Charlotte Parker, Get Gelled – Business Plan Tips

We asked Cuccio Influencer, Charlotte Parker of Get Gelled Nail Salon in Northampton to offer a few pointers on how to write a business plan for the salon and here’s what she told us: 

“I set up my business at the end of 2019 and shortly after we have a global pandemic which so far has lasted almost 2 years! What a great start, like most of you I am sure many scary thoughts ran through your head, however most of us made it by nook or by crook we did it, so hats off to us all, as we are all aware the beauty industry got hit badly, thank goodness Caroline Nokes had our backs. 

My business plans and ideas are always in my head as I am a busy mum of 3 young kiddies and I always use the excuse ‘ I never have the time’ that saying ‘I never have the time’ I have told myself is just an excuse, no matter how busy we are we can always find the time and this new mindset has enable me to achieve more goals already this year.  I am going to break down my thoughts into a few bullet points which I hope you all find useful: 

• What are you wanting to achieve by the end of the year, what would good look like? What would great look like? And why.  

So, let us start at the very beginning, it’s a great place to start, get all of those thoughts onto paper, some may use a brainstorm format, others may use a mood board either way having the visual is a motivator. So, what would you like to achieve it may be gaining new clients, increasing your intake each week, learning new skills etc, how can this be achieved? For me it is the golden weekly power hour 

 Have a power hour every week (this is so important make sure you schedule it in and lock yourself away remove any unwanted distractions and simply focus on your business) use that time to look at fellow nail techs work, research your local area and write down weekly goals,  

• Confidence and stepping out of your comfort zone. 

Being a nail tech, you must have an element of confidence as we are meeting new clients on a regular basis, giving advice and sharing your knowledge to your clients is one, good practice and also educational. For me this year I have set myself challenges to try and reach by the end of the year, I have stepped into the word of ‘reels’ on Instagram this for me is really out of my comfort zone however sharing my knowledge through reels is a wonderful thing, for starters is all very visual and interactive and can potentially gain you new followers, so doing something you’re not comfortable with in time can be turned into something amazing. 

• What is your ideal client, how to find them, what would they look like and how to keep them? 

My ideal client is someone that visits me on a regular basis and enjoys their time when they come, for them to feel comfortable and know what to expect when then see me. Someone that will purchase some of my retail stock and refer their friends and family to me. My business google is a great way to gain new clients, it’s very easy to set up and manage, local Facebook pages are also a great way to post your business page with new offers etc. Joining local groups in relation is not only good support but also a great way to gain new clients. On occasion I will do a giveaway usually a free gel manicure for them to be in with a chance they have to like, follow and share my page again a really good way to get yourself out there.  I offer a few schemes which include a loyalty card with discount on their sixth visit, refer a friend and receive some discount and also monthly offers.  

In summary – You know YOU best and know your own strengths and weaknesses, turn those weaknesses into own goals to improve your business, know your worth and set strict boundaries for your business, charge what you feel is right don’t feel you have to set a low price for a manicure, do a cost sheet this has helped me when setting my prices, step out of your comfort and have fun whilst doing it. I hope you have enjoyed reading this and, I hope you can take away a little advice,  

Thanks again . . ..  .. Charlotte” x 

If you would like to contribute to any future blog pieces, please get in touch with Jane via email – djdickinson@cuccio.co.uk