Lash Tech Course Graduate: Your First 30 Days Business Checklist

Graduating from your lash tech course marks the beginning of your professional journey in New Zealand’s thriving beauty market. The critical first 30 days after certification determine whether you’ll build a successful business in Auckland, Wellington, or regional centres, or struggle to find clients. This comprehensive checklist, developed from successful Kiwi lash tech course graduates’ experiences, provides daily actionable steps that transform your qualification into a profitable business generating consistent bookings within your first month.

Days 1-7: Foundation and Legal Setup

Business Registration and Insurance

Your first priority after lash tech course completion involves establishing legal business foundations in New Zealand. Register for an IRD number and GST (if expecting over $60,000 annual revenue) through the Inland Revenue Department immediately – this free online process legitimizes your business and enables professional invoicing.

Professional insurance protects your entire future in New Zealand’s regulated beauty industry. The Insurance Council of New Zealand reports that uninsured beauty professionals face average liability claims of $50,000 NZD. Comprehensive coverage costs approximately $400-$600 annually – a small investment protecting against catastrophic losses. Never perform even practice treatments without active insurance.

Choose your business structure carefully. Sole trader registration offers simplicity for new lash tech course graduates from New Zealand Learning Online, though incorporating provides better asset protection. Consult Business.govt.nz guidelines for beauty businesses, understanding GST requirements and tax obligations.

Workspace Preparation

Creating a professional workspace immediately after your lash tech course establishes credibility crucial for attracting Auckland’s North Shore clientele or Wellington’s professional women. Whether working from home, mobile, or renting space, your setup must meet hygiene standards and create relaxing environments.

Document your workspace with high-quality photos for marketing materials. These images become essential for website content, social media posts, and advertising in local Facebook groups like “Auckland Beauty Services” or “Wellington Lashes and Brows.”

Organize supplies systematically using knowledge from your comprehensive lash tech course. Create designated zones for different lash types, adhesives requiring specific storage conditions, and client comfort items.

Days 8-14: Marketing Foundation and Brand Development

Digital Presence Creation

Launch your digital presence immediately, as modern Kiwi clients research services online before booking. Create Instagram and Facebook business accounts using consistent branding. Your lash tech course portfolio work provides initial content while you build client results.

Website creation using NZ-based platforms like Rocketspark or international options like Squarespace provides professional online presence. Include essential information: services, pricing, booking options, and your lash tech course certification from New Zealand Learning Online.

Google My Business registration puts your business on maps crucial for local searches in suburbs like Ponsonby, Newmarket, or Wellington’s CBD. Complete every profile section and encourage reviews.

Pricing Strategy Development

Establish pricing reflecting your skills while remaining competitive in your local market. Research competitors in your area but don’t undersell – Kiwi clients often associate low prices with inferior quality. Start slightly below market average ($80-$100 for classic sets) planning increases after establishing reputation.

Create service packages encouraging higher spending. New client specials combining full sets with first fills at modest discounts attract bookings. Consumer NZ reports that service packages increase average transaction values by 35%.

Days 15-21: Client Acquisition and Networking

Launch Promotion Execution

Announce your business launch strategically across all channels. Offer limited-time launch specials creating urgency: “First 10 clients receive 30% off full sets.” Your lash tech course friends and family who modelled during training become first paying clients.

Partner with complementary businesses for cross-promotion. Approach hair salons in Westfield malls, nail technicians, and makeup artists about referral relationships. These partnerships provide consistent client flow beyond initial promotions.

Host a launch event showcasing your skills. Invite potential clients for mini consultations, demonstrating lash mapping and discussing desired looks. Events create personal connections converting prospects into loyal clients.

Model Call Strategy

Conduct strategic model calls offering discounted services for photos and reviews. Target diverse models representing different eye shapes common in New Zealand’s multicultural population. Document every service meticulously with before, during, and after photos.

Create time-lapse videos of applications that mesmerize social media audiences. According to Social Media NZ statistics, video content generates 1,200% more shares than images in the New Zealand market.

Days 22-30: System Optimization and Growth

Booking and Payment Systems

Implement efficient booking systems minimizing administration. NZ-based platform Timely or international options like Fresha automate appointment scheduling, send reminders, and process payments. These systems reduce no-shows by 30%.

Establish clear policies regarding deposits, cancellations, and late arrivals. Require 48-hour cancellation notice and 50% deposits for new clients – standard practice in successful Auckland and Wellington lash businesses.

Payment diversification accommodates different client preferences. Accept cash, EFTPOS, and digital payments through Stripe or PayPal. Payments NZ reports businesses accepting multiple payment methods achieve 25% higher sales.

Client Retention Systems

Develop retention strategies converting first-time clients into regulars. Send personalized thank you messages within 24 hours including care instructions and booking links for fills.

Create maintenance reminder systems alerting clients when fills are due. Automated messages at 10 days post-service remind clients to book before lashes become sparse.

Implement referral programs rewarding clients who bring new business. Offer free fills or service upgrades for successful referrals – particularly effective in close-knit communities.

Continuous Learning Integration

Schedule dedicated learning time weekly to refine techniques and explore trends popular in New Zealand. Follow local lash artists and international leaders on social media.

Join professional associations like the New Zealand Association of Registered Beauty Therapists for ongoing support and education. Online communities provide troubleshooting support from experienced Kiwi professionals.

Week 4 Review and Month 2 Planning

Analyse your first month’s metrics identifying successes and improvement areas. Track client acquisition sources, service popularity, and revenue generation against New Zealand market benchmarks.

Set specific goals for month two based on learnings. Your lash tech course from New Zealand Learning Online taught adaptation importance – now apply this to growing your Kiwi beauty business.

Successful lash businesses aren’t built overnight, but strategic execution during your first 30 days establishes foundations for long-term success in New Zealand’s beauty market.