Starting with nothing: How I built my nail and beauty career from scratch

When I first started in the nail and beauty industry, I had nothing—not a salon, not a dedicated space, not even a clear idea of where to begin. I had just completed my manicure and pedicure training, but without a physical studio, I felt stuck. Could I really make this work from home? Would clients take me seriously if I didn’t have a fancy setup?

The answer? Yes. And if you’re in a similar situation, you absolutely can too.

My journey: From kitchen table to thriving business

Before I ever had a salon space, I worked at my kitchen table. It wasn’t glamorous, but it allowed me to start. I focused on building my skills, gaining confidence, and getting my first few clients. I cleared a space in the spare bedroom, set up a desk, and moved into a dedicated, well, corner.

Then my little girl arrived, and once again, I found myself back at the kitchen table, juggling nappies, feedings, and appointments. I saved every penny I could and eventually bought my first garden cabin. It was tiny, but it gave me a dedicated space to work and helped me establish a more professional feel and a better work-life balance.

I made it work by being flexible. My weird availability around a new baby and a husband working away from home actually worked in my favour. I booked clients in the evenings when my little girl was asleep, keeping the baby monitor on the kitchen table so I could hear her. I worked late to accommodate clients who needed out-of-hours appointments, and in doing so, I built my experience, my reputation, and my income.

If you’re starting with nothing, here’s how to make it work

If you’re feeling like I did—wondering how to start when you don’t have a salon or the ‘perfect’ setup—know that you can start small and still build something incredible. Here are some ideas:

1. Work from home creatively

Not having a dedicated salon space doesn’t mean you can’t work from home. If you don’t have a spare room to convert, consider:

• Setting up a folding table in the lounge and putting it away between clients.

• Using the kitchen table, like I did, and ensuring it’s clean and professional for each appointment.

• Creating a temporary setup in a quiet corner with good lighting to make it feel more professional.

  
  

2. Offer mobile services

If working from home isn’t an option, take your services to your clients. Mobile appointments can be a great way to build a business without the overhead costs of renting or setting up a space. Plus, they’re ideal for clients who struggle to get out, such as busy parents or elderly customers.

3. Approach care homes or community centres

Many care homes welcome beauty and nail services for their residents. This can be a fantastic way to gain experience, build confidence, and create a loyal client base.

4. Work around your schedule

If you have children, fit your work around their routine:

• Work during school hours or after bedtime.

• Offer evening appointments for clients who work during the day.

• Use weekends to take on clients when childcare may be easier to arrange.

• If you work full time in another job, start with a couple of hours in the evening or at the weekend to build your experience without sacrificing all your downtime. It's not worth burning out!

  
  

5. Save and scale up

Even if you start small, saving a portion of your earnings can help you invest in better equipment or a dedicated space over time. My garden cabin started as a tiny investment, but it was a stepping stone to something much bigger.

Just get stuck in

You don’t need a fully equipped salon to start your nail and beauty career. What you need is determination, flexibility, and a willingness to make it work with what you have. Whether it’s a kitchen table, a mobile setup, or a care home, there is a way forward.

If you’re ready to start, don’t wait for the perfect circumstances—start with what you have, and grow from there. And the Nail Your Career community is behind you every step of the way!