How to Start a Microblading Business

In today’s Instagram-led, celebrity-driven culture, everybody wants to look flawless all the time. US aestheticians are seeing increased business as more and more Americans seek out perfection, with permanent makeup solutions like microblading and microshading of eyebrows.

Although the pandemic slowed the growth of beauty services, it’s already begun a full recovery. The global aesthetics industry is projected to grow a stunning 13% per year through 2024. Becoming a microblading artist takes considerable training and practice, but now is a great time to break into the industry, help people look and feel great and make fantastic money. 

Before you dive into starting a business, you’ll need to learn what it takes. Fortunately, this step-by-step guide contains all the entrepreneurial insight you’ll need to start your brilliant microblading business. 

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons

Starting a microblading business has pros and cons to consider before deciding it’s right for you. 

Microblading industry trends

Industry size and growth

Microblading falls under the medical aesthetics industry category. 

• Industry size and past growth – The global medical aesthetics market was worth $63.5 billion in 2021. The recent pandemic caused the industry to decline over the last several years, but it is back on the rise.((https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/medical-aesthetics-market))
• Growth forecast – The global medical aesthetics industry is expected to grow at an annual rate of 12.8% through 2024.((https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171023006050/en/Global-26.5-Billion-Medical-Aesthetics-Market-to-2024—Research-and-Markets))

Trends and challenges

Trends in the microblading industry include:

• New microblading techniques are being developed to provide clients with a variety of different looks. These techniques include microshading, micro feathering, and ombre.
• While microblading was initially very popular with women, more men are choosing the service to enhance the appearance of their brows.

Challenges in the microblading industry include:

• Underqualified technicians often take clients from more experienced microblading artists, as their prices are cheaper.
• Clients may have unrealistic expectations, resulting in them being unsatisfied with results.

Price differences across the country

• Most expensive – Microblading services are most expensive in New York City, with an average price of $800 per session.
• Least expensive – Microblading services are cheapest in Florida, where the average price of a session is $450. 

How much does it cost to start a microblading business?

Startup costs for a microblading business range from $4,000 to $12,000. The largest costs will be related to training, buying supplies, and setting up your website. 

Microblading artists undergo extensive training as states typically require them to carry specific licenses. The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals and The American Academy of Micropigmentation are great resources for accredited training programs in your area.  

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your microblading business, including:

• Chair or bed
• Pigment
• Microblades 
• Sanitary and sterilization supplies
• Certification 
• Website

Start-up Costs	Ballpark Range	Average
Licenses and permits	$100-$200	$150
Insurance	$100-$200	$150
Marketing and advertising	$500-$100	$300
Website	$1,000-$3,000	$2000
Software	$25-$100	$62
Microblading Certification	$2000-$4000	$3,000
Microblading Equipment & Supplies	$500-$4000	$2250
Miscellaneous	$200-$500	$350
Total	$4,425-$12,100	$8,262

How much can you earn from a microblading business?

A reasonable starting rate for a new microblading artist would be $400 per service. If you’re working out of your home or traveling to clients, assume a profit margin of 80%

In your first year or two, you could see three clients per week, bringing in nearly $70,000 in annual revenue. This would mean $50,000 in profit, assuming that 80% margin. As your business gains recognition, you could increase your client base and sell 12 services per week and raise your rates to $600 per session. At this stage, you’d hire more staff and rent salon space, reducing your profit margin to around 40%. With annual revenue of around $420,000, you’d still make a handsome profit of $150,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a couple barriers to entry when starting a microblading business. Your biggest challenges will be:

• The required certifications, training, and practice hours
• Setting yourself apart in an increasingly competitive market

Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a microblading business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research microblading businesses in your area to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a microblading business that provides corrective brow services. You might also consider combining microblading services with eyelash extensions or waxing services. 

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your products or services

You’ll be offering microblading services in any number of specialized techniques, which could include ombre or microshading. You could also offer brow consultations. 

How much should you charge for microblading services?

The average cost for microblading services in the United States is $600. Prices depend on your certification, level of experience, and quality of your equipment and pigments. As a new microblading artist, $400 per session is a good starting rate. 

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your ideal microblading clients will be individuals interested in non-invasive permanent makeup solutions. Microblading is popular with young adults and seniors alike. Focus your social media marketing efforts on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. 

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out a physical storefront. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist, Crexi, and Instant Offices.

