Q&A for How to Start a Nail Salon

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  • Question
    Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start a nail salon?
    Mia Rubie
    Mia Rubie
    Nail Artist
    Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails.
    Mia Rubie
    Nail Artist
    Expert Answer
    Really take your time when you're hiring talent. Check their references and get a feel for who they are—you want to find people who have a passion for nails, and a customer-service oriented personality.
  • Question
    What if I just wanted to own the nail shop and not actually do nails?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can do that, but most owners work in their own salons for years before sitting back and enjoying life.
  • Question
    Do I need a cosmetology license to own and run my own shop?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. You will need a business license. However, you will need your cosmetology license if you intend to work there as a cosmetologist.
  • Question
    What software do I need for my nail salon?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    For point-of-sale, consider a modern system like Clover, ensuring its availability in your country. To engage customers with news and offers, focus on mobile communication. You can effectively achieve this by combining a strong Facebook presence with an easy-to-use digital loyalty solution, such as loopyloyalty.com.
  • Question
    Can a 12 year old start this?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, you would need to be over the age of 18. But start thinking of names, researching marketing and location strategies, saving money, etc. so you're prepared to begin your business when you are of age.
  • Question
    Can I do this at school to earn a little bit of money?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Possibly, if you confine it to before/after classes and during free periods. Ask a teacher or principal for permission before you try it.
  • Question
    Can a teenager start a nail business from home?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You could have an unofficial salon in your home to do nails for your friends, family, etc., but if you wanted to start an official business, you would need someone 18+ to apply for a business license for you.
  • Question
    How do I start a nail salon and get people to work for me?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Follow the steps in this article to get a salon going, then get a website and advertise that you're looking to hire people.
  • Question
    I am 13 and I want to do nails at my house to make a profit. Can I do that or do I need to get a permit?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, you can't. You have to go to a nail school or hold a cosmetology license from your state, which means passing a state board exam.
  • Question
    How can I start a nail salon if I am under 18 years old?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    As a minor, you typically cannot legally own or operate a business like a nail salon. Performing nail services also requires a professional license, which usually has an age requirement of 18 or older.
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