Here are some notes to get you started:
One: Get Qualified!
The beauty industry in Australia is unfortunately unregulated in most states, which in theory means people could possibly start an eyelash business with no training whatsoever - YouTube doesn’t count as a qualification. Eyelash extensions require practical hands on training and technical theory in order to ensure no harms comes to any future clients and an understanding of the process in order to problem solve & ensure the best service possible.
Depending on whereabouts your located, training academies such as Locks Lash and Elleebana hold in person trainings almost monthly in each major city. If location and time doesn’t permit for you to attend in person, most training academies also offer online training - with practical assessments that can be submitted over email to a qualified eyelash technician and assessor and in person one-on-one final assessments in order to gain your certification.
Besides from the knowledge acquired throughout your training, another benefit from getting qualified by a training academy is the support! Your trainers will always be available to you if you have any questions regarding eyelashes, clients, business, etc. Facebook is also a powerful tool in connecting eyelash technicians all around the world -sharing mapping techniques, game changing products & methods and so much more.
Two: Supplies & Space.
You got yourself a qualification! Congratulations, I bet you looked fab in that cap and gown. Most eyelash extension courses will include a kit that will last beyond your training and allows you to complete many full sets & refills to transform your clients from glam to heckin’ glam. You may need to replenish certain supplies quicker than others - especially your disposables. Now the kit you’ve gotten from your training, it needs a home. Home studio vs. Salon, its an age old debate - however whichever one you choose; make it cosy, make it comfy and make it practical. Your space should be somewhere that is not only comfortable to your clients, but also gets you in the lash mindset.
The aesthetic elements can come later on, but to start off you’ll most likely need a lash bed or recliner, whichever you find most comfortable for you and your clients; a stool or chair for you to lash your little heart out on & a shelf or trolley to hold all your supplies on while your client falls asleep. Most technicians will choose trolleys and stools that are adjustable and have wheels, making it easier for them to shuffle into a position or location that makes it easiest for them to lash those pesky inner corners.
Three: Council Approval & Insurance.
If you are setting up in a salon, double check with the owner to ensure their insurance also covers the services you’re providing.
If you are setting up your own salon - whether that be in your home or a retail space, you may feel like you have a lot of googling ahead of you. Let’s break this down a little:
Public Liability insurance ensures that you are legally protected in case a client injures themselves or has their property damaged while on your property. Say a client trips over your stool when they’re getting up to check out their new lashes and hurt themselves - while that was nobodies fault, you can be held liable.
Professional liability insurance covers your business against claims of negligence or substandard work. This insurance also covers the cost of any lawsuits that may arise due to errors in work or oversights.
Product liability insurance ensures you are protected if you choose to sell products to your clients and injury or damage is caused by the products you distribute, supply or manufacture.
If you hire others to work in your home studio, they are not covered by public liability insurance as they technically are not a third party entering your workplace. In this case, Workers Compensation insurance protects employees if they are injured or become sick due to their work; this insurance will cover wages for while they are unable to work, medical expenses and rehabilitation if required.
Okay that was a lot of reading and the word “insurance” came up a lot - it can be daunting and confusing. Use the online quote system insurance companies have on their websites, compare which one would best meet your needs.
A question they may ask you before beginning your policy is if you have council approval. All councils will have different requirements in regards to opening a business in your home and that is another call you’ll have to make. Give your local council a call and the helpful person who answers will be able to send you some information in terms of what is legally required to be in your space before you start operating outside of friends and family.
I think that’s enough boring but very important stuff you’ll need to know before you start your beauty & lashing endeavour. It’s a very exciting time in the beauty industry right now and we welcome you to the fold of qualified technicians dedicated to giving your clients the best possible service and that little extra boost of confidence when they open their eyes - and the financial benefit ain’t too bad either.
