Welcome to our Salon Design of the Month series, where we delve into the world of salon owners and their unique stories. At Salons Direct, we’re passionate about the nails, hair, beauty and barbering industries and the creative individuals who make them so vibrant and innovative.

Through this series, we aim to highlight the inspiring journeys of salon owners and their salon design choices. From small-town businesses to city hotspots, we’ll explore the diverse range of salons and the personalities behind them.

Get ready to be inspired by the stories of real salon owners…

This month we caught up with Kaitlyn, owner of Kaitlyn Jay Studio based in South Wales.

Tell us about how your salon business began…

I worked in a salon for four years from the age of 16, and after COVID, I made the decision it was time to leave and try going on my own. I had a lovely client that came to me with their new business venture, and they showed me a space I could rent from them, which was perfect timing and an opportunity I couldn’t say no to.

How did you decide upon the design of your salon?

 

The design of the studio is minimalist. I went for this as I work best in peaceful, non-cluttered spaces. I wanted my clients to come in and also feel this. That is why I went for neutral shades such as white, beige and a hint of black.

I love it. Also very in trend for 2023. You can never get bored of minimalism in my eye, though. The space reflects me down to a tee, which my clients love.

What are some of your favourite products and tools to use in your salon?

I am a sucker for new products/ tools. However, my ride-or-die products would have to be Builder in a bottle and an E-file. I live for a good cuticle oil also.

 

I actually invested in a beauty chair, and it’s a complete game-changer. I didn’t think furniture could make such a difference in treatment, but it honestly does! So, pick your furniture well.

How do you set yourself apart?

I think in this industry; it’s important not to look at other technicians as competitors but to look at them for support and growth. I love my work, and that’s what I would like to think makes me stand out. I have a passion for always giving my clients the best treatments, but there is always room to grow.

What do you think makes a successful salon?

Looking at my personal journey, I think to make a successful business is true passion and drive. You need to love what you do, and this will shine through. You need to promote the work you love to do. Everyone has their niche, whether that is plain nails, Russian lashes, crazy nail art, or thick brows.

If you promote what you love to do, you’ll attract the clients you want. I also love to continue brushing up on my skills and constantly keeping up with the trends. This defiantly keeps clients coming back.

 

Lastly, be yourself. Clients love to be able to relate and talk to you. You won’t just be a nail/ brow/ lash technician. You’ll be a friend, a shoulder to cry on, and a person to share all their amazing news with. You go through so many things with clients, so be yourself, and they will keep coming back. You can still set your own business boundaries and be able to be this person.

How do you keep up to date with the latest industry trends?

How I keep up with the trends in the industry is honestly social media. Social media has become one of the best tools for us technicians to stay up to date with new techniques, brands, products and tools. There are so many amazing technicians out there that you can learn from without having to spend a fortune on training.

What advice can you give to others wanting to open a salon?

I would say to anyone who is in the position where they’re thinking of opening a studio/ salon. DO IT. You will never know how it will go without just going for it. It is so daunting, but it is so worth it.

It is the best decision I ever made to leave the security of a contracted job and risk it to go on my own. You don’t need to have this perfect place, to begin with, you can slowly build up your furniture and supplies, and it will all come together. I have no other advice than the risk is worth the reward.

What can we expect from your salon business in 2023 and beyond?

My plan for 2023 and beyond is to keep growing my small business. I want to keep training and learning new skills within the nail and brow industry. To keep providing a high standard of service to my new/ old clients. As for the future, I would love to be able to grow my social media presence and potentially go into training. However, most importantly to keep enjoying my work, and the rest will hopefully follow.

Get The Look!

If you feel inspired by Kaitlyn’s salon, you too can achieve the neutral, calming vibe Kaitlyn has created with Lotus furniture available exclusively at Salons Direct.

Lotus Monroe Beauty Chair Taupe

Key Features

  • Available in cream faux leather upholstery, which has extra thick padding for optimum comfort.
  • It features an adjustable headrest, reclining back, fixed chrome footrest with chrome base and hydraulic pump. 
  • Dimensions: H: 55-75cm Back Height: 95-115cm W: 55cm D: 47cm.

 

Follow Kaitlyn on Instagram: @kaitlynjaystudio

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