Are you a solo salon owner thinking about stepping into the world of education? Offering training courses could be a significant way to boost your business while helping others grow in the beauty industry. Though diversifying your services can feel like a big leap, your existing expertise can serve as a solid foundation for teaching others and increasing your income. Here’s how adding an educational arm to your salon can benefit you.
Key Benefits of Adding Training Courses to Your Business
Boost Your Daily Earning Potential
When working with clients one-on-one, your earnings are limited by the number of hours in a day. Once you reach your maximum hours, the only ways to increase income are by raising prices or offering add-ons. Teaching, however, allows you to work with multiple learners at once, increasing your revenue in the same amount of time.
For example,
– 7 lash lift clients at £30 each = £210
– 2 learners for a lash lift course at £250 each = £500
Doubling your income for the same workday shows the financial potential of incorporating education into your business model.
More Freedom and Flexibility
With more income, you can reduce the number of days you treat clients, earning the same (or more) while freeing up time for yourself, your family, and hobbies. In time, your training business could grow enough to replace your client-based income entirely.
Reduce Physical and Emotional Stress
Treating clients every day takes a physical toll. Offering training courses lightens the load, as teaching often involves demonstrating techniques only once during a course and then guiding learners as they practice. This reduces the repetitive strain on your body, improving your overall wellbeing.
How to Get Started
Obtain Your Teaching Qualification
To teach professionally, you’ll need a Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET), a short, regulated course with a practical “micro-teach” component. Look for an AET course that displays the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) logo, as some CPD courses might not meet the necessary standards for proper teaching accreditation.
Build Your Audience Early
Start marketing yourself as a future educator as soon as possible. Use social media, email lists, and personal interactions with clients to build excitement and generate interest. Share content that showcases your expertise—tutorials, tips, or behind-the-scenes snippets of your journey into education. Your existing clients can become your first learners, and their trust in you will pave the way for a successful transition into teaching.
Identify Your Target Market
Decide who your ideal learners are. Will you cater to beginners entering the industry, existing professionals wanting to add new treatments, or advanced practitioners looking to improve their technique? Focusing on one target market at a time will help refine your messaging and courses, ensuring maximum impact and success.
Develop a Clear Strategy
Once you’ve identified your target audience, create a strategic plan for your training course offerings. Start with one well-developed course and consider how it fits into a broader educational pathway for your learners. Could you offer introductory workshops leading to full courses, or follow-up classes for advanced skills?
Focus on the Learner’s Journey
Design your course with the learner’s long-term success in mind. Don’t just teach a skill; consider how you can help learners implement the skill into their own businesses, adding value and ensuring they feel confident offering the new service. A course that empowers learners to thrive will reflect well on you and help build your reputation as an educator.
Teaching in a Small Space
A common misconception is that you need a large training space to run courses. In reality, you can teach two learners at a time in a small room, with them practicing on each other. For larger groups, consider renting a space at a local wholesaler, salon, or academy, or offer on-site training at salons where their staff can learn in a familiar environment. Always ensure any space you use adheres to health and safety standards.
Accreditation – How It Works
Accrediting your course adds a layer of professionalism and ensures your learners can get insured post-training. Accreditation companies act as insurance brokers, verifying that your course meets certain standards, though each has different criteria. Choose a provider that offers both you and your learners the best value and ensure your course material aligns with National Occupational Standards to smooth the accreditation process.
Preparing for a Successful Course Launch
Launching a course successfully requires more than a few social media posts – it demands a strategic marketing plan. Engage with your audience early, highlight the benefits of your course, and create opportunities for conversation, whether online or in person. Building excitement around your offering is key to filling those first learner spots.
The Rewards of Adding Education
Incorporating education into your solo salon business can be both profitable and rewarding. It offers the opportunity to increase your income, reduce physical strain, and enjoy more flexibility in your schedule. Building a successful training arm takes time and effort, but the potential benefits for your business and your personal life make it well worth the leap.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to launching a profitable and impactful educational offering in your salon.