Running your own lash business can be a rewarding experience, offering the freedom to be your own boss, the opportunity to express your individual talent in lash artistry, and build an independent career and financial future.
Do you have a dream and goal of working for yourself, choosing when and where you work? It could be an exhilarating new venture. To be honest, it's where most Lash Artists start, as they perfect their lash artistry, and build their loyal client base and their confidence in their ability to run a successful business doing what they love.
Building a business with employees is only for some, but at some point, while working solo, the thought of branching out, growing your lash business, and hiring a team may cross your mind. So, as a solo Lash Artist and a business owner of 20+ years, I'm here to explore the Pros and Cons of working solo and the impact that may have on you securing your career and financial future.
Alternatively, you can listen to Prolong Lash's podcast and join Jodi and Alicia as they unveil the ultimate secrets to thriving as a solo lash artist:
Pros of Being a Solo Lash Artist
1. Freedom and Autonomy
Working for others isn't everyone's cup of tea, so the attraction of working solo is that it gives you full control over your schedule. You can set your hours, take breaks when needed, and manage your workload according to your preferences. You have the freedom to make decisions without having to consult or accommodate others, which offers a sense of freedom that is every bit worth it.
2. Face to Face Client Interaction
Interacting directly with clients creates strong personal bonds and trust. It's just you and them, chatting and enjoying each other's company. With no one else in the mix, clients love the special attention and consistent service they get from you. This builds loyalty and keeps them coming back for more.
3. Maximized Profits
As a solo Lash Artist, you can minimize your overheads without the costs associated with staff. Once you start paying salaries, for a larger premises, and training expenses you start cutting into your profitability, so going solo gives you the potential to earn higher profits without the headache of those added expenses.
4. Efficiency and Flexibility
Working alone streamlines operations, leading to increased efficiency. You can adapt quickly to changing demands, accommodate last-minute appointments, and tailor services to meet individual client needs without extensive coordination.
5. Brand Consistency
Maintaining a consistent brand image becomes easier when you're the sole practitioner. Your style, techniques, and customer service approach remain the same and predictable to your client base, making it easier to control and strengthen your brand identity and reputation in the industry.
Cons of Being a Solo Lash Artist
It's essential to consider both sides of the scale when considering running your own show. So, here are things to consider as you head down the path of building your own lash business and reach that crossroad I touched on earlier: taking the next step to employing staff and growing your business.
1. Limited Scalability
Expanding your business as a solo Lash Artist is tough. Your time and energy are limited, which means you can only handle so many clients. Scaling up becomes a challenge without extra hands-on deck or diversifying your offerings. Consider adding retail products or even creating your own aftercare range like Prolong Cleanser to boost revenue and open up new growth avenues. Otherwise, as a solo Lash Artist you're stuck with a ceiling on your potential.
2. Workload and Burnout
Handling all aspects of the business, from client appointments and follow-ups to administrative tasks, and providing such a detailed and time-consuming service, can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. Without support, you may find it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance, risking physical and emotional exhaustion and working against your goal of career and financial freedom just due to personal overinvestment in your business growth.
3. Lack of Diversification
Relying solely on your skills and expertise may limit your range of services and hamper your ability to grow your business. We are all good at something, but on the flip side, we all have things we don't enjoy and don't do well at.
You can add additional services to our menu and set up better administration to streamline our day-to-day business. Being a solo lash business owner means that you not only need to be a master of Lash Artistry but also need all those business administration skills to maintain and build a solid base.
You only have so many hours in the day, so introducing new or specialized treatments or services may not be possible. Clients may then be drawn to salons with a more diverse team of professionals, which can reduce your competitive edge and potentially your business growth.
5. Vulnerability to Interruptions
Working solo can leave you vulnerable to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or emergencies, disrupting operations, and inconveniencing clients. Without backup staff, you have the full responsibility of rescheduling client appointments and answering client queries and calls which can be challenging and potentially affect customer satisfaction and loyalty.
6. Isolation and Limited Collaboration
You know the saying, "It's lonely at the top." The same can be said of solo Lash Artists who often experience feelings of isolation without like-minded colleagues to share ideas, seek advice, or collaborate with on industry trends, making you more at risk of falling behind on industry know-how and knowledge. The lack of professional camaraderie and networking opportunities could hinder personal and professional growth in the long run.
One effective way to combat this isolation is by attending lash conferences and industry events. Lash conferences offer an excellent platform to network with other professionals, learn about the latest trends and techniques, and gain insights from industry leaders. These events provide opportunities for collaboration, inspiration, and continuous learning, helping solo Lash Artists stay updated and connected with the broader lash community. Additionally, participating in such events can rejuvenate your passion for lash artistry and provide new ideas to implement in your business.
Running your own Lash Salon offers a world of possibilities, from the freedom of being your own boss to the opportunity to cultivate personal relationships with clients. As you embark on this journey, weighing up the pros and cons carefully is essential.
On the positive side, working solo grants you freedom and autonomy over your schedule and day-to-day operations, leading to personal efficiency and brand consistency. You can maximize profits and enjoy face-to-face interactions with clients, fostering loyalty and trust.
However, it's essential to acknowledge the challenges of running a solo operation: limited scalability, the risk of burnout, and the lack of diversification and vulnerability to interruptions loom. Isolation and limited collaboration may hinder your professional growth over time.
As you navigate the path of entrepreneurship, consider these factors. Whether you choose to remain solo or expand your business, remember to prioritize your well-being and long-term success. And, whether you're a solo operator or developing your lash business, remember that Prolong Lash is in the business of helping Lash Artists leverage their earning potential by providing the world's most loved eyelash extension aftercare range and offering incredible discounts to our partners through our Reseller Program. Sign up today and join our worldwide network of empowered Lash Artists.
Transform your lash business with Prolong Lash! Dive into our blog for expert tips, watch our vibrant YouTube channel for the latest trends, and tune into the engaging Aussie Lashwives Podcast. Partner with us today and watch your business reach new heights!
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