14 Comments Now that you have found your perfect location, let’s jump into what you need to know before you can get the doors to your new business open! This is not all the sexy stuff, but the mundane, important planning you need to do to succeed.
Do you know how much space you will need for your new eyelash extensions business? There are specific guidelines to help you make the most of your space. Each workspace requires a certain amount of square footage, lighting, plumbing, and electrical fixtures. There is also the flow of the space to consider. We want you to utilize every square inch in the most efficient way possible. We want you to get the best information you can get, to help you get a return on your investment. After all, we salon professionals love what we do, but we also want a financial reward for our hard work too. And, don't we deserve that? In this post, we are going to look at lighting and plumbing your workspace.
Consider how important lighting can be if your space doesn't have a lot of natural light. If you are going to be providing private rooms your lighting needs will be different than an open concept space. An open space is more cost effective for the owner. You do not have to build out walls, doors, and additional lighting. In an open concept, you have to decide how you will lay out your workstations. You can use natural lighting in your business if you have a storefront with windows. Natural light is less harsh and creates the soft vibe most common in a waiting area. If you are lucky enough to have additional natural light from windows, that's great! A little natural daylight is always welcome.
In addition, your workstations will need several different light sources and levels of brightness. If you are lashing, you will need overhead lighting and a lamp directly over your table or chair. Most retail spaces will have overhead fluorescent lighting that is standard with what the landlord provides. These fluorescent fixtures are fine for the basic lighting needs in your overall space, but you'll want, and need, additional lighting. Some businesses choose to deck out their reception area with elaborate lighting, like chandeliers or sconces. I have seen hallways and treatment rooms also with beautiful lighting. Where you go with additional lighting will depend on your style and budget.
Theses are add-ons that most retail space does not provide. Keep that in mind while you are in the planning stages. In an open concept there will be lamps at each workstation. Take care, in planning, that there aren't loose cords for anyone to trip on, and that everything is secured.
Getting the Plumbing Right
Are you going to provide sinks for each workspace? Some businesses provide a sink at each workstation. If you are in an open concept environment you may not need to provide a separate sink for each station. It can be a shared sink. If you have treatment rooms than this is a separate issue. Depending on the services being provided you may not need to plumb every treatment room. For those rooms that are being used for lashes or brows, you don't necessarily need a wet station. Massage is another room that doesn't need a wet station either. Your facial rooms will need water, as well as permanent makeup or microblading rooms.
Save Time and Money with Quality Vendors
You want to get the most "bang for your buck" when it comes to the utilization of your space. Use the planning tools your vendors can provide. They have dimensions on their equipment - they can help plan where your wet areas should be placed, to provide the best flow and utilization for maximum efficiency. And, they can provide cost saving solutions.
Maryann has an accomplished, 30+ year background in the beauty industry. As a cosmetologist she opened her first salon in ’83. She has specialized as an educator since 2006. Maryann knows what it takes to create successful salon businesses and is here to share her experience with you.
What size (space) is needed for a lash space when completing drawings or an open space from scratch? 10×8?
Hi Margaret,
I’m sorry, I just don’t have an answer for you. It is different in every state on the requirements. I know that the rules can be very different for both services, I wish I could help you. Maybe contact an attorney who handles the tattooing industry. You may get a better answer there.
-Maryann M.
Can Microblading and lash extensions be done in the same room. I’m having a hard time finding the answer to this. TDLR refers me to the Health dept and health dept refers me back to TDLR. Neither one can tell me the answer because lashes are regulated by TDLR and Microblading by the health dept. I’m trying to find a suite for my business but not sure how to set it up.
I have been in the beauty industry for over 20 years . Ive loved every angle there is to learning and teaching new techniques. Ive been a Cosmotology Educator in San Deigo Ca ; also in Albany Ny. I would like to get information to open a lash training school in the north county area of San deigo ca. I would really appreciate all information from starting to opening school for lashes and move into other techniques microbladding and all upcoming hot new trends..thank you
Hi Jennifer,
You have an ambitious agenda! Good for you.
My first suggestion is to contact the State Board in California for the requirements on opening a school or Training Facility. The requirements will be different depending on where you want to take your school.
You will have to fill out the required paperwork and submit a syllabus for any training you plan to do.
Start there. If we can help you in the future please reach out! Most of all Good Luck!
-Maryann
Great information, as I am currently looking to expand and open a lash studio!
Hi Tamara,
I‚Äôm getting back to you on behalf of Maryann. To figure out how much space you need for your eyelash room take into consideration the equipment you want to keep in the room and then you should measure the size of your equipment such as your eyelash bed, chair, work station, trolley, storage and display cabinet, small chair or table for your client‚Äôs purse/jacket. Leave yourself extra space in case down the line you might want to add extra equipment 10×8 might be enough, but it seems a little small and you don‚Äôt want to be cramped for space.
Good Luck on your endeavor!
Hi Margaret,
I’m sorry, I just don’t have an answer for you. It is different in every state on the requirements. I know that the rules can be very different for both services, I wish I could help you. Maybe contact an attorney who handles the tattooing industry. You may get a better answer there.
-Maryann M.
What size (space) is needed for a lash space when completing drawings or an open space from scratch? 10×8?
Can Microblading and lash extensions be done in the same room. I’m having a hard time finding the answer to this. TDLR refers me to the Health dept and health dept refers me back to TDLR. Neither one can tell me the answer because lashes are regulated by TDLR and Microblading by the health dept. I’m trying to find a suite for my business but not sure how to set it up.
Hi Jennifer,
You have an ambitious agenda! Good for you.
My first suggestion is to contact the State Board in California for the requirements on opening a school or Training Facility. The requirements will be different depending on where you want to take your school.
You will have to fill out the required paperwork and submit a syllabus for any training you plan to do.
Start there. If we can help you in the future please reach out! Most of all Good Luck!
-Maryann
I have been in the beauty industry for over 20 years . Ive loved every angle there is to learning and teaching new techniques. Ive been a Cosmotology Educator in San Deigo Ca ; also in Albany Ny. I would like to get information to open a lash training school in the north county area of San deigo ca. I would really appreciate all information from starting to opening school for lashes and move into other techniques microbladding and all upcoming hot new trends..thank you
Great information, as I am currently looking to expand and open a lash studio!
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Esther Bolkin
March 16, 2020
Hi Tamara,
I‚Äôm getting back to you on behalf of Maryann. To figure out how much space you need for your eyelash room take into consideration the equipment you want to keep in the room and then you should measure the size of your equipment such as your eyelash bed, chair, work station, trolley, storage and display cabinet, small chair or table for your client‚Äôs purse/jacket. Leave yourself extra space in case down the line you might want to add extra equipment 10×8 might be enough, but it seems a little small and you don‚Äôt want to be cramped for space.
Good Luck on your endeavor!