For ‘young’ people, starting your very own business and becoming self employed is the most suitable alternative to the ever growing hard to get 9 to 5 jobs. Starting a business is always the best alternative to the ever elusive jobs.
A survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) revealed that seven (7) million Kenyans are unemployed. An additional figure of over 1.4 million are actively looking for employment. With those figures, it is easy to see why more and more people are looking for alternatives.
Because we know very many business ventures require huge amounts of capital to get started, this new How To series will only show you how to start and execute several small business that require capital from as little as 5,000 Kenyan Shillings. Thus giving you the keys to the kingdom of starting a profitable business with little or no capital.
If you are also just looking for a side hustle to maybe supplement your 9 to 5 or full time job, this is for you.
All that you need to thrive in these businesses besides capital, is good customer service of course, great managerial skills, a suitable business location, and a clear cut vision.
Today’s article will show you how to start a Salon or Kinyozi business in Kenya. While this not exactly a 5,000 Kenyan Shillings capital business, I am sure you would agree that this is also a very viable option.
The Salon or Kinyozi business is another popular entrepreneurial option that is really popular in Kenya and can be set up in any part of Kenya. anywhere in the country although big towns tend to provide the best growth opportunities.
How To Start A Salon Or Kinyozi Business In Kenya
To start a Salon or Kinyozi business in Kenya you will need:
- Location. Identifying a suitable location for your Salon or Kinyozi, should be the very first thing on your list. You will need a location where the demand is high and one that is close to your target market. If you are based in a rural area, this writer will suggest setting up your salon or Kinyozi business in a busy area like close to a market.
Below are some suggestions of suitable locations:
- Close to a university or school. This is very ideal because university or school students are very willing customers.
- Close to a student’s hostel.
- Close to office buildings or complexes.
- Close to residential areas.
- Close to or inside shopping centers.
2. A budget. As with all other business ventures in this How To series, you would need a budget. Do not worry, this article will break down the price points for everything you need.
3. A hair care, hairdressing and beauty therapy course. It goes without that you would need to undergo training on hair and beauty care. A one (1) year course in a college that offers hair care, hairdressing and beauty therapy, would cost between 10,000 Kenyan Shillings to 15,000 Kenyan Shillings.
4. A business premises or office space. After identifying a suitable location, the next thing will be renting a space. Due to the fact that you will need a fairly ‘large’ space, this will cost you between 12,000 Kenyan Shillings to 30,000 Kenyan Shillings. Depending of course on the location of said space.
5. A Health Certificate. Before officially launching your salon or Kinyozi, you will need a health certificate. This certificate basically shows that your salon or Kinyozi is hygienic and does not have any diseases or infections that can be transmitted to customers. The health certificate can be obtained from any government hospital or private hospital, at a cost of between 400 Kenyan Shillings to 1,000 Kenyan Shillings.
6. A Trade License. Trade licenses are issued by the county government. Keep in mind that the cost varies from county to county. However, it usually costs anything from 3,000 Kenyan Shillings to 10,000 Kenyan Shillings, depending on the location of your business, its size and of course the county where it is based.
7. A Public Performance License. This is issued by the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) and covers the playing of music, and other related activities. It costs an average of 2,500 Kenyan Shillings to 4,000 Kenyan Shillings. The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has agents in most county headquarters so you should not have an issue acquiring a license.
8. A Hair styling Station. This is basically a metallic or wooden structure that comprises of a mirror, drawers, as well as compartments to hold the different tools that you would need. Having one, will also give your Salon or Kinyozi a much more professional look. The price of a Hair Styling Station can be anything from 7,000 Kenyan Shillings to 20,000 Kenyan Shillings.
9. Adjustable chairs. When choosing these, please ensure that the chairs you decide on will give your customers the most comfort and satisfaction. Also make sure that said chairs, do not hinder or affect your work. The prices of specialist hair styling chairs, range from 2000 Kenyan Shillings to 30,000 Kenyan Shillings each, depending on the quality of the materials used, as well as the design.
10. A Sink seat. This is used in most cases for hair treatment, washing, as well as conditioning. You can purchase a sink seat for around 12,000 Kenyan Shillings. The made in Kenya versions however, cost around 8,000 Kenyan Shillings to 10,000 Kenyan Shillings.
11. Hair dryers. You will need hair dryers to carry out any hair drying activity effectively and efficiently. It is the one of the common things you will see in any Salon or Kinyozi. The price of new hair dryers range from 12,000 Kenyan Shillings to 30,000 Kenyan Shillings each. The hair dryers with only the basic and most essential features cost an average of 15,000 Kenyan Shillings. Second hand hair dryers on the other hand, can go for as low as 7,000 Kenyan Shillings.
12. Blow dryers. These cost anything from 2,000 Kenyan Shillings, to 15,000 Kenyan Shillings each.
13. Sterilizers. Sterilizers kill germs and clean the sharp tools like clippers in your salon or Kinyozi. This cost from 5,000 Kenyan Shillings to 15,000 Kenyan Shillings. The price points however, depend on the make or model.
14. Manicure and Pedicure Sets or Mini Spas. These cost 500 Kenyan Shillings to 1500 Kenyan Shillings.
15. Aprons and Gloves.
16. Combs and Brushes.
17. Cosmetics.
18. Cutex.
19. Facial creams.
20. Hair care chemicals.
21. Hair Conditioners.
22. Scissors and Tweezers.
23. Shampoos.
24. Shower Caps.
25. Towels.
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