We’re back again with another career guide, and today, we’ll be providing a step-by-step guide to starting a microblading business!
The beauty industry has seen a massive demand for semi-permanent makeup services, with microblading being the most popular. Microblading is a popular brow-enhancement technique that appeals to clients who want to wake up with effortlessly shaped brows that last, reducing the time and hassle of daily makeup routines.
If you’re passionate about beauty, have a steady hand and love detail-oriented work, a career in microblading might be the perfect path for you!
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to turn your passion into a thriving microblading business.
Do You Have a Passion for Microblading and Brows?
Before deciding if you want to pursue a microblading career, you have to determine if it interests you.
If money motivates you, then the microblading industry is highly profitable! Microblading technicians can charge anywhere between £200-£600 for their sessions, depending on their location, experience and popularity. However, a successful career shouldn’t be just about money; it should be a passion you enjoy and look forward to every day, especially with one as complex as Microblading.
Microblading is an art that requires precision, an understanding of facial structure and an eye for detail. As a microblading artist, you must understand brow shapes’ physiognomy, symmetry’s importance, and how brows frame and enhance the face.
Every client’s eyebrows are unique, and to be a talented microblading technician, you need a passion for the work, which will help you connect with clients.
How to Start a Microblading Business?
Starting the microblading business includes choosing the right institute, deciding business structure and so on. Let’s understand the steps in detail.
Step 1: Research the Requirements to start your Microblading Business
Before starting a microblading business, you should work out the requirements, which include budgeting for essential costs. Here ‘s what to expect:
1. Training and Certification:
The most considerable startup costs will be training and certification. Completing certified microblading training can range from £1,500 to £3,000, which helps you develop the skills needed to provide high-quality services.
Certified training is essential if you want to work as a salon-based microblading artist in London. London councils require practitioners to have a Level 4 OFQUAL-regulated qualification to gain licencing permissions.
2. Equipment and Materials:
Once you’ve completed your training; you need to invest in materials and equipment. These include pigments, microblades, needles, brow mapping kits and numbing agents.
3. Marketing and Rental Costs:
Other costs to consider include marketing, which is crucial for visibility, and space rental. Many microblading artists start as freelancers, as investing in studio spaces requires rent, utilities, and decor.
4. Insurance:
Finally, to protect your business, you will need insurance to cover public liability and treatment risks. Insurance companies will also require microblading artists to have a certified qualification to gain cover.
You can also choose to invest in client scheduling and payment software to streamline your operations. However, these are not necessary when you’re just starting.
Working out your startup costs will help you decide whether starting a microblading business is the right venture for you.
Step 2: Find a Microblading Training Center and Complete Certification
Choosing the right microblading training centre and course is, ultimately, the most critical step on your journey. Your training is where you will form the foundation and skills needed to become a successful microblading technician. Look for a quality training program that provides hands-on practice, small class sizes, and in-depth instruction by experienced tutors.
The VTCT OFQUAL-regulated Level 4 Microblading Certificate is the most comprehensive course on the market, and it provides in-depth, regulated training recognised across the UK.
At Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetics Academy, the course typically spans over five weeks, focusing on health and safety, client care, brow shaping and professional microblading techniques.
Our experienced tutors will teach learners the technical and creative sides of Microblading, focusing on perfecting their hair stroke techniques on artificial skin, building their confidence and skill before moving on to live models provided by our training academy.
Once learners have completed their initial training, they will receive the Accredited Beauty Therapy qualification. However, they must continue refining their skills through case studies and assessments. Our follow-up requirements are in place to help practitioners develop their techniques across a range of client scenarios, skin types and brow styles to ensure they are fully competent before receiving their Level 4 certification.
Step 3: Decide on Your Business Structure
Whilst completing your qualification, you should start to think about how you want to operate your business.
Microblading is a very flexible career path, allowing those working in the industry to work as Freelance, In-salon or independent Microblading Artists.
1. Freelance Microblading Artist:
As a Freelance Microblading Artist, you can bring your business to your clients by working in multiple salon locations or offering mobile services. Working as a freelance artist allows you to set your hours and schedule whilst building a diverse client base. The main cons of freelancing would be that you have to promote your business independently, which can be challenging, especially when starting your career.
2. In-Salon Microblading Specialist:
Another option is to work as an In-Salon Microblading Specialist. This is where you join a salon or clinic already offering microblading services, gaining instant access to an existing client base. The salon will handle most of the promotions and booking logistics so you can focus on your craft as a microblading artist.
This can be an excellent opportunity for a beginner, but it’s important to note that you will have little flexibility, as you’ll have to stick to the salon’s hours, pricing, and even brand image. Your earning potential is also limited as you will give a portion to the salon.
3. Independent Studio Owner:
The last option would be starting your own studio, giving you complete independence to shape your brand how you want and establish a personal client base. However, gaining clients in the beginning can take a lot of work, which can be pretty disheartening. If you choose to start your own microblading business, you will also need a significant startup investment to rent or purchase a space, buy equipment, and market your business. It can be a lot of work as you handle permits, insurance and other utility bills.
Each of these microblading business paths has unique benefits and challenges, depending on your goals and resources.
Step 4: Market your Business
Once you’ve completed your training and decided on your business route, you will need to start marketing your business to potential clients.
Marketing is essential for any business, especially a new one, and social media is an invaluable platform that you want to take advantage of! Businesses have transformed overnight because of one viral video.
1. Build a Portfolio:
To start your marketing, you will need a strong client portfolio. Your work is your best advertisement! From when you begin training to working on clients, take pictures of every client’s brow transformation with clear, well-lit photos showcasing your growth. Clients want to see real results, so avoid editing your pictures or applying a filter.
2. Content Creation:
Post your content regularly to boost your reach on social media, including client transformations, client reviews, brow care tips, microblading behind the scenes, and upcoming availabilities. Regularly engaging with your followers will build a community that supports your business and allows new clients to trust you.
3. Encourage Referrals:
Aside from social media marketing, real-life reviews and client referrals are some of the best types of marketing in the beauty industry. Happy clients are influential brand ambassadors who can promote your business to anyone asking where they got their brows done. Encourage your satisfied clients to post pictures, tag you in them and post testimonials, giving you word-of-mouth marketing.
Step 5: Commit to Practicing and Perfecting Your Skill
Mastering your microblading techniques comes from continuous practice. The more you perform microblading on clients, the more experienced you will become in working with various face shapes and brow styles and even choosing the right colour for different skin tones.
You should also stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques in the brow industry. Beauty trends are fast evolving, and brows are no different. One year, full, fluffy brows are in; the next, it’s thinner, defined brows. Keeping up with the latest styles and perfecting them will give you a competitive edge.
Finally, perfecting your skill includes prioritising client satisfaction and safety. Ensure that your workspace is always spotless, tools are sterilised between clients, and your aftercare instructions are clear to ensure the best results.
Ready to Start Your Microblading Business?
As a microblading artist and business owner, you can build a rewarding and fulfilling career. Microblading offers flexibility, high earning power, and a creative outlet while helping clients feel confident and put together.
At Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetics Academy, we are one of London’s leading providers of accredited Microblading training. We have trained hundreds of aspiring microblading artists, from complete beginners to experienced professionals, and are ready to help you reach your goals today!
If you’ve read through this blog and thought you have the passion, dedication, and eagerness to learn how to start your microblading business, get in touch with us. Our office is open Monday – Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. You can give us a call at 02038568886 or send an email to admission@raycochrane.co.uk.
