How sustainable is your business?

We are an amazing bunch of people in the beauty industry, we have one of the highest numbers of female business owners in the UK but unfortunately we also see a lot of salon and beauty business closures. Whilst the reasons for closure may vary, one thing is clear; most business owners in this industry have never had any business training or even any experience of planning or budgeting and this lack of knowledge can inevitably let them down over time.

When I left college in 1999, it was unheard of to start a business without gaining salon experience first, in fact, when I first became a sole trader in 2003 I didn't take it seriously at all - I simply fell into it. The salon I worked at stopped offering employment and all therapists had to become sole traders if we wanted to continue working there. At 23 it felt like a great opportunity - low start up costs and a ready made client base that now paid me instead of the owner.

I was also incredibly lucky, I'd had 4 years of working in a nurturing environment where i'd received advanced training in the 'simple' but essential things such as customer care, running a diary, cashing up and general professionalism. I didn't realise it then but that foundation gave me a huge head start.

Like the majority of business owners, I learnt on the job, I made mistakes, I got comfortable and slowed down my career progression, I wasted a lot of money and my pricing was terrible! I also had zero financial pressure, I was young and already established as a popular therapist which meant that I could afford to get things wrong without it having a long term impact on my business. Those mistakes became lessons that I could grow from.

Now, many individuals set up a business as soon as they have their qualification. As a business owner of over 20 years I completely understand why, Our industry can still be very old fashioned in terms of working hours and pay ( what 19 year old wants to work every saturday for peanuts?) even if you can find a slon willing to employ you. So of course it makes sense to start out on your own: flexible hours, your own rates, your own standards.

It is an absolute dream come true to be your own boss but how do you keep that dream alive without any business knowledge or experience?

What happens when the quiet months creep in, or heavy snow hits on your busiest December day and you’re relying on Christmas appointments to carry you through January?

What if your prices are low and your suppliers put their prices up? How will you cope?

Do you have a plan for taking time off for maternity leave or savings in place for sick days?

Here’s something that might surprise you: most beauty businesses don’t close because the therapist falls out of love with their job. They close because the future wasn’t planned for well enough.

Building a sustainable beauty business isn’t about luck, being fully booked or working yourself into the ground. It’s about understanding your numbers, planning ahead, and making confident decisions that protect your future.

Quiet months will happen. Price increases will happen. Life will happen.

A sustainable business is one that’s ready for them.

Through The Beauty Study Co, I teach beauty professionals the practical business skills that most of us were never taught: planning, pricing, budgeting, confidence, and long-term strategy.

If you want to build a business that supports you — not drains you — now is the perfect time to start.

Ready to make your beauty business more stable, confident, and sustainable?

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