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Microblading Business Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “permanent makeup” or “microblading”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Brow Perfection” over “Ombre Brow Studio”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step Business Name Generator. Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Microblading Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• Executive Summary: A brief summary outlining the core elements and goals of your microblading business plan.
• Business Overview: A concise description of your microblading business, including its name, location, and mission.
• Product and Services: An outline of the microblading services you offer, including pricing and unique features.
• Market Analysis: An examination of the microblading market, including target demographics and demand trends.
• Competitive Analysis: Evaluation of your microblading competitors and their strengths and weaknesses.
• Sales and Marketing: Strategies for promoting and selling your microblading services, such as advertising and outreach.
• Management Team: A brief introduction to the key individuals managing and operating the microblading business.
• Operations Plan: Details on how your microblading business will operate, including location, equipment, and procedures.
• Financial Plan: Projections for revenue, expenses, and profitability for your microblading business.
• Appendix: Supplementary materials like resumes, licenses, or additional information supporting your microblading business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to microblading businesses. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your microblading business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC, which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization, and answer any questions you might have.

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Venture capital: Venture capital investors take an ownership stake in exchange for funds, so keep in mind that you’d be sacrificing some control over your business. This is generally only available for businesses with high growth potential.
• Angel investors: Reach out to your entire network in search of people interested in investing in early-stage startups in exchange for a stake. Established angel investors are always looking for good opportunities. 
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a microblading business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept. 

Step 8: Apply for Microblading Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a microblading business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your microblading business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as Vagaro, Fresha, or Square to schedule appointments, receive payments, and manage inventory. 

Accounting

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero. 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Marketing

For your microblading business, the marketing strategy should focus on showcasing the artistry, precision, and transformative results of your services. Emphasize your expertise, the quality and safety of the procedure, and the confidence boost your clients receive from natural-looking, enhanced eyebrows. Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

Kickstart Marketing

• Professional Branding: Your branding should convey beauty, elegance, and precision. This includes a well-designed logo, stylish business cards, and a professional, visually appealing studio or salon space.
• Direct Outreach: Network with local beauty salons, spas, and estheticians. Consider offering them a partnership or referral program. Collaborate with local influencers who can showcase your work to their followers.

Digital Presence and Online Marketing

• Professional Website and SEO: Develop a website that highlights your portfolio, client testimonials, and detailed information about the microblading process. Optimize for SEO to rank for local searches related to microblading, eyebrow enhancement, and beauty services.
• Social Media Engagement: Utilize Instagram and Pinterest, where visual content is crucial, to showcase before-and-after photos of your clients. Use Facebook for sharing customer reviews, promotions, and informative content about microblading.

Content Marketing and Engagement

• Beauty Blog: Share blog posts about eyebrow care, beauty tips, and the benefits of microblading. Include posts that answer common questions and demystify the process.
• Email Newsletters: Keep your clients informed about any special offers, new services, or slots available for appointments.
• Video Content: Create videos showing the microblading process, client testimonials, and FAQs to engage potential clients and build trust.

Experiential and In-Person Engagements

• Open House Events: Host open house events where potential clients can learn about microblading, see your studio, and consult with you about the procedure.
• Participation in Beauty Expos: Attend beauty expos and trade shows to showcase your skills and network with potential clients and industry professionals.

Collaborations and Community

• Collaborations with Influencers: Partner with local influencers for microblading services in exchange for social media exposure.
• Community Engagement: Participate in local community events or charity functions, offering your services as prizes or for demonstrations.

Customer Relationship and Loyalty Programs

• Loyalty Rewards Program: Implement a program that offers discounts or complimentary touch-ups for repeat clients.
• Referral Discounts: Encourage word-of-mouth referrals by offering discounts to clients who refer new customers.

Promotions and Advertising

• Targeted Local Advertising: Use local advertising in lifestyle magazines, beauty blogs, and online platforms to reach your target audience.
• Special Offers and Package Deals: Provide introductory offers or package deals to attract new clients and encourage them to try microblading.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your microblading business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your microblading business could be:

• We specialize in beautiful brows that wow!
• Mobile microblading to fit your busy schedule 
• Make your face flawless with microblading

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a microblading business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in cosmetic tattooing for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in permanent makeup. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a microblading business include:

• Administrative Assistant: Greet customers, manage appointments and cancellations
• Microblading Artist: Perform microblading services
• General Manager: Bookkeeping, order supplies
• Marketing Lead: SEO strategies, social media  

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Microblading Business – Start Making Money!

The medical aesthetics industry is poised for explosive growth, and microblading has never been more popular. If you dedicate yourself to getting the proper training and honing your skills, you can be well on your way to a rewarding career as a microblading artist. 

Now that you’ve done your homework, it’s time to begin your entrepreneurial journey. Get out there and start your microblading business!