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What no one tells you about going solo

Thinking of going self-employed? Facialist Dija Ayodele shares the truths no one talks about, and how to stay motivated

Going solo in beauty is one of the most exciting and empowering things you can do. However, once your name is on the door, it can feel really lonely and isolating.

Every problem (for me, the toilets packed up in week two and the bowl needed to be replaced!), every decision and solution is on you. You’re constantly thinking about what’s next. So yes, it’s rewarding, but it’s also a lot.

Here are five things no one tells you about going solo and my tips to keep spirits high.

1. You’ll spend surprisingly little time actually doing treatments

In your head, you imagine spending your days transforming skin and making your clients feel incredible. The reality is that a lot of time is spent on customer service, cleaning, ordering stock, doing taxes, fixing the wifi… the list is endless.

Get organised early. Invest in a CRM system (I live and die by mine) and use it to automate reminders, follow-ups and client notes – anything that helps frees up brain space and time leaves you more time to focus on the parts you love.

2. It can feel really isolating

In a large salon there’s buzz, but solo there’s no team chat, no one to bounce ideas off and sometimes it’s just you… all day long.

Build your network. Whether it’s local beauty professionals, online groups or fellow solo practitioners, having people who get it makes all the difference. Also consider getting a coach to help you organise your thoughts and stay accountable.

3. No one teaches you how to deal with suppliers

Negotiating with suppliers, managing deliveries, chasing missing stock, dealing with sales agents trying to sell you every SKU – these aren’t things you learn in beauty school, yet they’re essential.

Treat supplier relationships as part of your business education. Keep a log of what works, what doesn’t and who delivers on their word. Keep communication on email so you can reply in your own time without pressure. When buying stock, make a list first with a business case for each product. And, negotiate, because everyone else is!

4. Clients can be flaky

Cancellations and no-shows happen and can hurt your feelings and your pocket. People generally do what’s best for them, not your business, so don’t take it personally. Set clear cancellation and deposit policies and automate confirmations and reminders. This protects your time and energy – you’re running a business, not a charity.

5. You can’t pour from an empty cup

The hustle culture says “work harder, longer, faster”, but truthfully, you can’t run a great business on no food, sleep or joy.

Start with boundaries – block an hour for lunch to eat and go for a walk. Be firm about your start and finish times and take days off to recharge. You’ll serve your clients (and yourself) better. Going solo isn’t just about skill, it’s also about stamina, strategy and self-belief. Staying organised, supported and kind to yourself is the secret to success.

DIJA AYODELE is a skin-health specialist, author, and founder of the Black Skin Directory. She also runs “Clarity Hour” coaching for skin therapists, helping beauty professionals grow their businesses.