23 Business Ideas For Salonists [2024]
Interested in starting a business as a salonist in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a salonist could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Salonists?
We put together 23 of some of the best salonist business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other salonist businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a hair care business ($139K/month)
As a Salonist, starting a hair care business could be a natural extension of your expertise and passion for hair health and styling. You have firsthand knowledge of the kinds of products your clients need and use daily, allowing you to create shampoos, conditioners, serums, and treatments tailored to their specific hair types and needs.
You could begin by learning the basics of product formulation and sourcing high-quality ingredients, leveraging your understanding of what makes an effective hair care product. By building a unique brand that resonates with your clients and broader consumers, you have the potential to carve out a niche in the competitive beauty market.
With a dedication to research and development, along with a solid business plan and effective marketing strategies, you could transform your salon experience into a thriving hair care product line. This venture not only supplements your income but also allows you to make a significant impact in the beauty industry.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $550,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study follows the founder of Urban Betty, who started her salon business with only one contractor, and now has two locations with over 50 employees, growing from 1.5 million to 3.4 million in revenue from 2014-2018, and investing around 2% of its gross income every year in Yelp, Google, and Facebook Ads.
2. Start a skin care product line ($110K/month)
Starting a skincare product line could be a lucrative way to supplement your income as a salonist. The skincare industry is a multi-billion dollar market with an annual growth rate of 4.6%, and it's poised for steady expansion through 2030. Given your expertise in beauty and skincare, developing a line of products that cater to your clients' needs would leverage your existing knowledge and customer base.
You could focus on creating anti-aging products, which are currently flooding the market, or any other skincare solutions that align with your clients' demands. Your professional insight into what works and what doesn’t could set your products apart in the competitive landscape. Ensuring that your products are both safe and efficacious will not only drive sales but also build trust and loyalty among your clientele.
How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Two moms start a side hustle selling all-natural body products, doubling sales since their launch in 2017 with over 75 craft shows, promoting a non-profit source for their shea butter and self-promotion through podcasts, lining up retail interest from exposure.
3. Start a CBD business ($84.9K/month)
Starting a CBD business could be an excellent way to supplement your income as a Salonist. With the rising popularity of CBD and its benefits, including the treatment of chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety, incorporating CBD products into your salon’s offerings could appeal to health-conscious clients. You might offer CBD-infused beauty treatments or sell CBD oils and topical products directly to your customers.
Aside from in-salon sales, you could consider becoming a CBD distributor or even running an online store featuring a curated selection of CBD beauty products. The demand for CBD is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, providing a lucrative opportunity in an expanding market. By tapping into this trend, you could enhance your salon’s service offerings while establishing a profitable side business or even transitioning to a new entrepreneurial path.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.
4. Start a massage parlour business ($89.1K/month)
As a salonist, diversifying your services by starting a massage parlor could be an excellent way to supplement your income and tap into a broader market. Offering massage services such as Swedish, deep tissue, or specialized treatments like hot stone massages could attract a new clientele while providing a complementary service for your existing customers. This synergy can lead to increased client satisfaction and potentially more revenue.
Setting up a massage parlor involves obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, securing a convenient location, and investing in quality equipment and supplies. As someone already well-versed in the beauty and wellness industry, you’re likely familiar with many of the foundational elements required. Your existing customer base can serve as a strong starting point for word-of-mouth referrals and cross-promotional opportunities, helping you attract clients from day one.
By promoting your massage parlor through social media, local advertising, and leveraging your current salon network, you could establish a strong and profitable side business. With your expertise and commitment to customer care, creating a relaxing and rejuvenating environment for your clientele will be both achievable and rewarding.
How much you can make: $11,300 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)
Founder of a high-end escort service in The Netherlands discusses the ups and downs of running a controversial business, with revenue reaching multi-million dollars annually and a focus on creating a professional and intimate experience for clients.
5. Start a supplements company ($392K/month)
As a salonist, you could leverage your expertise in health and beauty by starting a supplements company to supplement your income. Your deep understanding of clients’ wellness needs positions you perfectly to recommend and sell dietary supplements, vitamins, and protein powders. By introducing these products, you could cater to health-conscious individuals, fitness enthusiasts, and those who prioritize daily nutrition, tapping into a growing market.
