Designing your dream studio requires more than materializing a vision and a business plan. Salon and spa owners who hope to run prosperous businesses should also consider the practical – and risk-averse – side of design. Fortunately, being pragmatic does not have to be dull, in fact, establishing a balance between style and function could be a salon or spa owner’s key to success.
Know your risks
Salon and spa owners face several common risks and should be sure that design elements work to mitigate these risks rather than exacerbate them. Cords in walkways, for example, can create slip, trip and fall risks. Not having enough storage can create clutter, increasing the likelihood of an employee or client injuring themselves on equipment.
An insurance professional who specializes in the beauty industry can be an invaluable resource in identifying such risks and in suggesting design options to help mitigate them. Salon and spa owners who understand their risks can work to combine these risk mitigation tips with design elements to ensure their vision while still protecting employees, guests and their business.
Balancing style & safety
Prioritizing safety in a salon or spa does not have to mean sacrificing the style that helps communicate a salon or spa’s brand to clients or the personal touches that help make a space feel welcoming. Consider the following tips to incorporate smart, safe design:
- Define clear walkways: Every salon and spa should have a defined path from the front door to the reception desk and even the waiting area, as well as a clear path to the service rooms. A welcoming path directs clients on how to move through space, limiting traffic in areas that can pose a risk. Salon and spa owners can get creative with how they define a path through their business by incorporating brand colors, art, creative (but clear) signage and more.
- Prioritize organization: Design elements that encourage organization can help employees avoid leaving out equipment that clutters a space and poses risks to professionals and clients alike. Built-in storage cabinets and drawers can be functional and sleek, helping salon and spa pros maintain their stations and focus on helping clients.
- Make it comfortable: Creating a comfortable beauty business can help encourage a calm environment for employees and clients while keeping clients protected from certain areas. An inviting waiting area, for example, will welcome clients to relax in a designated spot while waiting for their beauty professional. Plants and greenery can liven up a waiting area or reception desk.
Designing a beauty business should be enjoyable but should not come at the expense of safety. Finding the intersection of style and safety can help business owners avoid operational headaches down the line and dangerous conditions that can lead to injuries and lawsuits. Consider speaking to an insurance professional who understands the unique risks in the beauty space to learn how design adjustments can help mitigate risks in your salon or spa.
Kathy Lopez, Account Manager for SASSI, the Salon and Spa Specialty Insurance program at Brownyard Group. She can be reached at klopez@brownyard.com.
