Mistakes to Avoid When Running a Lash Business

6 Errors You May Be Making as a Business Owner

Whether you’re a business owner who has solidified your place in the industry or are just starting out and aspire to own a business one day - we can be by your side each step of the way. Our educational content and products can help pave the way for you to create a successful beauty business! There are many things to consider when building a brand and business; after you have found the perfect workspace for you, there are a whole lot of things to tackle that you might not have even thought of. Let’s get started on the mistakes that you need to avoid while running a lash business. You never know, you may even be guilty of these!

1. Not Investing in Your Business

Although this may sound like a given, after running a business for any amount of time, you may feel yourself slipping into a state of complacency and can close yourself off to new ideas and ways of expanding or growing your business, without even realizing it. While this may feel like consistency, you need to think of the growth of your business over time. Not only should you be keeping an eye out for new windows of opportunity, but you can also invest in your business in other ways. Whether you need to hire a social media manager or decide to do it yourself in your free time, your social presence is imperative for maintaining and growing your business. 

Social Media

We’re not saying that word of mouth isn’t a strong marketing tactic, but these days, it's usually not enough in our digitally invested climate. To help your brand flourish, whether it be in your community or on a broader scale, social media is the most powerful tool to use. 

Believe it or not, eyelash extensions are a pretty niche market. Although the demand for lashes is constantly growing, and the industry is continuously evolving, you need to know your USP. How can you stand out amongst your competitors? Throughout all of your socials, it’s essential that you build your brand image cohesively with the use of logos, graphics, banners, etc., that follow a similar theme. By creating a memorable visual identity, potential clients are more likely to think of you when they decide they want to get their lashes done.

Let’s take Instagram as an example. This platform allows you to post pictures, videos, or reels of your work, your lash studio, and yourself - it’s always nice to know the powerhouse behind the business! By showcasing high-quality posts that display your business offerings and give a glimpse of your personality, you are effectively promoting your business and demonstrating why your current clients trust you with their lashes and hard-earned money. There are various handy tools on the market, such as the London Lash Clip-On Phone Lens, that can really help to create flawless content. Why not show off that fantastic set of wispy Hybrid lashes you’ve created, you’ll be educating your clients on the process of lash extensions but also create soothing and satisfying content, which is very popular right now!

London Lash Top Tip: Register your business on Google so people can find you and leave reviews - this is a great way to build your reputation and online presence. 

2. Neglecting your Salon Decor

First impressions are super important! If your clients are parting with their money, they at least want to do it in a welcoming, clean, and stunning environment. Just like your branding, your lash salon can be just as compelling; not to mention, if it’s Insta-worthy, you and your clients alike can shout about it all over social media. Your lash space is essentially where your clients come to relax and be pampered, so the last thing you want is for them to turn their noses up at your salon as soon as they walk in. It’s also your working environment, so the atmosphere needs to be on point, not just for them but for you too! We know it’s not always an option to entirely redecorate your salon, but trust us, salon posters, accessories, lighting, and stylish storage can really make a difference. We highly recommend that you unleash your creativity and decorate your lash area in a manner that fills you with pride!

3. Losing Track of Your Outgoings

We get it, it’s so tempting to stock up on your favorite products, especially when there’s a tempting sale. This is totally fine to do; just remember to check that you’ll actually use the products you’re buying before they expire. That's not to say you can’t go ham if you’re buying lash trays, but lash glues, on the other hand, we don’t recommend bulk buying. We highly advise you to keep track of your earnings and outgoing - this is super important if you want to set business goals and grow your business. Whether you feel the need to hire an accountant, a bookkeeper, or decide you want to do it yourself, it is vital that you keep track of your outgoings such as taxes, bills, and stock. If you have a clear understanding of your finances, you can continue moving forward and evolving. 

4. Not Knowing Legalities

To become a Certified Lash Technician, you must review your state requirements, as these can differ from state to state. Most states require a cosmetology or esthetician license to become a Licensed Lash Tech. Not every state requires this, but if you’re performing eyelash extension treatments while unlicensed, you are classified as ‘unregulated’ by the Board of Cosmetology, which can lead to legal repercussions. Even if your state doesn’t require a license, it’s always good to have this behind your belt, as you’ll be considered more reputable, which will help build your client base. 

In addition to acquiring your esthetics or cosmetology license, it is also important to obtain a business or salon license based on the laws in your state. After this, you will need to register your lash business, protect your intellectual property, and protect your business with an insurance policy. This may all seem daunting and a lot of work, but you will reap the benefits if you stick with it and persevere. 

5. Not Utilizing Apps

With not a lot of spare time on your hands, it can be hard to manage your clients, social media accounts, and your business at the same time. Luckily, there are now apps that can help you with nearly every aspect of your business! Utilizing these handy apps, whether they be a content creation app, a finance app, or an app that clients can use to book their appointments, can help free up so much of your time that it can be used elsewhere.

Here are some apps that we love as lash techs:

• Quickbooks: An incredible accounting app that helps keep track of your money.
• Canva: Content creation made easy! Offers user-friendly templates that you can use for both online and print marketing assets.
• Lash Dash: A dashboard that allows you to store client information and record appointments. You can even add a customizable waiver that your clients can sign. 
• Fresha: An online booking system allowing your clients to book with you automatically. 

5. Not Making Time for Yourself

Finally, one of the most important things to consider when you’re running a lash business is to take time for yourself. It’ll be challenging to focus on building a lash business when you’ve burnt yourself out. While running your business, it is important to prioritize work-life balance too! We don’t want to see you solely surviving on an iced coffee throughout the day! You’re building a business for YOU, so your health is also a priority. 

Looking for more business and lashing tips? Check out our Blog, Instagram, and Pinterest.