Moreover, running a supplement business from your home is relatively inexpensive and flexible, making it an ideal side business while continuing your salon work. You could sell these products directly to your clients, establishing a trusted relationship, or expand your reach through distributors and online retailers. Embracing this entrepreneurial venture not only diversifies your income stream but also enhances the holistic services you offer to your clientele.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
A military officer turned entrepreneur built sports nutrition brand Bare Performance Nutrition from $15,000 in year one to on track to generate $6m in revenue this year, leveraging social media platforms and creating interactive, relatable and valuable content to create a community and a brand voice.
6. Start a jewelry making business ($248K/month)
Starting a jewelry making business could be a perfect fit for you as a Salonist looking to supplement your income or dive into a new entrepreneurial venture. The global jewelry market, valued at $278B in 2018 and expected to reach $292B by 2025, presents a substantial opportunity for new entrants like yourself. By tapping into this timeless industry, you could leverage your keen eye for aesthetics and trends to create unique pieces that resonate with your salon clients.
In addition, your existing client base offers an excellent marketing channel for your jewelry creations. Displaying your handcrafted pieces in your salon could attract potential buyers, allowing you to cross-sell to your already loyal customers. If you have the skills or the passion to learn jewelry making, this could be a lucrative side business or even an entirely new career path.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
A primary school teacher found his passion for jewelry-making, turning it into a successful business generating $2500-3000 per month through sales at the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market, online, and through stockists, with plans to expand and eventually make it his full-time profession.
7. Start a niche accessories brand ($196K/month)
Starting a niche accessories brand could be a lucrative opportunity for a salonist looking to supplement their income or even transition into a full-fledged business. With your existing network of clients and expertise in fashion and beauty trends, you could easily identify and create custom accessories that resonate with your target market. This could include items such as jewelry, handbags, and small leather goods, which are already seeing strong growth and high profit margins.
Selling your niche accessories through platforms like Etsy, Amazon, Facebook, and eBay can expand your reach far beyond your local client base. Given that the custom accessories market is projected to be nearly $473.46 billion by 2026, you have a significant opportunity to tap into a thriving industry. By leveraging your connections and industry knowledge, you could quickly establish a successful side business that complements your salon work.
How much you can make: $200 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Two friends started an online book club that now has 570 members and generates £10,500 MRR, by addressing the problem of 'Tsundoku,' charging a monthly subscription fee for one non-fiction book, one inspiring meetup, and one custom cocktail, inspiring conversation and community.
8. Start a leather business ($59.3K/month)
As a salonist, you could channel your creative skills and eye for style into a leather business, crafting timeless products like wallets, bags, and belts. Your existing client base provides a ready market for high-quality, stylish leather goods, allowing you to supplement your income seamlessly.
Sourcing premium hides and mastering leathercrafting techniques could offer a rewarding break from your daily routine. By setting up an online store and leveraging social media similar to how you might market your salon services, you could reach a broader audience and build a brand known for both beauty and durability.
Building a leather business requires patience and precision, much like perfecting hairstyling or cosmetology techniques. Ultimately, the satisfaction of creating cherished, stylish items, coupled with the potential for lucrative returns, makes it a compelling entrepreneurial endeavor for any salonist.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Jacques Flynn founded the leather goods company, JAQET, with $500, producing meticulously handcrafted wallets and card holders which are now sold in boutiques globally, with Shopify as the platform.
9. Start a weighted blankets brand ($239K/month)
As a Salonist, you already specialize in helping people feel relaxed and pampered, so venturing into the weighted blanket market could be a natural extension of your skills. Weighted blankets are known for their therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and providing comfort, which perfectly aligns with your mission of fostering well-being. By creating and marketing a weighted blanket brand, you could offer an additional product that complements your existing salon services.
Moreover, you could use your salon to showcase these weighted blankets, allowing your clients to experience their benefits firsthand. This would not only supplement your income but also enhance your customers' overall experience, potentially increasing client satisfaction and loyalty. By incorporating your understanding of relaxation and comfort into the design and marketing of your weighted blankets, you could successfully differentiate your brand in a growing market.
How much you can make: $50,000 — $416,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Baloo Living, a Bali-based wellness company founded in 2018, saw incredible success in its first year, reaching six and seven-figure sales figures within just three and 12 months respectively by offering a high-quality, thoughtfully-designed weighted blanket.
