2 answers
Susan
Student
Norton, Virginia
3
Questions
Asked
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Do I have to take a business class in college of I want to open up my own salon?
I e been told many different things some being that if I have my state board license and have worked for 5 years in a salon I can open my own business other tell me I have to take a class and some say I don't have to.
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2 answers
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
818
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Well, business classes are not necessary, I do strongly believe there’s some information that would be helpful. At the very least, I would recommend trying to work for another salon for a short period of time. There may be a lot that goes on behind the scenes and having knowledge about it, can save you time and resources with your own business.
At a bare minimum, I would encourage you to do an introduction to accounting class. Some junior colleges might actually have a small business accounting class available. Human resources is another tricky area that having some background end could be helpful.
Last note, some call just have certificate programs where you can take just four or five classes and get a certificate. Seeing if a small business certificate is available could be a shorter path to get the knowledge you need.
At a bare minimum, I would encourage you to do an introduction to accounting class. Some junior colleges might actually have a small business accounting class available. Human resources is another tricky area that having some background end could be helpful.
Last note, some call just have certificate programs where you can take just four or five classes and get a certificate. Seeing if a small business certificate is available could be a shorter path to get the knowledge you need.
Thank you so much for answering my question it helped me a lot, and I may see if I can find a college that could do that because I never knew that was possible, thank you so much for letting me know.
Susan
Alison Blydenburgh (Wolf)
Salon Owner, Master Stylist
3
Answers
St. Augustine, Florida
Updated
Alison’s Answer
Jerome!
As a four time salon owner, each built from the ground up, the answer is unequivocally, NO. Now with that said, if you do not have a natural mind for business, then you benefit from a class here or there, but depending on how you set up your salon and if you have employees, its fairly uncomplicated. There is no requirement for you to have a license for any amount of years before you can open a salon. If you are licensed by your state as a cosmetologist, you can apply for a salon license. I love your enthusiasm! I, personally, would suggest working in a salon for a year or two before opening your own doors, and use that time to learn, observe and grasp all the aspects of running the business, not just what happens behind the chair. There are taxes and utilities to pay, rent costs to consider, the decision to rent chairs or keep it private, will you want to put the money out to stock product and do inventory, or would it be more cost effective to write suggestions for your clients? Can you afford to put your salon in a good area that has parking, a safe environment and a community wealthy enough to afford personal services on a regular basis? These are all nuances that you will come to understand working for someone else, if you pay attention. Its not just about the hair once you open a business, it is a machine with many moving parts that all need your attention and dedication to keep it running smoothly! Best of success to you and your entrepreneurial spirit!
As a four time salon owner, each built from the ground up, the answer is unequivocally, NO. Now with that said, if you do not have a natural mind for business, then you benefit from a class here or there, but depending on how you set up your salon and if you have employees, its fairly uncomplicated. There is no requirement for you to have a license for any amount of years before you can open a salon. If you are licensed by your state as a cosmetologist, you can apply for a salon license. I love your enthusiasm! I, personally, would suggest working in a salon for a year or two before opening your own doors, and use that time to learn, observe and grasp all the aspects of running the business, not just what happens behind the chair. There are taxes and utilities to pay, rent costs to consider, the decision to rent chairs or keep it private, will you want to put the money out to stock product and do inventory, or would it be more cost effective to write suggestions for your clients? Can you afford to put your salon in a good area that has parking, a safe environment and a community wealthy enough to afford personal services on a regular basis? These are all nuances that you will come to understand working for someone else, if you pay attention. Its not just about the hair once you open a business, it is a machine with many moving parts that all need your attention and dedication to keep it running smoothly! Best of success to you and your entrepreneurial spirit!