No Looking Back

Over the years, a strong client base has made it possible for her to earn a good amount as a regular monthly salary.

"In the initial days it was difficult on my family too, as only my father earned. And during lean periods in the business I had to fall back on my father. But once the business caught up there was no looking back," says Nirmala.

Today she works a maximum of 20 days in a month and earns in the range of Rs.15,000 to Rs.17, 000.

"And during the bridal and festive months, the pay is even better and goes beyond Rs.20,000," she informs.

However, after cutting away regular expenses like travelling, cosmetics and machines such as hair dryer, straightener etc, in hand she manages to get atleast Rs.12,000.

Travelling and Timings

"Travelling can be inconvenient. So if I have to go to a client at say Sion, I don't take up any client who is on the other end of the town," explains Nirmala.

By and large she keeps a set timing of between 10 am to 6 pm. However, if a client stays nearby she does make the concession of going in the evening if the need is urgent.

Investments

Once you get your part-time business rolling then a constant factor that needs investment would be on various beauty, make-up and styling products.

"It is preferable and advisable to buy reputed brands like L'Oreal or a Shahnaz Hussain. Now they may be expensive, but buying them in bulk from a reputed store like Beauty Centre may give you some discounts," explains Nirmala.

Money Matters

Charges for services are basically based on the area where the client resides. So say for example your client lives in a posh area, then based on the charges applicable in the parlour in the client's locality you derive at your own rate which is atleast 60 - 70 percent less than the parlour rate.

For example, if you were to do a package service like a clean-up, facial, manicure, pedicure and waxing, at a reputed parlour like L'Oreal it would cost you Rs.5000. Get a 70 percent off and you give the same service for Rs.1500.

"Since travelling figures prominently in a client based work, you need to factor in that as well when you fix your rate," informs Nirmala.