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A BUSINESS
Starting a business can be extremely exciting and rewarding, however it may not happen overnight. The pathway to starting your own business needs careful thought and planning. It may take time to be fully operational but the journey can be hugely self-fulfilling.
The motivation to plan your own destiny and realise financial independence can be powerful. This motivation can unleash energy and willpower that you never thought existed. The new found energy and willpower will inspire a positive attitude, creativity, and the ability to get things done that you never thought possible. The journey to starting your own business can add a new dimension to your life bringing excitement and challenges to every wakening day. Starting your own business in the beauty industry has never been more achievable with some careful thought and planning. But your plans and vision must have realistic goals and aims.
So how do you do it? How do you make the life change that you desire? The change is brought about by planning and setting realistic goals. Most would typically do part-time work in gyms to build skills and confidence. You will have given careful thought to how this new life change will fit in. Plan and set goals to build confidence and a customer base with your skills and knowledge. This gradual process allows you to adopt and make changes to your life. It also enables you to research the market and build a network of resources and information. Depending on individual circumstances it is possible to make a complete change in about 2 years.
Before looking at the business opportunities it is important to clarify the perception of “ A Business”. A business does not have to be a full time commitment that requires large amount of finance, premises and staff.
A large percent of persons wanting to have a “Fitness Business” perceive owning a gym as their only option, requiring a large financial outlay. This is no longer the case with a multitude of other opportunities available. A business is an operation that you are responsible for including income, outgoings and any other persons or resources needed to operate the business. However this can be as simple as operating from community centre or running a boot camp in a public park.
A business can be run on a part-time basis and organised to suit other aspects of your lifestyle. This is one of the major advantages of acquiring
skills and knowledge in the fitness industry as it offers many flexible opportunities for part-time income.
The following are some of the business opportunities available for qualified beauty therapists:
Working from home.
Providing onsite mobile treatments to houses or businesses.
Specialising in professional make-up.
Specialising in nail technology.
Specialising in spray tanning.
Specialising in massage therapy.
Becoming an agent for a product range in make-up or nails or skincare or perfume.
Becoming a freelance educator for product and skincare companies.
Opening a salon (this can be conducted from your residential premises if you have the space or an external premises).
Becoming a freelance trainer and educator for colleges.
The following are some of the main issues you will need to address if you are starting a business:
Different Types of Business
You will need to understand the different types of business and their advantages and disadvantages e.g. Sole Trader, Partnership, Home visiting, Limited company.
Legislation and Relevant Acts
Health and Safety at work, Data Protection, Supply of foods and services, Licensing Laws, Consumer Protection Act, Employment Law.
Bookkeeping and Accounts
Cash flow, Tax Returns, Vat Returns, Stock control, Wages, Budgets, Costing of Products, Equipment and Treatments.
Public Relations and Advertising
Planning PR and Advertising Campaign, Making links with local papers and journalists, Sourcing applicable venues to advertise, Targeting relevant groups/organisations that may allow you to give a talk or presentation.
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