10. Start a sunglasses business ($74.7K/month)
Do you love stylish accessories? As a salonist, starting a sunglasses business could be a perfect venture to supplement your income. By sourcing high-quality shades, creating a unique brand, and selling directly to your clients, you’re tapping into an industry where aesthetics and style are paramount—areas you already excel in.
You could select trendy designs, collaborate with manufacturers, and set up an online store to provide customers with more than just a haircut—they’ll leave your salon looking polished from head to toe. Marketing through social media and influencer partnerships can help you gain traction and build a loyal customer base.
This opportunity blends creativity with practical management and offers the thrill of building a brand people love. If you’ve got an eye for fashion and an entrepreneurial spirit, sunglasses could be your ticket to a rewarding new side business.
How much you can make: $14,000 — $190,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Woodies, a wood sunglasses brand founded by Cory Stout, reached over $3.5M in revenue in 2018, despite starting with only $15K from a failed business and has succeeded through Amazon sales, spending $50K monthly on PPC and keeping ACOS at 30%.
11. Start a whey protein ice cream company
As a salonist, you could easily tap into the booming whey protein ice cream market to supplement your income or launch a new side business. Given your existing clientele who are likely conscious about health and beauty, introducing a high-protein, health-conscious ice cream could be a natural extension of your services. It provides an enjoyable product that aligns with your clients’ interests in wellness and self-care.
Moreover, whey protein ice cream is gaining popularity among various demographics including students and working professionals, offering you a broad potential customer base. By leveraging your professional network and rapport with clients, you could market this product effectively and generate additional revenue. This venture can start small alongside your salon business and expand as demand grows, making it a scalable entrepreneurial opportunity.
12. Start a beauty business ($154K/month)
As a Salonist, leveraging your expertise in the beauty industry to start a side business or entirely new venture could be an excellent way to supplement your income. Given the projected growth of the beauty industry, valued at $511B in 2021 and expected to exceed $716B by 2025, the timing has never been better to capitalize on this booming market.
You could explore a wide range of profitable niches such as makeup, skincare, and hair products. With your professional background and industry insight, you would be well-positioned to identify trends and meet the evolving demands of beauty consumers. Entering the beauty business could provide you with significant financial rewards while allowing you to expand your skill set and entrepreneurial horizons.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $658,333/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Private Label Extensions is a hair distribution and technology company that builds hair brands from A to Z for entrepreneurs, achieving over $650,000 in monthly sales and ranked #278 of the fastest-growing companies by Inc Magazine for 2018.
13. Start an online gift shop business ($122K/month)
Starting an online gift shop would make sense as a Salonist because it allows you to leverage your existing client network and relationships. You could easily promote curated, unique gifts that align with your clients’ tastes and preferences, such as artisanal candles or personalized keepsakes, right from the comfort of your home.
With the flexibility of an online gift shop, you can source products from local makers or global suppliers, creating a diverse inventory without the hassle of managing a physical store. Utilizing social media platforms and email marketing, you can effectively drive traffic to your store while continuing to focus on your salon clients.
If you enjoy curating thoughtful and unique products, and love helping others celebrate special moments, an online gift shop could be an ideal side venture or even a full-time business.
How much you can make: $550 — $800,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Meet Tyler Macke, the 21-year-old founder of SendAFriend, an e-commerce brand that sells stuffed animal care packages, which began with $50k in revenue in 2019 and is now on track to make $5M in revenue this year, while donating 10% of revenue to children's hospitals throughout the United States.
14. Start an ice cream product ($208K/month)
As a salonist, you could explore the entrepreneurial opportunity of starting an ice cream product line. This side business allows you to create unique and delicious homemade ice cream flavors with simple ingredients, giving you the chance to connect with your clients on a whole new level by offering them a sweet treat during their salon visits or for special occasions.
You could sell your ice cream products online or at local markets, leveraging the growing interest in artisanal and personalized treats. With minimal hassle and a straightforward production process, diving into the ice cream business could be a fun and profitable way to supplement your income while indulging in a creative culinary passion.
How much you can make: $16,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)
The Good Scoop, a California-based artisanal ice cream shop, started with a small Italian countertop ice cream maker and now has a production facility, wholesaling to various venues, offering frequent scooper programs, and using Instagram as their primary advertising platform.
