Boy whatta day!  Today I went prospecting for salons I would be interested in working in.  The majority on my list is in the "hood" and they all seemed to be hudled in one particular area.  I'm talking at least six salons in a 3 block distance.  Two of them are holes in the wall, (2 stations, 1 shampoo bowl) and although the decor was warm and inviting I don't care to work in a spot the size of my bathroom....moving on......The other spots I checked out were closed.  Two included was in nicer area than those bunched up together.  The problem is I've come to the realization that there is no money to be made where I live.  I've been in the game for 15 years.  Licensed wise four years and I'm in the process of reinstating my license.  I have a temp. permit., now I know why I was discouraged the first time around and just let  the licence go so to speak. 

My area is comprised of working class people (income is $25,000 to $50,000 a year)  and I know that most can't afford to get their hair done.  I'm thinking of buying a large space (2700sqft) to open a salon/spa, but I want to target an upscale clientele.  I'm afraid I won't make the revenue I'd like.   I need suggestions.  These are the things I'd like to accomplish when I get my license:

1.  I'd like to be a product educator-How do I break in?  I'm looking at L'Oreal industries.  I know that they have offices in Cranford, S.Brunswick and other various places in New Jersey

2. I'm thinking of starting an editorial/publication about the salon industry that focuses on the urban salons and communities.

3.Finally own/operate an upscale salon/spa chain....and also have my own skin and hair care product line.

3 and a half---My side gig is to be a strategic salon planner. Its like PR for salons.

I've done the behind the chair skematics, I want to elevate. Take my license futher and beyond.  Use its full potential. 

But as far as the salons in my area its a sad situation.  IMO, they will only make a profit on the 1st of the month and events-----proms, Easter, Mother's Day, graduation.  I want my salon to be "jumping" every day---well I will suspect that Tuesdays will be the slowest day, but hey with the proper advertisement Tuesdays can rock too.  Oh well, thats my dilemma for the day.

I guess I have to travel outside the "hood" to make good money. Thank God for reliable transportation and mapquest!!

@Color4U:  Thanx for the encouragement.  I was in the same situation when I first got my license. Kept bouncing around salons until I found one that was willing to work with a novice straight out of cosmetology school.  Then I went to work in JC Penney Salon and I learned so much.  Got my skills up and I was hungry to learn more. Still am, but the wheels are in motion and I'm doing a lot of research to get my plans off the ground and flying.  Funny, I was 22 when I started working for JC Penney Salon.

I wish you all the best as well and maybe we'll cross paths on our way to the top.

I read your issue for discussion, and in todays market, if you are in an area where the demographics show incomes of 25-55 thousand dollars; you are going to make money. Less than 25 thousand and then you could have a problem. Everone wood like to have an exclusive millionare clientelle. If that's what you want, then go for it. What you will need to do is get a job in a salon in that wealthy area and build your clientelle. One thing you must realize is that you will have to relate to this type of clientelle. A formal college education will usually be a good start. If you do not have one, then being up on current affairs globally.  Being well travelled will help. Having a dynamic personallity and being artistically talented in all fields will make up for the education. Sounds like work doesn't it? Wouldn't you rather just be yourself?

My best friend owns a salon in the guetto. He is Italian and has an African-American clientelle and he racks in the money. Those chemical services are expensive. Perms, relaxers, colors and then weaves. Weekly doo's! Those girls drop some big bucks...more than most high-end salons.

My friend Lisa opened up a salon in a low rent district. She made that space look HOT! She hired some really funky stylists that all had dynamic personalities. They have one of the most successful businesses in the city and they are in the guetto. Her parking lot is always filled with BMW's, Mercedes and Porches. The wealthy ones found them because they work is the best.

So it doesn't always matter where you are, but who you are. Don't worry, you'll figuer it out.

Chas Inzinna

Author: Hair Color Formula Encyclopedia

President: SalonTechnologies, Inc.

Inventor: PSA Personal Salon Assistant

www.salontechnologies.com

@Chas Inzinna:

Some points you've made were very interesting and all-assuming.  For one I'm very well educated. Having been to college and majored in business administration and minored in office systems technolgy leaving with a 3.86 GPA.  So I got that down and let's see what else...Oh, I've been to Europe--twice.  Once in London to see Michael Jackson in concert and to Spain both trips were with my best friend.

Yes I possess a beautiful personality without succumbing to being phony and as far as being artistically talented outside of creating hot styles my hobbies are interior decorating, I can crochet almost anything, floral arrangements and sewing.  I'm covered there and I love to read.

Does it sound like hard work?  Maybe to someone who is just starting out in life.  Wouldn't I rather be myself?  Sure I would!!! There is nothing wrong with me. I love being me.  I've experienced different things in life and having a loving mother who always has my back no matter what helps too.  My upbringing has also made me the phenomonal woman I am today. So yeah I know who I am.  Flaws and all.

I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt because I know you don't mean to come off to be condescending, however I'm smart enough to know the difference.  Here's a great business tip:  Always ask questions first before you assume anything.

I am very experienced and professional in what I do and in what I say and yet I am still learning, for this profession is ever changing and I want to stay on top of whats current. 

And as far as I've been and still going I am already successful!!

I'm only striving to be better and eventually the best!!!