I finally got my salon finished (in my home) and open for business! I haven't been working in a salon since I moved here 4 1/2 years ago so I am starting out with NO clientelle and yet I get a few people calling each week for appointments! YAY! Any suggestions for tricks to getting my clientelle built up? I give free paraffin hand dips to first time customers. I give $5 towards any service when someone refers a friend. Can ya think of anything else? I thought of handing out flyers during the 4th of July parade, but I didn't get open in time. Brain storm with me..c'mon! Share the knowledge! (I could use the money! Ha!)

I know how you feel....sort of. I have worked in the same small town for 23 years and when I moved to a bigger city 600+ miles from home, I was scared to death to look for another job....especially in the beauty industry. I was so sure I would walk into a salon fill of 20 year old cuties with attitudes..... Luckily I found a great place, I am the manager, and soon.....after surgery...maybe my feet will forgive me... I hope you know how worthy you are even with a few extra pounds and that you can get back to the profession you enjoy....making others feel beautiful should never come at your own expense....hang in there... Terri

I agree. Let's get it started. I am here. Just a cosmetology student right now but I am here.

ha!!! You were on the sex board weren'tcha!!!! LOL let's get this board going!!!!!

Hello, you all! I just left the salon in November, for a number of reasons. I was burned out, and worked for a chain salon the last 2 years (out of 13). I did other things here and there, including welding in a shop where my husband worked, and always ended up back in the salon. i'm really missing it right now, but my energy level is too low, and the arthritis in my knees doesn't help. I can't wait to get back in to the salon! I mis it sooo bad. My cousin was here tonight, and we turned her hilited hair RED, it was so awesome! I used semi-permanent color, since it was her first time as red, but i'm afraid it will soon fade, because of the hilites. It made me miss the salon though..I LOVE doing make-overs. One of the things I'm thinking of doing, after my recovery, is opening my own salon, but i'm not sure yet. I live in a pretty small town, so the nearest big town is about half an hour away. Not sure I want to have one there, and have to run there everytime there may be a problem. JUST not sure yet. In the mean time, i'm getting everything ready for insurance, and HOPING to get approval soon. I want to get laproscopic RNY, and it is looking like that is the method my surgeon wants to do on me. I had my consultation with Dr. Cacucci, at St. Vincent Carmel. She seems very knowledgeable, and I feel comfortable with her. If anybody wants a pen pal, feel free to email me! Would be glad to hear from you!