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From Vision to Reality
Open Your Beauty Bussines

How to Open a 
Small Beauty Business

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Starting your own beauty business can be an exciting and rewarding journey. Whether you’re a lash artist, esthetician, brow specialist, or makeup artist, this guide will help you take the right steps to get started.

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Step 1: Create a Simple Business Plan
Your plan doesn’t need to be complicated — just write down your goals, services, and what you’ll need to start.

Include:
- Services you’ll offer (lashes, brows, facials, etc.)
- Who your clients are and where you’ll find them
- Your pricing and how many clients you can take per week
- Startup costs and expected income

Having a plan will give you a clear idea of how to grow and stay organized.

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Step 2: Set Up the Legal Side
- Choose your business structure (most beauty pros pick an LLC).
- Register your business name and get any necessary city or state licenses.
- Make sure your beauty license is current.
- Get business insurance (general and professional liability).
- Register for sales tax if you’ll sell products.

Tip: Many professionals use an LLC for extra protection and get a combined insurance policy that covers both their space and services.

Helpful links for Arizona:
- Apply for an LLC:  ecorp.azcc.gov.

 -Federal EIN or TIN - Internal Revenue Service

Check the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website www.irs.gov to obtain an EIN (employer identification number) or TIN (tax identification number). The Arizona Commerce Authority Small Business Services website https://www.azcommerce.com has links to various informative sites concerning taxes.

- Apply for a city business license: Visit your city’s website (for example, Glendale: www.glendaleaz.com/business
- Apply for a TPT (Transaction Privilege Tax) License if you sell products: azdor.gov/transaction-privilege-tax-tpt (Arizona Department of Revenue)

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Step 3: Organize Your Finances
- Open a business bank account to keep personal and business money separate.
- Use accounting software or a simple spreadsheet to track income and expenses.
- Set up card payments using systems like Square, Stripe, or Vagaro.
- Have clear policies for cancellations, deposits, and late arrivals.

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Step 4: Create Your Studio Space
Your setup doesn’t have to be huge — start small and professional.

Location options:
- Rent a small suite or booth.
- Share a studio space.

You’ll need:
- A comfortable bed or chair, good lighting, beauty and sanitation supplies. 
- Booking software like GlossGenius, Fresha, or Square Appointments.
- Consent forms, aftercare instructions, and your policies printed or digital.

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Step 5: Marketing and Attracting Clients
- Create a simple website that lists your services, prices, and booking link.
- Use Instagram or TikTok to show before-and-after photos and your personality.
- Create a Google Business Profile so clients can find you on Maps.

- Set up a Yelp Business Page at biz.yelp.com to get discovered by local clients and collect reviews.
- Offer a launch special or referral discount to build your first client base.
- Collect client contact info for rebooking and promotions.

Tip: Always ask for client permission before posting their photos online.

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Step 6: Launch Your Business
Before you open your doors, make sure:
- You have all licenses and insurance ready.
- Your booking and payment systems work.
- Consent forms and aftercare sheets are ready.
- Your studio is clean, stocked, and inviting.
- You’ve booked your first few clients (friends, family, or early customers).

-Paid Advertising:

Once your business is set up, you can run paid ads on Google, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Even a small weekly budget can help attract local clients who are searching for a beauty service in your area. Use eye-catching photos and clear calls to action like “Book Now” or “New Client Discount

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Step 7: Keep Growing
- Stay consistent with social media and client communication.
- Keep your books up to date each week.
- Ask for client feedback and reviews to grow your reputation.
- Continue learning and adding new services to stand out.

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Starting small and building gradually is the best way to grow a successful beauty business. Stay professional, deliver great results, and your clientele will grow naturally!
 

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