Entrepreneurship and Career Opportunities
What the exam tests
This domain tests career pathways, salon hierarchy, freelance work, business planning, pricing, records, licensing and customer retention. Expect questions on how a therapist can progress and what costs a small salon must recover.
Core rules and concepts
- Career paths include trainee, junior therapist, senior therapist, supervisor, salon manager and owner. Other options are freelance bridal work, spa and hotel employment, retail advising, teaching and home service.
- Before starting, research the local market, choose a suitable location, prepare a budget and check registration and tax rules.
- Price services to cover products, labour, rent, electricity, marketing and profit. Keep records of income, expenses and client cards.
- Build repeat clients through punctuality, hygiene, clear communication and follow-up. Train staff and insure the business.
Worked example
Monthly fixed costs are Rs 40,000. Each service uses Rs 120 of products. The owner plans 250 services and wants Rs 15,000 profit. Price = (40,000 + 250 x 120 + 15,000) / 250 = Rs 340 per service before tax. Reasoning: the price must recover fixed and variable costs and provide a margin; charging only the product cost would make a loss.
Traps that cost marks
- Pricing below total cost.
- Ignoring rent, electricity and marketing.
- Keeping no financial records.
- Hiring untrained staff without supervision.
- Assuming a salon licence is the same as staff certification.