A new generation of beauty and hair professionals are choosing to work independently in new co-working salons rather than seek employment in a traditional business.
It’s a shift driven by social media, a growing number of shared spaces and new financial technologies which provide the flexibility needed to build a modern business.
Brisbane-based hairdresser, Alandra Flatley and Melbourne-based skin and beauty therapist, Emily Keane, have used such technologies to take advantage of this movement.
Zeller director of growth, Joshua McNicol said, “When a first-time business owner starts a new solo venture and are wearing many hats, it’s essential they’re set up with technology that simplifies their operations and gives them more time back to focus on things that will kick start their growth.
“Zeller gives freelancers and new entrepreneurs a business transaction accounts, debit cards, a savings account, EFTPOS and invoicing, packaged up in a simple and affordable all-in-one solution — reducing the time needed to sign up for disparate financial products, reducing cost of having to manage multiple costly subscription fees, and gaining the valuable benefit of seeing their entire business cash flow in one place.”
After being employed in a salon for 17 years, Flatley was keen to get out of a traditional environment and see her preferred clients and work her preferred hours.
“Who wouldn’t prefer to have my hair cut by someone who really wants to be there, rather than someone who is just showing up for work? I knew I needed to lay the right foundations to make this a reality and managing my finances was my first thought when I decided to go freelance,” she said.
“Thankfully Zeller had me covered behind the scenes and in front of house. Creating an online account was fast and the interface was simple, meaning I could easily manage all my expenses and funds in one place.
“I chose the EFTPOS terminal due to its low price and the ability to link my bank account and a debit card to it, plus their savings account had such a good interest rate I’ve started putting all my tax and GST money in there each week. The online invoicing solution means I can charge a salon when they need help with extra clients too.
“Zeller has given me the flexibility and efficiency I need to run my business my way. There is far less pressure on bookings and I’m much happier to be working alone and earning more.”
Keane launched Cared for Skin & Body to make her service more authentic and focus on properly caring for clients.
“When I was working for different spas and skin clinics, we were told to get customers in for as many treatments as possible as often as possible, and then upsell any sort of products. It didn’t sit right with me,” she said.
“After I made the decision to become a sole trader, everything seemed to happen so quickly. I expected there to be more roadblocks, but using the latest financial tools from companies like Zeller made it all so easy.
“Their services are so accessible for everyday people who aren’t tech wizards or have studied business. There is a lot of guidance which means you don’t need to be an expert in everything, and a lot of what I needed was available within just one tool. For example, I can put money away for tax and savings while also being able to understand what is happening with the business.
“By doing away with outdated sales tactics and sidestepping operational barriers, I’ve been able to take a modern, technology first approach to my business. It’s been great to see such a positive impact on my customers as a result.”