Unlike many business ventures, a home-based facial business has relatively low start-up costs and can be set up fairly quickly. In order to run a successful facial business, though, you need to ensure your state license is in order and obtain all necessary health, safety and business permits required to run the business out of your home.

Get Licensed

Most states require that individuals have an active state cosmetology or esthetician license to perform skin care services like facials, so make sure yours are up to date.

Exact skincare licensing requirements vary but, in general, licenses require a few hundred course hours and may need to be renewed periodically. Visit your state Department of Consumer Affairs website for more information.

Make Your Space Customer-Centric

To make your facial business successful, you need to provide your clients a relaxing, professional and soothing environment. Evaluate the space in your home and optimize it so it meets those standards. BeautyBiz notes that some questions to ask yourself are:

  • Can you designate an entrance for your treatment room that's distinct from your home entrance?
  • Is there a separate bathroom your clients can use?
  • Do you have a separate room you can use for the facials?
  • Do you have a waiting area for clients to relax in before the treatment begins?

Get Business Permits and Licenses 

There are a handful of licenses and permits involved in operating a facial business out of your home. The U.S. Small Business Administration notes that most business owners need to obtain a general business permit from their city or county, and many localities require a special Home Occupation Permit for home-based businesses.

Warning

The Small Business Administration notes that your city or county may require that your home pass a health and safety inspection before you start seeing clients. Contact your city's business tax and licenses division for more information.

Protect against Liability

If you accidentally hurt a client or a customer injures themselves on your property, you could face a lawsuit. Hiscox recommends that estheticians purchase both professional liability insurance and general liability insurance to protect themselves financially.

Stock up with the Right Supplies

Buy the equipment you need and stock up on supplies. At a very minimum, you'll need chairs, couches, tables and towels to operate your facial business. You also may want to invest in a hot towel cabinet, gowns, a facial system and storage and carts.

You'll need supplies, like gloves, applicators, mixing dishes, jars, measuring cups, facial brushes, facial masks and eye masks to do your work. Talk to wholesalers to get the best prices on supplies.

Get the Word Out

Start marketing before your salon opens for business. Join a local chamber of commerce or beauty business association to connect with other local business owners in the area. Make flyers promoting your new salon and drop them off at businesses in the vicinity.

Create a Facebook page, a Twitter page, and an Instagram account. Start connecting with individuals and businesses through your social media outlets. You also may want to call local newspapers and media outlets and let them know that your business is about to open.