One Stop Shop – Should YOU be offering beauty?

	Spatial awareness Check that you have the available space necessary, and if not, ask yourself if it makes financial sense to convert part of the existing salon. "You need to do a square footage calculation, to work how hair revenue will compare to beauty revenue," says business advisor Carole Sawyer. "The financial risk is greater if you convert a part of your hair salon that is currently producing revenue, rather than additional space." "Nails can be quickly incorporated, by providing suitable workstations, but spray tan requires a suitable space with ventilation and changing areas. Face and body treatments require space for a couch, and plenty of movement around, plus a wash basin and storage cupboards and a chair for clients' belongings," says Carole, Size isn’t the only consideration. "You need to provide a space that is serene and designed for total relaxation, free from outside noise and disruption," says Gina Conway, owner of Gina Conway Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Day Spa. If you are going to require electronic equipment, it might be better to lease this as the company will service and repair the machines during the leasing period.
	Recruitment If you need to recruit new staff, seek help from local colleges that train beauty therapists – tutors can recommend the top students and advertise jobs within colleges. "Staffing is really important, as there is a lot of trust involved," says Karine Jackson, director, Karine Jackson Hair and Beauty. "They are in the room for long periods of time with your clients and their skills levels must be of the highest calibre. Do not skimp here – check certificates thoroughly and always trade test when doing this." Retraining of existing staff will depend on the treatments that you choose to offer – hair stylists might be willing to do nails, for instance, but are unlikely to be willing to do the training necessary to become a fully qualified beauty therapist. "On opening the level of service offered must be extraordinary," says Gina. "We found that by hiring two therapists that are purely trained in spa treatments, we can cover days off and breaks, and ensure that quality control can always be maintained." "Be aware that it can prove difficult to recruit staff in some areas," warns Carole, "although beauty therapy has a reputation for being a low paid industry, in some areas the scarcity of therapists means they can command high wages."