Before you sign anything
- Confirm your monthly income for the last 6 months — is it consistent enough to absorb the rent?
- Calculate your break-even: how many appointments per week do you need just to cover rent?
- Visit the space in person — check ventilation, parking, lighting, and whether it feels right
- Read the lease carefully — understand notice period, what's included, and any restrictions
- Confirm what setup costs you'll have (painting, fitting, equipment)
- Ensure you have savings for the deposit, first month's rent, and setup costs before signing
The overlap period
If possible, overlap your home setup and new studio for at least 2–4 weeks. This means:
- Setting up the studio before your last home appointment
- Taking new bookings at the studio while finishing existing home appointments
- Testing your new setup with a small number of appointments before you're fully transitioned
- Being able to go back to home appointments temporarily if the studio has issues
Communicating the move to clients
| Channel | What to say |
|---|---|
| Direct message to existing clients | "Exciting news — I'm moving to my own studio in [area] from [date]. New address: [address]. I'd love to see you there!" |
| Instagram post | "BIG news — I'm getting my own studio! 🎉 From [date], all appointments will be at [location]. Link in bio to book." |
| Instagram Story | Behind-the-scenes of the setup process — creates excitement |
| Booking page update | Update address in your booking system before the move date |
Message templates: nail tech client follow-up templates.
Setting up your studio space
- Ventilation: If the space doesn't have ventilation, fit an extractor fan before your first client
- Lighting: Good lighting is non-negotiable — natural light plus a strong overhead or ring light
- Client chair and nail desk: Set up for your working height to avoid back strain
- Storage: Organised, accessible product storage reduces time between clients
- Content setup: Create a spot with a neutral or branded backdrop for nail photography
- Wi-Fi and payment: Test both before your first client
After the move
- Update your Instagram bio, booking page, and Google Business profile with the new address immediately
- Post your studio reveal on Instagram — it's a milestone worth celebrating and drives bookings
- Ask your first few studio clients for their thoughts — early feedback helps you refine the setup
- Track your income vs. rent for the first 3 months to confirm the move is financially working
- If your old clients who didn't follow up haven't booked in 6–8 weeks, send a gentle check-in
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Start free →Frequently asked questions
Will I lose clients when I move from home to a studio?
Some clients may not follow you, especially if the studio is further from them. Plan for a small drop (5–15% is normal) and factor that into your financial projections. Most established clients who love your work will follow. The move often attracts new clients who previously wouldn't come to a home setting.
How far in advance should I tell clients about the move?
Tell existing clients 4–6 weeks before the move date. This gives them time to have a last home appointment if they want, and adjust their travel expectations. Don't tell them too far in advance — you risk them booking elsewhere in the interim.
