When we look good, we feel good. Helping others look their best is a noble calling and a fulfilling endeavor. We might not like to admit it, but much of our self-confidence and poise comes from feeling good about how we look.
If you’re passionate about helping others find their confidence, it might interest you to start a braiding business from home. It’s a great side business and once you get the ball rolling it could even become a full-time gig with freedom and flexible work hours. You can literally set your own schedule by booking your clients at times that work for you. Intrigued? Keep reading to learn how to get started here.
Go to Braiding School
A braid is a braid, right? Not exactly. There are many different types of braids that make gorgeous hairstyles. From basic box braids and cornrows to palm roll locks, Afro kinky twists, and tree braid weaves, there are many to choose from.
While you can specialize in your favorites, you’ll want to go to braiding school and get training in at least a few styles. A larger repertoire will attract more clients and give you a bigger customer base.
You’ll also want to spend some time practicing so you can get faster before taking on paying clients. Braiding takes long enough as it is, nobody wants to wait around for a slow braider.
Build a Portfolio
You’ll also want to have photos of your work that you can show prospective clients. Build a portfolio (and practice at the same time!) by braiding for friends and family. As you get better, you can also charge clients a discounted price in exchange for portfolio pics.
Make sure to take the photos in nice light (outdoors or by a window is best) to fully show off the braids. Also, don’t doctor your photos with heavy filters or too much editing so it doesn’t distract from the beauty of the braids.
Obtain the Required Licenses
Before you can open up shop and start serving customers, you’ll need to get the proper licenses, even for a home braiding business. Laws are different in different states so be sure to check on the requirements in your area.
At the least, you’ll need a business license and Employer Identification Number or state tax id number for tax purposes. If you want to sell hair care products or beads and other adornments as well (a good way to boost your revenue), you may need to obtain a retail permit.
Social Media Marketing
Social media is your friend as you’re getting your hair braiding business up and running. Posting on sites like Facebook and Instagram is free. Target location hashtags on Instagram to market to your local area.
If you want to take it up a notch, Facebooks Ads is an inexpensive way to advertise. You can specifically target your ideal clients by demographics like income level, location, gender, interests, and more. You can set how much money you want to spend so you won’t accidentally go over your budget.
Post frequently for best results. Take little videos while working on a client’s hair and post photos of the fnished product. Again, be sure to use well-lit, quality photos to attract the most attention.
Set Up a Designated Area
You’re going to be working out of your home, but make sure to set up a designated work station. Clients will feel a little strange about sitting in the middle of your kitchen (especially if you’ve got dinner simmering on the stove).
Set up a corner in your (climate-controlled) garage or create a small salon space in the spare bedroom. Get a comfortable chair for your clients as they’ll have to sit there for a bit. You may also want to set up a TV screen for entertainment or provide magazines.
It’s very important to keep this space clean and clutter-free at all times. Yes, we know it’s your house and keeping it spic and span all the time can be a challenge. However, you’re also running a business. Clients will not look favorably on your cat climbing all over their chair or your kids’ toys piled on the floor.
Ready to Get Started?
A braiding business is a great way to work from home. If people love your work and you’re good at marketing yourself, you’ll have a steady stream of customers in no time. With a big enough customer base you can make a comfortable income doing something you love.
The best part? Many of your clients will become regulars, meaning you get to make a bunch of new friends in the process.