Ukrainian craftsmen have no equal? Can Ukrainian beauty business compete with Europe

The beauty business suffered the most in Ukraine during the pandemic, but continues to operate and stay afloat.

To find out how things are going, why Ukrainian masters can compete with European and American masters, and what a successful business in the beauty field should be, Segodnya talked to the owner of the HAIRHOUSE salon in the center of Kiev, Sergey Burakov.

Like this – to be the owner of a beauty business in Ukraine?

Not easy, but definitely better than in other countries. Firstly, business in Ukraine differs from foreign at the level of legislation, namely by the taxation system.

When compared with the countries of Europe or America, it is much more loyal and more accessible to businessmen.

For example, we have a lower income tax rate for individuals (employees), which is very important for a starting entrepreneur.

Ukrainians are the best beauty masters

They don’t even compare. Undeniably better. The entire Slavic diaspora is always looking for “our” specialists on any continent.

Because local masters do not understand what a quality service should be and what it means to cut your hair with a really straight line. This happens not only due to different mentality and different perceptions, but also due to the lack of the necessary knowledge.

“Ukrainians, on the other hand, have intelligence, education and the right attitude to the provision of services. For example, we have regular foreign clients who come to Ukraine only to dye their hair and get a manicure. Therefore, our masters are much more appreciated abroad than at the territory of our country, “says Sergei Burakov.

Ukrainian entrepreneurs and the masters themselves have devalued the beauty business and this profession: including, this concerns the provision of services at home, at a cost slightly cheaper than in a salon.

“This is disrespect for oneself, first of all, the master – as a specialist in this field of activity, and for a client – who, for example, agrees to get a tattoo or Botox injection at home, instead of visiting a clean salon or clinic and doing everything in sterile conditions without harm to health. “

In Ukraine, the cost for the quality of service is underestimatedthat is provided. In Europe, vice versa unreasonably high cost of services for virtually lack of quality.

Beauty Success Rules

The main rule to remember: a business does not exist without an owner.

The second rule is success is the result of mistakes and daily work… HAIRHOUSE is unique in the market because our main value is people. Both customers and employees. We have gathered under one roof a large number of employees who provide the right service every day. Unusual for a typical beauty salon, really.

This allows you to get the service here and now without prior booking and long waiting times. We pay special attention to customer focus and standardization of all processes, so that every guest would like to come back to us again and again.

“The main task of a business owner is to pay attention to the client’s lifespan: the longer he lives with us, the more profit the business gets. This is the most important thing.”

Without which the salon will never be successful

A salon will never be successful without a quality manager. My advice not starting this business at all or preparing for a hell of a job.

Salon is not only about beauty and a daily party. This is a serious business with great responsibility for human health, appearance and emotional state.

How has quarantine hit the industry?

Demand has not resumed, and it will not happen soon. Under the conditions of quarantine restrictions, the number of clients has decreased, their priority for beauty is reduced.

Depressed mood and restrictions on dining and any activities, such as reduces the need to beautify yourself.

“A beauty salon is necessary not only to cover your basic needs: to cut your hair and nails, but also to create an additional sense of celebration. Holidays are few now,” says the businessman.

Only the Americans are ahead

The beauty business in Ukraine is developing quite quickly, only Americans are ahead, by the way. We lack control over the quality of services and control over self-employed people who do not pay taxes. In particular, this applies to the qualifications of the masters.

“For example, in the United States, a foreman is forced to first obtain a license to start working. In Ukraine, a client will come to a foreman’s home and no one will be held responsible for this,” says the owner of HAIRHOUSE.

Thus, there will be fewer unskilled specialists, and the salary of a qualified specialist will increase, and the quality of service will improve.

Also, there is not enough regulatory framework for the regulation of all processes. For example, the state sanitary rules and norms of Ukraine have not changed since 2006 and do not include the term “beauty salon” at all.

Earlier, Segodnya talked about what franchising is and who should not buy it, and also wrote a business where you can easily make money without large investments.