Sometimes you have a brilliant idea, but you have no idea how to go about making it a reality. If it is your dream to start an eyelash business, this is the article you need to read to get you through those ‘huh?’ moments.
The first step is to make sure you’re passionate about eyelashes and starting a business around it. This enthusiasm will get you through the moments when you doubt yourself; it will help you persist to accomplish your ultimate goal: owning your very own eyelash business.
Now to answer your most burning question: “How to start an eyelash business?”
Even with buckets full of motivation and excitement, there are many other things to consider if you want to start a successful eyelash business. Below, we share with you our top tips on how to go about starting an eyelash business.
1. Make a Plan
Every journey starts with a roadmap, and this is the first thing you need to do when you ask yourself how to start an eyelash business. You can start by scribbling down your ideas in a journal. Write down everything you’ll tell a good friend about your plans.
What will you call your business; what’s your slogan; who is your target market, etc. You should also make a list of popular beauty influencers and lash artists you can ask to review your product.
Once you have all that penned down, you can prepare an official business plan to help guide you on the way forward. You may need a professional to help you as this is the document you’ll take to banks to finance your business. It should include start-up costs and expected return on investment among other things.
2. Get Licensed
Many people believe starting an eyelash business is as easy as buying stock and selling it, and if they want, offering lash services on the side.
Although that is one way to do it, if you want to function as a legitimate business, you need to be licensed. For example, if you plan on applying eyelashes, you may need a cosmetology or aesthetician licence to do so legally.
Rules and regulations also differ from state to state, so you really have to do your research if you want to do things legally.
3. Know Your Stuff
You want to quickly establish yourself as the go-to eyelash salon in your area. One way to do this is to know everything there is to know about eyelashes. You need to know all there is to know about the products you’re selling. On top of that, you have to know how to care for the eyelashes you sell and apply and how to make them last longer.
If you’re only selling eyelashes and not offering lash application services, it is still recommended that you know the latest eyelash tech, available supplies, and various aspects of applying eyelashes.
So, if you don’t know all this information, it’s time to sharpen your eyelash knowledge. You can pick the brains of established eyelash technicians to make sure you’re getting the best advice. Having some knowledge about the beauty industry, in general, will also count in your favour.
Similarly, anyone who you employ should be just as knowledgeable.
4. The Nitty Gritty
Although everything we mentioned thus far is super important, there are some minor details that aren’t that minor you need to consider.
Choose the Right Vendor
This step is going to require a lot of research. There are so many vendors out there, it can quickly become confusing, and you may end up buying a product that will do everything but impress your clients.
Do a quick search for “wholesale lashes” and see what hits you get. From there you should research the companies and read reviews on not only their products but their business ethic before you make your final decision. Compare prices but keep in mind expensive does not necessarily mean good quality.
You can also go the local route and look around for businesses close to you that sell eyelashes wholesale. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that if you put your name on a sub-par product, you’re going to get a bad reputation and that is not going to do your business any good.
Contact a few vendors and ask them for samples. This will make it easier for you to make an informed decision before you buy eyelashes in bulk. Long-lasting eyelashes are what you should aim for—usually you should get 20-25 wears out of them if cared for properly.
Design Your Logo
Once you’ve picked out your lashes, you should package them in a way that stands out against your competition. One way to do this is by creating a memorable logo. There are many applications you can use to help you create an impressive logo if you don’t know how to use Photoshop or similar design software. Of course, hiring a professional is also an option.
Whether your logo is DIY or not, design something that reflects the personality of your business. There are so many eyelash businesses out there, individuality is going to take you places.
Set the Right Price
If you’re unsure how to price your eyelashes, have a look at the competition around you. Do research on what other eyelash artists or beauty salons ask for their lashes and keep your prices in the same range.
You want to set a competitive price; if you’re too cheap, clients may think you sell bad quality products, and they may end up buying somewhere else. On the flip side, if you ask too much, not many people will be able to afford it and your client base will shrink.
If you do charge more than your competition, you’ll have to include the reason in your marketing plan. Potential clients will want to know what makes your eyelashes better than cheaper versions.
5. Build a Striking Website
Write this down and add four or five exclamation marks next to it! We cannot stress the importance of creating a great website for your eyelash business enough. A website is a digital business card; it is potential clients’ first impression and interaction with your business. So, this is not an area you want to skimp on.
WordPress is a well-known option to create your own website. They offer website templates that look professionally designed and that can be altered to match your business colors, etc.
If you plan on providing eyelash application services, you may want to add an online booking form. Webba Booking is a WordPress plugin that will streamline your booking process. There’s a free lite version if you want to try it out first, or you can jump right in and add all the different features to make sure you know how busy your day is going to be! Webba Booking also offers email and SMS appointment reminders that will make sure your clients show up when they’re meant to.
6. Advertise, Advertise, Advertise!
If no one knows about your eyelash business, how can you expect them to buy from you or sit in the chair so that you can apply lashes? Just before you launch your business, you should start focusing on getting the word out. There are a few different methods you can use, but when it comes to advertising, we believe more is more.
Set a Date
Known as a “drop date,” stir up some excitement by announcing your opening date in advance. You can head to social media, place a countdown timer on your website, or leave fliers at local businesses to let the world know when they can start shopping.
A drop date is especially great if you plan on selling your products online. If done right, you’ll have customers queuing and ready to check out their products as soon as your website goes live. Secure online payments is another feature of Webba Booking, so don’t forget to check that out!
Get People Talking
Word-of-mouth is so underrated when it is actually one of the best marketing methods out there. When you’re first starting, you’ll be mostly limited to those you know; friends and family will be your foot soldiers. You can also attend networking events and give out your business cards there that potential customers may pass along to others.
Of course, once you’re more established, your clients will do all the work for you. There’s no better marketing tool than having people vouch for your product and services.
Get a Beauty Influencer or Two On Board
The world of influencers is an interesting one. They have much more clout with their viewers than many of us think. If they have a big following, getting them to use your product on their channel is a sure fire way to boost sales.
At first, big-name influencers may not want to partner with a start-up brand, but if you do your research, you’ll find that there are popular beauty influencers who focus on indie and new brands. Target them and you may get lucky. Do keep in mind that the more popular the influencer, the higher the likelihood that they may want monetary compensation to try out your eyelashes or give your salon a shoutout. If you have a marketing budget, go for it! If not, then partner with smaller influencers who still have a big-ish following.
Beauty influencers who are just starting out see the free products they get as payment. As long as they like it, you’ll get your name out there.
Unsure where to find beauty influencers? Head to Youtube, Instagram, and TikTok and you’ll spot one in no time; they’re popular.
Of course, it goes without saying that social media is another marketing avenue you have to explore. Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are the top platforms you can use to advertise your eyelash business.
You now know how to start an eyelash business. It’s up to you to apply everything you’ve read to make it a success!
How to Start Receiving Bookings With Secure Payments Online
Webba Booking is not only an appointment booking and scheduling plugin for your WordPress site, but it also offers secure online payments by integrating with Paypal, Stripe, and Woocommerce.
If you’re planning on taking online bookings for eyelash applications, you may want to consider activating Webba Booking’s online payment feature. It automatically updates appointment statuses once payment is made, gives you the option to delete appointments that weren’t paid on time, and you can even customise prices based on early booking, specific dates, days of the week, or time.
