Just Looking for Different Opinions

You know, I had a manicurist once who was mobile. She didn't have a salon, so no rental overhead, no commissions to pay. It's kind of like those places that come to your house and detail your car for you. She had hours by appointment, and had a LOT of clients, particularly home-bound. Some of those women just loved her. You could start a business like that, with your gear in your trunk, and a magnetic sign on the side of your car, and just work weekends or evenings until you get your business going.
Do make sure you have your head on straight about running your own business. Take a class or two, read some books, talk to other small business owners in your area who are familiar with local laws, and can provide you with insight. A good place to start is your local Chamber of Commerce.

Hi S. - I my opinion, WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT QUIT YOUR JOB. In this economy any job is better than no job. Try if you can to feel grateful each and every day that you are fortunate enough to have a job that brings home a paycheck to support your family when so many do not. You are one of the lucky ones, and try to take that attitude of gratitude with you throughout your day.

Having dreams aspirations is wonderful and you sound like a motivated woman, so checking a program at a beauty school would be a great thing for you. I am currently taking an online course in Cosmetology and Esthetics that is the course work ("theory") but I would not have the "hands-on" experience to work in the field. However, I will have a great knowledge of the field. I would encourage you to follow your dreams, but keep a firm grip on what you have right now that so many would love to have and even trade places with you and do a job they didn't like to do, but would LOVE on payday. Remember, you make your own happiness out of whatever circumstance you have - it is up to you to be grateful for what you have and live in the happiness that you are providing for your family until your pesonal dreams are a reality as well! May you and your family be healthy and happy, V. Garnese. :o)

Hi S.,

Don't quit your job, but definitely pursue your dream of opening a salon. Maybe you can go to some of the local salons and talk with the owners--get their feedback on the pros/cons and how they got started. Take some courses on the side and see how you like it- maybe you can ease into the profession without quiting your job. Good luck!

Molly

Hi S.,

I would like to encourage you to look into your local community college for a "Run your own business" type of class or seminar. There is also something called SBDC (Small Business Development Center). They offer low cost and free educational opportunities. One of their offerings is a course that has you write a complete business plan. Do a google search to find the office nearest you (it's a government program).

Loving the process of manicuring and loving running a business are two very different things. I am self employed right now and am sooooo looking forward to working for a company which I will do when my youngest goes to school. I'm not cut out for it.

Best wishes!

Hi S.,
I am not a manicurist, but I manage a large regional shopping mall, so I spend a LOT of time talking to business owners. Just last week I was chatting with the guy who owns the nail salon I go to. He used to have a job at a software company in the Bay Area and is now the owner of a nail salon! Anyhow, he does enjoy his job, he said, however in this past year his business has dropped off 40%. It's not the world's greatest time to open a nail salon - BUT it may be possible to buy one at a fantastic price from someone looking to get out (however, it bears serious scrutiny to understand why they want out).

My advice, if you are dead set on this career path, is to open or buy your salon in an area with the highest possible foot traffic. Yes, cheaper real estate can be had, but to be successful, you need to be somewhere where people can see you and easily get to you. You'll also need to spend less on marketing if your salon is in a high-traffic area.

If it were me, I might want to wait another year and see how the economy shakes out. A lot of us have jobs we hate - but it's better than being unemployed!! =) Hang in there and I hope it all works out for you!