Calling Cosmetologists

[beth6395]

Well after being a stay-at home mom for almost 8 years I am starting Cosmetology School March 13th I am so excited My estimated graduation date is October 13th. I do maintain my Nail Tech License but have not worked in a Salon for many, many years.

So can any of you experienced give me any advice? What did you do after State Boards, where did you go to work? Did you take any courses some of the beauty supply stores offer? What was interviewing right out of school like? Should I be afraid to look into an upperscale salon? I went to all of the schools in my area and the one I am enrolling in is a rich neighborhood but BUSY and that is what I was looking for the rest were slow not much traffic or mostly elderly, I want as much experience as I can get. Anyone own their own salon? or know someone that does? My sister is starting with me and down the road we would like to open something of our own my other sister-in-law wants to get her nail tech license. I would have my mom handle all the financial.

Well thank you just thought I could get some ideas here first.

Everyone have a great weekend.

beth6395

"Another one that proves equipment is not necessary to get the job done" -Cathe Friedrich

 

[pebblesus]

Hi,
I have to say, that going to the best school, regardless of price is the most important thing! Sure, they may drive you crazy with rules and try to control you and whatnot, but they will give you the best upper hand and then you won't be stuck having to pay to learn those things afterwards anyways. Plus they are always there for you to help you with references, placement and distributing. I once worked with a girl that had been doing hair as long as I have (4 years at the time) and did not do mens haircuts (cuz she never learned how to do them!).
We all know of the experience of going into a salon and leaving swearing we could have done a better job at home lol-- so make sure you are at a very good, accredited school!
Videos and DVD's are great, and if you go to eBay you can get some great deals on cheap, synthetic hair mannequin heads to practice on and I recommend it.
I receptioned and assisted in a couple salons while I was in school to help me and they brought me right in when I was done. It also depends on your location, school experience and market etc; you can either start someplace small and cheap, like a CostCutters or somehting to get your experience and make your mistakes (sorry, but that's what you'll find at places like that), and work your way up. If you end up at a really top notch school then they prepare you MUCH better and you can skip right past that. A lot of upscale salons will take you in right out of school. They like 'em fresh so they can train them "their" way.
As for opening a salon, it depends on the area and market. You HAVE to make sure that there is a market for what you want to open, this includes services and prices have to be market. I HIGHLY recommend building a strong client base before doing the salon thing (unless you have a LOT of money under your butt to carry you), you always have to have the business plan and all that for the loan if you need one (unless you start on a shoestring budget.)
If you have the strong base, then you can carry yourself and not be so dependant on other stylists, walkin traffic, renters etc, that can be a real beotch
Do your research before choosing a salon, you can always expect the first year or two to be trial and error, you learn what works for you and what does not. But after that you want to find a place that suits you, no one likes the traveling stylists that hop from salon to salon. You also have to take into consideration what kind of image you want, how seriously you want to persue the career and the level you want to be at. If you want an upscale salon of your own, don't waste too much time in "cut n' go" salons that are underpriced, you'll never take the clientelle with you. Also, upscale salons need a lot of time and dedication, so if you are busy with soccer practice and family dentist appointments, you might be better at a place where you can have freedom of select PT schedules, do your work and then leave, not having to worry about anything and getting to more important things.
I hope I have helped you, I have learned a lot in my years in the business, managed a few salon, worked for corporate and individualy owned and am planning to open my own slaon and clothing shop this year. Good luck!

 

[beth6395]

pebblesus: Wow! Thank you for the information! I definately would not open a salon unless I had the experience just down the road for a future plan. I have been checking out Ebay once I know what I am in need of for practicing at home I will pick up a few things. I am so grateful that I did choose the better school they are very pricey my course is costing $6700.00 she said they do not do facials or waxing they just touch on it That was the only thing I did not care for but I am more concerned with the hair and doing it right. I have to purchase uniforms and shoes and we have no kit she said you can use all of the schools items you are going to want to go out and get what you want when you are ready which makes sense plus its not a lot of cheap junk. I also invested in the more expensive book set it comes with a DVD for home and extra study guides.

Congrats on your salon!


beth6395

"Another one that proves equipment is not necessary to get the job done" -Cathe Friedrich

 

[acatalina]

Wow, that was cheap. I just put my daughter through beauty school and we paid over 19,000.
I say, get in somewhere now. Be a shampoo girl and assist. Get them farmiliar with you. It is better to go into a salon that offers free education and walkins. It will take time to build.

Best word of advice. Practice, practice , practice.
The more you do, the better you get.
Learn clips, fades and flat tops.
Learn updo's and braids.
Pay attention. Learn the basics of color. Learn to foil....
Don't ever act like you know it all. When you think you do, things will change.You will never keep learning in this profession.

Good luck.

Anne

 

[kaylasmom321]

Hi, Beth! I have been a hairstlist and colorist for 20 years, and now I rent a station in a salon. Its not quite the same as owning a salon, but it works out great for me. I am my own boss, and make my own hours. This frees up my time to do other things. (I am a mom of a 4 year old daughter!) ( not to mention a Cathe fanatic!!) I have my own client base, after years of working for other salons.For someone starting out, your best bet after school is to work as an assistant/apprentice in an upscale salon that offers training and education. Learn as much as you can and practice on models alot!! The next step is to start building a clientele. If you want to someday own your own salon, watch carefully how salons run. This is a great way to figure out what you will and will not want to do with your own salon! After a few years you'll have a pretty good idea on what works and what doesn't. One thing I've found is that stylists tend to move around alot because employers don't treat their staff very well. If you want to have a successful salon, you have to treat your employees very well. It sounds pretty basic, but it surprising to me how many salons don't. Hope this helps!!!Take care, Nancy~~

 

[beth6395]

Anne: I have my 3 year old son home until next Fall so I plan on getting my foot in the door at a salon then. Wow! for $19,000 what did they teach?

beth6395

"Another one that proves equipment is not necessary to get the job done" -Cathe Friedrich

 

[beth6395]

Nancy! I wanted this career because I want to be able to work around my children. I have been very familiar with hair and products for many years I know that is not anything but I will be good at it and I want to learn everything their is to learn about hair if I decide to open a salon it wouldn't be until my children are in high school or after and that will be many years.
beth6395

"Another one that proves equipment is not necessary to get the job done" -Cathe Friedrich