15. Start a dessert boxes store ($171K/month)
As a salonist, venturing into the dessert boxes business could provide a delightful complement to your existing profession. Gifting is a significant part of our culture and creating beautifully curated dessert boxes can tap into this market, especially around holidays and special occasions. Your client base already trusts you, and introducing them to your dessert boxes could be an easy and profitable add-on to your services.
If you have a passion for baking and an entrepreneurial spirit, this side business could enable you to showcase your creativity in a new and exciting way. Think about offering customized dessert boxes tailored to your clients' preferences—they could make perfect gifts or indulgent treats after a pampering session. This business idea allows you to diversify your income, leveraging your existing client relationships and personal interests.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Dick At Your Door is an e-commerce shop that grew almost 10x within the last eight months by selling anonymous pranks such as 5 oz chocolate penises, and its founder shares his journey that started as a joke to becoming a professional chocolatier.
16. Start a brokerage business
As a salonist, starting a brokerage business could offer you an exciting opportunity to supplement your income or even pivot into an entirely new career. You could leverage your existing client relationships and social network to connect potential buyers and sellers, earning commissions for successfully completed transactions involving stock shares, bonds, options, and other financial instruments.
With a keen insight into your clients' lifestyle and financial aspirations, you could position yourself as a trusted advisor, facilitating their investment decisions. To get started, you'd need to identify a suitable market niche and may need to acquire a broker’s license and professional qualification, depending on state regulations. This entrepreneurial venture could not only diversify your income streams but also allow you to grow a new set of skills and expertise.
How much you can make: $4,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
Camelbacktrading founder Paul Asmar has found success in the volatile trading business by offering affordable and personalized education and training to traders of all ages, and has grown his voice channel trading room from 0 to 130 traders in just three months.
17. Start a proposal software app
As a Salonist, you could leverage your industry expertise to create a proposal software app tailored specifically for the beauty and wellness sector. Such an app would simplify the process of generating professional proposals for services like bridal packages, group spa sessions, or corporate wellness programs. By offering a streamlined tool that your peers can use to quickly create and send polished proposals, you'd be addressing a common pain point and making their lives easier.
Your proposal software app could include features like customizable templates, automated follow-up reminders, and client interaction tracking, allowing salon owners to manage their client communications more efficiently. Additionally, by understanding how salon professionals interact with their clients, you could design intuitive and user-friendly features that cater to their specific needs. This not only supplements your income but positions you as a tech-savvy innovator in the beauty industry.
Creating a proposal software app could open up new revenue streams for you, either through subscription models or one-time purchases. By ensuring top-notch customer support, you further enhance user satisfaction and retention, ultimately building a loyal customer base while making a significant impact in the salon and spa community.
How much you can make: $570,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 205 days (?)
Proposify, an online business proposal SaaS company, currently serving over 8,000 customers and doing over $7M in annual recurring revenue, was founded by CEO Kyle Racki who turned his old proposal app idea into a successful business by focusing on user pain points, building a great product, and prioritizing customer service.
18. Start a whiskey tasting business
As a Salonist, you spend your days curating personalized experiences and building trust with your clients, which aligns perfectly with hosting intimate and engaging whiskey tasting events. By leveraging your customer service skills and personalized approach, you could offer exclusive whiskey tasting sessions, educating and entertaining your clients in a relaxed, sophisticated setting.
Engaging in a whiskey tasting business allows you to bring your expertise in luxury and refinement to a new avenue, while also tapping into the growing interest in bespoke and elevated experiences. Additionally, by building relationships with whiskey manufacturers and suppliers, you could create a supplementary income stream, and eventually, a thriving side business that complements your main profession.
Before stepping into this venture, it’s crucial to gain expert knowledge about different whiskeys, ensuring you provide valuable feedback and approvals that delight connoisseurs and curious novices alike. This natural extension of your hospitality skills could effortlessly integrate with your existing role, offering a unique and memorable service to your clientele.
How much you can make: $17,500/month
How long does it take to build: 500 days (?)
TopWhiskies, an eCommerce store celebrating the best independent whisky brands, started as a social media hobby in 2016, and, after building a large following, pivoted to an eCommerce site in October 2020, achieving an average monthly turnover of around $17,500 with sales up around 50% year on year.
