[hair] I got my feelers out

[blk]

From the encouragement and practice I've gotten recently, most specifically at Arisia, I've been looking more into braiding as a serious moneymaking practice, instead of just as an occasional hobby. I don't think I'm going to go the RenFest route, as the time commitment there is a more than I want, and I'm not relying on this for income. However

Comments

[dancingwolfgrrl]

I think I've told you this already, but I had a great experience with VistaPrint for business cards. They also make postcards and brochures and have a number of pre-made designs. (You could also tinker with a photo of hair or a braid in photoshop and upload it for a fee -- $5, I think).

Also keep in mind that if you file as a business (which is not insanely complicated), you can deduct the cost of cards, signs, etc!

Other random thoughts: consider adding comments from customers to the portfolio ("I got married on a humid July day, and Barb's braid held up wonderfully! It looked as good at the end of the night as when she tucked in the last pin!"). Also, consider going to places associated with big events (venues, formalwear stores, caterers, florists) and leaving or posting cards.

[coraline]

definitely a second on the testimonials idea, and i'd be more than happy to volunteer a bunch (the number of comments we all got on our hair at the wedding was amazing.)

[blk]

Ooh, excellent idea. I just need to make sure my ego doesn't get too much of a trip from that type of page. :)

[lycaena]

The only thing I can think to suggest at the moment, if you are thinking of going professional, is to do some research to find out if there are any health regulations or licensing related to hair braiding in the area(s) you wish to work in.

[blk]

I've done no small amount of looking into this, and have not come up very happy. The legal technicalities of it are... unpleasant, to say the least. I'll likely be posting about it soon.

[lycaena]

Ugh! :( I was afraid of that! I'd remembered reading a story of a teenager somewhere who had started her own business, and when a newspaper published a success story about her, the cosmetologists shut her down. I was hoping that wasn't going to be case for where you are.

*Hugs*

[blk]

Right. Note to self: don't let anybody write a story about me.

[points]

How about as added services, -teaching- people how to braid?

[blk]

Huh. That's an interesting idea. I have taught people in the past. I'm probably not going to bother with web instructions, since dwb.com already does that, but offering lessons in person might be fun.

[pauldf]

on my vote...I don't care really one way or the other whether there's a photo of my braided hair floating around, it'd be a little neat, but it's really just an excuse to get you to play with & braid my hair. :) Not that I have any clue when that might happen.

[blk]

Perfectly valid excuse. :)

[zyrain]

There are prepackaged web style templates out there that may be what you'd like to do.