Go It Alone

Thinking about leaving your salon to go out on your own? We give you some tips to prep you for taking the plunge.

BY GELISH

10.16.24

You’ve worked hard since graduating nail school, pushing yourself to learn new skills and developing client relationships in a salon. But now you’re starting to wonder what’s next. Could it be time to go out on your own? Whether that means becoming a booth renter, opening your own salon or even working from home, becoming a sole proprietor can breed big challenges, but also great rewards. Here, we offer some advice for taking that risk from real pros who’ve experienced it firsthand: Nicki Wallner, owner of Bliss Beauty Salon and educator for Nail Alliance from Winter Haven, FL, and Nancy Muralles, owner of The Nailist Beauty Co. and Gelish Dean of Education from Vancouver, Canada.

Q: What made you decide to leave the traditional salon business and go out on your own?

Nikki Wallner:
“I decided to leave the traditional salon business to work for myself so I could create an atmosphere that reflects my personal style and have more control over my schedule and finances.”

Nancy Muralles:
“My decision to open The Nailist Beauty Co. stemmed from a deep desire to create a unique, personalized experience for my clients. In my case, it meant leaving the corporate world to fully dedicate myself to my passion for nails and education. This was not an easy choice; fear and self-doubt delayed my decision for quite some time. However, with my faith in God, this year felt like the right time. My curiosity about the ‘what-if’ pushed me forward. And I knew if things didn’t work out as I hoped, at least I’d have conquered my fear and tried.”

Q: What differences have you seen in your business since becoming a sole proprietor?

NW:
“The main difference I’ve seen since opening a home salon is having a better work-life balance. I’m able to save money on rent, which helps me increase my overall profitability. It also allows me to avoid burnout by not having to work on back-to-back clients.”

NM:
“I have more control over the business operations, allowing me to fully implement my vision and standards. This autonomy has led to increased client satisfaction and loyalty. Since becoming a business owner, I’ve also noticed there are a lot of details that go into opening a business, like dealing with the health department, the city, inspectors and landlords, plus other items like signage, marketing and this whole color scheme thing — things I didn’t really pay attention to before.”

Q: What was a mistake you made/something you didn’t account for when making the move?

NW:
“I would have given myself more space for storage and equipment. While I have adequate space for what I need, I could always use more!”

NM:
“One mistake I made was underestimating the amount of time and effort required for administrative tasks. Transitioning from focusing solely on nail services to managing all aspects of a business, including hiring additional staff, marketing, finances and inventory, is a little overwhelming. I also didn’t fully account for the initial costs involved in setting up a new space to meet my standards of quality and aesthetics.”

Q: What advice can you give other nail techs who are looking to start their own nail business?

NW:
“My advice is to build your experience and knowledge in the industry first. Learning from experienced professionals and observing how businesses are run will help you set up for long-term success.”

NM:
“If you have that desire in the pit of your stomach, then take that leap of faith! Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and build a strong network of mentors and peers that can help provide support and guidance. Stay adaptable and be prepared to face challenges head-on. Each obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow.”