19. Start a garage organizer business
Starting a garage organizer business could be an excellent way for a salonist to supplement income or explore an entrepreneurial path. As a salonist, you’re already skilled in creating organized, welcoming environments and providing personalized customer service. These skills can translate seamlessly into organizing and optimizing garage spaces, helping clients create functional and efficient storage solutions.
You could leverage your ability to understand clients’ needs and preferences to develop customized garage organization plans. This might involve installing shelving, cabinets, and other storage solutions to help clients declutter and maximize their space.
By incorporating your strong time management and customer service skills, you could effectively juggle multiple projects and build a reputation for reliability and quality. Marketing and networking, much like in your salon business, would be key strategies to attract new clients and grow your garage organizer venture.
How much you can make: $10,500/month
Curate Labs is a creative practice focused around ethical and sustainable design, with an annual publication that champions good business and a travel platform that advocates conscious travel, founded in 2016 by co-founders Abb-d Choudhury and Sara, bootstrapped, now turning into one business with 3 departments and aiming for 50-100% increase in revenue.
20. Start a honey farm business
For entrepreneurial-minded salonists looking to diversify their income, starting a honey farm could be a compelling option. This venture allows you to delve into sustainable agriculture, producing and selling honey, beeswax, and other bee-related products. By balancing hands-on hive management with your salon work, you could create a synergistic business model that appeals to eco-conscious clients.
Additionally, the increasing consumer interest in natural products offers a unique opportunity to market artisanal honey directly within your salon, enhancing your brand’s holistic and wellness-oriented image. Supporting pollinator populations also positions you as a steward of the environment, aligning your business endeavors with a greater ecological cause. This blend of nature-driven entrepreneurship provides both financial rewards and the satisfaction of contributing to environmental health.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Chandler Honey is a Canadian organic honey brand with unique flavors, founded by Tique Chandler. With only 2 years since incorporation, the brand is now in 150+ stores in Canada and brings in $10k revenue monthly.
21. Start a therapy business ($74.8K/month)
As a Salonist, starting a therapy business could be a natural extension of your current skills in connecting with and understanding clients. Your ability to create a comforting and trust-filled environment in the salon can translate well into a therapy setting, where clients seek emotional support and guidance. This could allow you to supplement your income or even build a side business focused on mental and emotional well-being.
To get started, you would need to decide on the type of therapy you wish to offer and obtain the necessary certifications and licenses. With your existing client base and strong relationship-building skills, you could easily market your new services to those already seeking relaxation and self-care in your salon. This move could diversify your career and open new doors for growth and fulfillment.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Professional cuddler, Sam Varnerin, developed her successful one-to-one cuddle service, Snuggle with Sam, as a result of recognising the universal human need for connection and touch, which also led to her opening Sam’s Snuggle School, a course for aspiring professional cuddlers.
22. Start a swimwear line ($19.2K/month)
Starting a swimwear line could be an exciting and profitable venture for you as a salonist, especially if you live near a beach or a popular swimming pool. Your existing client base is already fashion-conscious and appreciates looking their best, so offering them a stylish and trendy swimwear line could be a natural extension of your services. This business could easily complement your beauty and pampering expertise, allowing you to provide comprehensive style advice.
Imagine creating exclusive swimwear collections and showcasing them in your salon, giving clients the opportunity to purchase high-quality pieces directly from you. By leveraging your current relationships and understanding of beauty trends, you could market your swimwear line effectively to your clientele and even scale your business through online sales. This diversification could not only supplement your income but also elevate your brand as a multifaceted beauty and fashion hub.
How much you can make: $800 — $40,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $9,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Junk in your Trunks is a sustainable swim trunk brand that uses recycled plastic bottles, reporting up to $25K in monthly revenue and gaining traction with a Barstool Sports partnership.
23. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
As a Salonist, starting a podcast could be a fantastic way to supplement your income and even create a potential side business. You could focus your podcast on popular topics in the beauty and wellness industry, sharing expert tips, interviewing other beauty professionals, and discussing the latest trends. This not only allows you to connect with a broader audience but also positions you as a thought leader in your field.
With minimal startup costs, you could easily get basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones, and find an affordable or free hosting platform to publish your episodes. Promoting your podcast through social media and online communities can help you build a loyal audience. Over time, you could potentially attract sponsors or advertisers who are interested in reaching your targeted listener base, thereby creating additional revenue streams.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
