How to Start an Eyelash Business: The Ultimate Guide
Welcome, lash queens! We’re so thrilled that you’re here, ready to embark on your exciting journey in starting your own lash business!
This is your moment to transform your passion into profit, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’ve been daydreaming about being your own boss for years or just caught the lash bug, our ultimate guide is about to become your new best friend.
We’ll take you from the basics of starting your very own eyelash extension business right up to growing and leveling up your brand. And guess what? Our must-have marketing eBook, “Lash it Up: How to Take Your Eyelash Extension Brand to the Next Level” is just a click away, ready to boost your success!
So, are you ready to bat those gorgeous lashes and conquer the world? Let’s do this, beautiful!
Eyelash Business Basics
Creating Your Business Plan
Imagine if you’re building a dollhouse. You don’t just start gluing pieces together, right? Your first step would be to visualize how your dream dollhouse looks, plan where each room goes, and decide what color to paint the walls. That’s exactly how a business plan works!
Your business plan is like your eyelash business’s very own dollhouse blueprint. It helps you understand what you’re building before you start. A successful lash business plan includes fun details like:
- Business Description: This is like naming your dollhouse. It’s where you describe what your type of business is all about, what services you offer, and who your customers are.
- Market Analysis: Now, you need to find out how many other dollhouses (lash businesses) are around, and what they are up to. This will help you understand how to make your dollhouse more attractive and unique. This market research is crucial in helping you come up with a great marketing plan.
- Organization and Management: This is deciding which of your dolls (team members & lash technicians) do what in your dollhouse. For your business, you’ll need to outline who’s in charge, and what their roles are.
- Sales and Marketing: In this next step, you plan how you’ll invite friends (client base) to visit and love your dollhouse (new lash business). For your eyelash extensions business, it could include strategies like social media marketing, offering special discounts, physical marketing materials, or even hosting eyelash parties!For a much deeper dive on how to market your lash business and reach your target market fast, check out our ebook “Lash It Up: How to Take Your Eyelash Extension Brand to the Next Level.”
- Financial Projections: This is like planning your dollhouse budget. You need to estimate how much money you’ll spend and how much you’ll make. You will need to separate your personal finances from your business finances, so be sure to get a business bank account once you complete your business registration.
Remember, your business plan isn’t set in stone. As your own eyelash business grows and changes, your dollhouse plan can too!
How to Start Your Eyelash Business:
Step 1: Define Your Brand and Services
This is where your eyelash business starts: understanding your eyelash brand and the services you’ll provide. What makes you unique? What lash services will you offer? Click here to see a list of unique & creative names to help you come up with your own brand name.
If you need detailed help with this, we go in to great detail in our e-book “Lash it Up: How to Take Your Eyelash Extension Brand to the Next Level”.
Step 2: Get Certified
Before you can start lashing, you’ll need to get certified as a lash artist.
If you’re in Chicago, the best way to take your eyelash skills to the next level and ensure the best service for your clients is to enroll in our comprehensive Lash Course today. This course will equip you with the professional knowledge and hands-on experience you need to truly shine in this industry. Don’t just get certified, get certified with the best! So, what are you waiting for?
Step 3: Find Your Perfect Space
Choosing the right location for your lash salon is like finding the perfect real estate for your personal dollhouse. You want a space that reflects your brand, is welcoming to your potential customers, and is functional for your needs.
Consider factors like foot traffic, visibility, and proximity to complementary businesses like hair salons or clothing boutiques.
Would your clients prefer a cozy, quiet corner where they can relax, or a vibrant, bustling location in the heart of the city? Don’t forget to check the zoning laws and lease agreement terms too!
With the right space, your lash studio will truly come to life. Keep in mind that your workspace doesn’t have to be big, but it should be a place where you can comfortably perform your eyelash extension services and your clients feel at ease.
Step 4: Source Quality Products
Just as an artist requires high-quality paints to create a masterpiece, your lash business demands superior products to achieve outstanding results.
When sourcing your products, choose suppliers who prioritize quality over quantity. Look for lashes that are soft, lightweight, and come in various lengths, thicknesses, and curls to accommodate different clients’ preferences and eye shapes.
