How to Start a Nail Salon Business in Kenya
A nail parlour is one of the profitable small business ideas in Kenya. It is one business you can start with less than Ksh 20,000. The demand for manicure and pedicure services is high since women want to look good. If you have skills in manicure and pedicure, this is a business you should start thinking of. You can opt to run a mobile or a fixed location manicure and pedicure business. This is how you can start and run a profitable manicure and pedicure business in Kenya.
Write a Nail Parlour Business Plan
If you are planning to start a nail salon business, then you need to write a business plan. Some of the things to include in your business plan include:
- Business location
- Startup costs
- Suppliers
- Services to offer
Find a Suitable Business Location
The success of any business is affected by the location of your business. You need to identify a business location in an area with high foot traffic. For instance, you can set up your nail parlor business near a bus stop or a place where people come to sit and relax.
You can also opt to start a mobile nail parlor business so that you can go to where your customers are. This way, you can tap into customers who may not have time to visit your business premises. You can visit people at their workplaces to offer them pedicure and manicure services.
It is cheaper to start a mobile nail parlour business compared to a fixed location business. It is because you won’t need to rent business premises or buy furniture and brand your business premises.
Secure Business Licenses
Before starting a nail salon in Kenya, you need to have a business license. Otherwise, you will be in constant conflict with authorities while you also risk being fined or jailed.
Some of the business licenses and permits you need for a nail parlour business include Single business permit. You need a single business permit to operate any business in Kenya. You can obtain one from the county council offices for Ksh 5,000 annually.
How Much Does it Cost to Start a Nail Salon Business in Kenya
The cost of starting a manicure and pedicure business depends on your business location and size of the business. If you wish to start one in a busy town, then the startup costs could be higher unlike in a small town.
You can start a small and mobile nail parlour business with Ksh 20,000. If you are planning to start a fixed location business, you may need at least Ksh 50,000. However, the best way to go about it is to start small and keep expanding your business.
Requirements for Starting Manicure and Pedicure Business in Kenya
The following are the requirements you need and their prices to start a nail parlour in Kenya.
- Nail file and clippers kit - Ksh 2,000
- Acrylic nail kit – Ksh 10,000
- 5 Nail cleanser bottles – Ksh 500 each
- 5 Nail polish removers - Ksh 100 each
- Nail polish LED light dryer – Ksh 4,500
- Nail moisturizers – Ksh 500 each
- Nail glue bottles – Ksh 300 each
- Manicure bowls – Ksh 700 each
- Furniture – Ksh 5,000
- An apron - Ksh 700
Is Opening a Nail Salon Profitable in Kenya?
A nail parlour is a profitable business if you find a suitable business location. Due to the high demand for manicure and pedicures services, you can be sure you won’t lack customers.
Running a fixed location alongside a mobile nail parlour business will improve your business’ profitability. You will be in a position to serve even those customers that may not be in a position to visit your business premises.
Summary of How to Start a Nail Parlour Business in Kenya
The nail parlour business is a profitable venture. To make it in this business, you need to identify a good business location with high foot traffic. You can target places near institutions like colleges and universities. You can also opt to run a mobile or a fixed location manicure and pedicure business. If you can manage to run them both alongside each other, the better.
