Considering my options

[Pat Mustard]

I have two questions, how big is the market and how saturated is it?

In terms of possible profitability those are the two questions I'd be most looking at.

I was posting an answer when my power blinked off for a few seconds so I lost that wholepost.

I have considered market saturation in my area. There are more stylists than jobs so this will be another job possibility for people looking for work. There are also too many "chain" salons here. They also don't offer everything on their menus. I will be a full- service operation, offering facials, nail care, skin care, waxing, hair care, chemical services such as relaxers, perms and color.
If I rent the basement, it will be remodeled and finished to accommodate steam rooms (saunas) and I may include a few tanning beds in the future. There's a lot of room to play with down there.

There aren't but maybe a few day spas in the county. One is ten miles away, the other is further out. I'd like to think I'm bringing relaxation closer to home

From an Irish perspective, the only way to profit in beauty care is through owning your own business (no experience myself but I know quite a few hairdressers), but if possible I'd do as much research before jumping in. Ask around, canvass people try and gauge other businesses in the area. Every bit of information you have will make the chances of success that much greater. Forewarned is forearmed, after all.

Oh and one last piece of advice many Irish business-people have learnt to their cost, don't go in with low prices expecting to be able to raise them once business picks up. That kind of strategy kills businesses.

Anyways, break a leg!