Setting up a new business is incredibly rewarding, and a somewhat daunting, challenge within any industry. However, the challenges are even greater within the Health and Beauty industry, as competition is so high with so many different businesses, both large and independent, on the market. Of course, your business is more likely to prosper if you are skilled in your industry and understand how to build rapport with clients. However, there is a lot more to building your business than having the necessary qualifications; there are also many other technical aspects to consider, including where to set up your base of operations, protecting your business and building a client base.

Selecting a work environment

Setting up your own business in this industry means that you can choose from a multitude of options for your working environment, allowing you to select the most suitable option depending on your individual needs. If you have a family to support, you may find it easier to work from home. In that case, it would be advisable to think about creating a suitable space within your house that is easily accessible for clients, and that can withstand the different requirements for your business. Alternatively, you might prefer to set up your own shop, rent a room within a pre-existing establishment, or work on a mobile basis, visiting client’s homes.

Protecting your clients and your business

With a business where you have access to personal information, or where you are working hands-on with clients, it is vital that you have measures in place to protect both yourself and your clients; this is especially important if you are working within a cosmetic capacity. For one thing, you should have strict privacy policy and clear health and safety practices in place, so that your clients know that both their wellbeing and their private information is protected.

You will also reassure your customers by displaying a public liability insurance certificate in your place of practice or making it clear on your website that you have comprehensive insurance coverage. Public liability insurance will protect you financially in case of injury, damaged property or any other form of accident or damage directly resulting from your business practices. Therefore, though it isn’t required by law, public liability insurance is absolutely something you should consider investing in.

Appealing to your target market

Whether your practice cosmetics or complementary therapies, when it comes to setting up a business in the health and beauty industry, it can be difficult to begin building up a client base, especially one which is large enough to sustain your income. Over time, you should eventually come to a place in your career where your reputation begins to bring in business of its own accord. However, before you can reach that point, you need to consider the best ways to target the specific demographic you are interested in attracting. For example, if you are looking to practice complementary therapies on people aged sixty plus, then local advertising in newspapers and through leaflets may work well; whereas if you are looking to target the forty and under market, you would be more likely to succeed through digital advertising.