Eyelash adhesives are equally important; they should be strong, durable, and safe for sensitive eyes. Don’t forget to invest in comfortable, ergonomic tools that will make the application process seamless for both you and your clients.
Consider also ordering samples from several suppliers to test and compare their products. This step might take time and cost a modest amount upfront, but it’s crucial to ensuring you provide only the best for your clients within your preferred price point.
Remember, quality lash supplies not only enhance your clients’ experience and results but also strengthen your brand reputation as a lash professional and customer loyalty. So, invest wisely!
Step 5: Price Your Lash Services
Understanding how to price your lash services appropriately is pivotal to your business’s financial success. It’s not just about covering costs; it’s about positioning your lash business within the market.
Start by researching local competitors’ prices to gauge the market average. However, keep in mind that your pricing should also reflect the quality of your products and services. If you’re using top-notch eyelash extension supplies and offering an exceptional client experience, don’t undervalue your services; charge a premium that matches the value you offer.
Remember, your prices can also be adjusted over time, based on factors such as increased expertise, inflation, and changes in product costs. It’s also a good idea to offer a range of services at different price points to cater to a wider clientele base, for example: lash lifts.
Finally, be transparent about your pricing. Make sure your clients know exactly what they’re paying for, and take every opportunity to explain the value they are getting for their money. This is not only a great way to build trust but will also enhance your brand’s image in the clients’ eyes.
Step 6: Build a Loyal Clientele
Building a loyal clientele requires time, effort, and a dedicated strategy. Here are some tips to foster client loyalty in your eyelash extension business:
- Deliver Consistent Quality: There’s nothing that keeps customers coming back like consistently high-quality service. Strive to provide the same exceptional quality every time a client visits, and they’ll keep coming back.
- Exceptional Customer Service: Treat each client as if they are your only one. Be attentive to their needs, listen to their concerns, and go the extra mile to ensure their satisfaction.
- Loyalty Programs: Implement a loyalty program that rewards repeat customers. This could be something simple, like a discount after a certain number of visits, or a more elaborate points system.
- Personalized Experiences: Get to know your clients. Remember their preferences and personalize their experiences accordingly. The more custom-tailored their experience, the more valued they’ll feel.
- Ask for Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback and show that you value their opinion. This not only improves your service but also makes your clients feel heard and appreciated.
- Regular Follow-ups: Keep in touch with your clients. Send them reminders for their appointments, birthday wishes, or even a simple message checking in on them. These little gestures can make a big difference.
Remember, a loyal customer base is not built overnight. It requires dedication, patience, and a genuine care for your clients. But the investment is well worth it for the long-term success of your lash business.
Step 7: Market Your Lash Business
Marketing your lash business effectively is a crucial step in attracting new clients and retaining existing ones.
One powerful way to do this is by leveraging the power of social media. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest can act as a showcase for your work, allowing potential clients to see the quality of your services firsthand. Regularly post pictures of your work, share testimonials from satisfied customers, and use relevant hashtags to extend your reach.
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-strategized and consistent content plan. Sharing tips, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into your business can help create a stronger bond with your audience. Additionally, engaging with your followers through comments and direct messages can foster a sense of community around your brand.
And last, but definitely not least, our very own eBook, “Lash it Up” can provide you with a wealth of knowledge to take your marketing strategy to the next level. Packed with tips, insights, and practical strategies, “Lash it Up” covers everything from branding and social media marketing to customer retention techniques specific to the lash industry.
Implementing the strategies shared in this guide can help you stand out from the crowd, and create a lash brand that is not only successful but also loved by its clients.
Remember, success in today’s competitive beauty industry is not just about providing excellent services, but also about how effectively you market your brand. Start shaping your lash empire today!
You got this! The world of eyelash extensions is at your fingertips, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. With patience, perseverance, and the right strategies in place, you can create a lash empire that’s the envy of others.
So, put on those lashes, step into your power, and remember – the only way is up. You were born to sparkle and succeed.
Now, go out there and lash your way to the top!