lot of income with fewer expenses, leaving more money in your pocket!

What do I need to have a home business?

First, register your business.

You must register your business name in order to report your earnings to government authorities. There are 4 choices for you when registering your business, most people who run a small business opt for a sole proprietorship.

You will also need a business license, not to be confused with your hairstyling license or esthetics certification.

You will also require a business license and a development permit. This type of license is granted by the city. Home-based business must follow special regulations since they are located in neighbourhoods designed for living, not business.

Zoning bylaws are used to determine whether the city can grant you a home business license. Don’t be surprised if your neighbours are contacted to ask if they are ok with your particular business being on the same street as them.

Beauty industry home businesses are MAJOR businesses.

There are 2 types of home businesses. Because beauty industry businesses have clients coming to the home for services that are not typical of a residential area, they are considered a major home business. Major home businesses cause a degree of interruption to the neighbourhood, for example, less parking available for residents and their guests, versus minor businesses that typically do not receive clients in their home.

What about insurance?

Insurance is important for any business, including a home business. Not many insurance companies specialize in beauty industry insurance, an insurance broker may be able to help you find the right company for you. Your insurer should understand the specific challenges of beauty industry businesses.

Fees and other things to consider.

Registration/licensing/insurance all cost money. Luckily, home businesses today have the advantage of free marketing on social media! Instagram in particular is an excellent tool used by all beauty industry businesses, but has a spectacular impact on home businesses. Many clients use instagram as a way to find their service provider, who quite often has a home business.

EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP

DRES. Not “dress”

YES. There are there supports for beauty industry workers with disabilities! Disability Related Employment Supports a.k.a. ‘DRES’ is a provincial employment support that funds supports or services for Albertans to help them find and maintain employment.

If the eligibility criteria for all parties are met, you may find supports in:

• education/training,
• job search and
• the workplace

Examples of eligible assistive services:

• job coach
• note taker
• academic aide
• tutor

Examples of eligible assistive technology:

• Set-up, installation and training on use of specialized equipment and/or software
• ramps
• wheelchair lifts
• widening doorways
• making a washroom accessible
• raising lowering or adapting a work station
• adapting equipment for the specific use of a person with a disability
• power door openers

Talk to a Career and Employment Consultant to see if you meet eligibility for DRES.

Now that you know about DRES, that “DRES” is quite lovely, don’t you agree?

EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP

Beauty Industry Resource Centre

Asking the following questions might be useful in helping you choose the right training provider for your career path.

What are the total fees?

What is covered in the total fee? Tuition? Books? A kit? Application fees? Graduation fees?

Is there a Work Experience component?

How much real experience will be provided if any?

What student support is offered if any?

Some schools may offer added support such as financial aid, job search services, counselling, computer access, etc.

What type of credential do I get when I graduate?

There is a difference between certificate and certification. Certification is industry-recognized and granted only after meeting industry requirements through testing. A certificate is documentation of participation in any given course.

What are the minimum and maximum class sizes?

Class size matters in technical training. How many students will you be competing with for your instructor’s help and attention?

Are there any student perks?

Some training providers may offer discounts at distributors post graduation. Other examples include parking, food services, technology supports, etc.

Are the instructors available for one-on-one support?

What methods can I use to contact my instructor after class?

Is there an attendance policy?

What is the training providers policy on attendance, personal image standards, conduct, etc?

What is the refund policy?

What if I change my mind before I start? The first week after? What if something unexpected happens that prevents me from finishing the course?

EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP

ESG is a Beauty Industry Resource Centre offering many free business, career, and employment services to Albertans. Contact us to meet with our Career and Employment Consultant who can help you develop a career path that is right for you.