Salon/Beauty Salon/Hair Salon/Day Spa, Whatever?!?

I want to open one of these and I can never get good answers! I have a few questions!! 1. Would I have to be a stylist to open a salon? 2. What do you want to see in a salon? 3. Would you take your child to a kids only salon? 4. What extras do you want in a salon (facials, waxing, nails)? 5. How to make a beauty service business reallllly successful?

Salon Owners help!! Customers/Clients tell me what you like/dislike!!

1.) no, you do not have to be a stylist, just have a good mind for business. You should however, contact a local cosmetology school and brush up on learning about scheduling appointments. You need to know how long it takes to do a cut,color, processing time, etc. Don't rely on your stylists to teach you this, they will resent you. Also, you should know the requirements to maintain a stylist license to make sure your employees are compliant with state rules.

2) I co-own a salon with my daughter(I am not a styist, she is) and we have a pedicure chair, manicure station, 3 wash stations and 6 styling stations. We offer facial waxing as well.

3) Not necessarily, we have parents bringing in their kids all the time. But some kids are scared to death to have their hair cut, so the kids only salon make them kid friendly.

4) I would like to have an ESTHETICIAN

5) Bring in a partner that has existing clientele. They will be less likely to leave. Join the local chamber of commerce and get involved with your community. Sponsor events such as bridal shows. Customer service is key, make sure your stylists are well-trained and give your customers special attention not just while in the chair. People like coming to their stylists because they can confide in them, they become friends in addition to giving them great service.
Buy a good salon software program(Salon Iris is a good one) Make sure you ask the right questions while interviewing. A good one to ask "where do you see yourself in 5 years". If they respond, I want to own my own salon, give them a pass. If they respond, I only want to do this part time, give them a pass. It is imperative you find stylists who are passionate about their craft.(we are learning this the hard way!). It is best to hire stylists right out of school when they are eager to learn and please. Make sure you provide continuing education.

1. Depends on the state you are in. Most states you have to have a license and work a a stylist for 2 years before opening your own salon.
2. Clean, organized, relaxing, classy atmosphere.
3. Yes of course
4. massages, waxing, facials, manis and pedis only. FULL SERVICE
5. Be professional, comparable prices, exceptional service, good advertising, good business hours

I love the spa!
I think it's great that you want to open one.
No, I don't think you need to be a stylist to open a salon, just make sure you hire experienced stylists and such.
I think you should offer things like eyebrow and lip waxing, manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, and possibly tanning.