Finding the Perfect Space for Your Aesthetics Business

When speaking with aesthetic business owners in Arizona about my medical director services, sometimes our conversations trail into the nuts and bolts of business.  "How do I find office space for my med spa/laser hair removal business?" is one question I am frequently asked.

Location and space are one of the things you want to choose and then not worry about in your business.  While it may seem daunting, you can find a great space that suits your needs – at a reasonable price. 

Search for office space with Google and on different listing boards, like Craigslist and Facebook groups, and put the word out to your friends that you are looking for a space.  Sometimes, you can even approach a business you already really like, to see if they have space to lease.  You can also get a realtor to help you find commercial office space to rent or even buy!

Make sure you have a good idea of some of the characteristics you are looking for before you start touring places – it will save you a lot of time.

Check out my tips for choosing a great location for your aesthetics business.

Location

Choose a location that is convenient for you, your life, and your existing clients.  (See my post on selecting a location for your business.) A long commute, congested traffic, limited parking can be major pains for you and your clients.  Many new business owners choose Scottsdale, AZ as the place to set up shop, mainly because it is seen as “the rich part of town” in the Phoenix area.  And while resident income is one factor to consider, convenience is another.

Price

Of course, everyone wants to turn a good profit or make big bucks ASAP, but when you are first starting out especially, you want to create a realistic budget (not based on what you might make if you get busy really fast) for your expenses and stick to it.  I’ve seen so many new businesses close because they aren’t making enough money and they committed to a space (or equipment) with high overhead expenses.  My advice is usually to start small and build up to something more.  Also consider what build out you will need (and who will foot the bill – you or the landlord.) If you need a sink in the room or a special outlet for your laser, this can be a BIG added expense (so make sure you are willing to stay for a long time!)

Included perks

When considering the price of a space, also consider what is included (and not included) in that price.  Are utilities, common space cleaning, landscaping, or internet included with the rent?  If not, consider how these additional expenses will impact your budget.  One of the positive aspects of renting a room at a salon suites building is that all these things are included.  This can be important for laser techs especially, as lasers tend to use A LOT of electricity.

Shared Space

You may want to consider a shared space, like a room in a salon suite building, a room at a salon, doctor’s office, wellness center or other professional space that is shared by other professionals.  Benefits usually include paid utilities, internet, and maintenance of the general space.  Also, if you are in a space where your “ideal clients” already visit, you could be setting yourself up for professional connections and cross-referrals (see below).

Cross-referrals

If you are offering laser hair removal services in Scottsdale, for example, wouldn’t it be great to be around other businesses that offer services that are complementary to your offerings? Or wouldn’t it be a bummer if you were one of 3 laser hair removal places in the same strip mall?  Consider how choosing a space can help you grow your clientele with little effort. If you choose a space with multiple businesses in it (such as a salon suite building or a strip mall,) you can often negotiate with the landlord to limit the number of or prevent other businesses that offer your same services from renting at that location.

Esthetic

We experience with all our senses, and we want our clients to love their full experience and look forward to visiting again.  You want a space that is also comfortable, functional, and pleasing to you – hopefully you are going to be spending a lot of time there!  Comfortable, clean, and relaxing are 3 things you should seek for your spa.  Don’t go overboard racking up expenses though! Also consider the esthetic of the area, the parking lot, and the surrounding businesses.

Vibes

Not many people talk about this one, but do not ignore it!  Our intuition tells us things that we may not see on the surface.  If you get a good feeling (relaxed or excited) when you are touring a space (and speaking with the other professionals in the space), mark that down as one of the benefits of the space.  Conversely, if you get an uneasy feeling, listen to your instincts!  Something may look good on paper, but it may have hidden issues.

Flexibility

Consider how flexible the rules and timelines around your space may need to be.  If you are just starting out, you may not want to sign a 5-year lease.  If you need a space in 3 months, but the landlord is pressuring you to take on the space immediately, that may be a red flag.  Consider what your needs are (and will be in the future) – is it available to you during evenings and weekends? Can you sublet your room to another professional part-time?  What are the noise restrictions?

Your spa space is an important decision.  I hope these tips help you in your search!

If you are starting your aesthetics business in Arizona and are looking for an experienced (and helpful) medical director, I'd love to speak with you!  I offer medical director services in the Phoenix Metro area (Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Glendale, Surprise, etc.)  You can set up a phone meeting with me by clicking this link.  Best wishes!