Canadian Beauty Business Checklist: From Home Setup to Paying Clients
- Fareeza S
- May 29
- 3 min read
Your step-by-step guide to starting a successful beauty business from home in Canada — by Glam Up Canada, the #1 Online Beauty Academy + Digital Beauty HQ
Thinking of launching your own lash studio, waxing business, brow bar, or skincare service from home in Canada?
Good news: You don’t need a massive salon or a team to start — you just need the right checklist, Canadian-specific info, and a smart setup.
Whether you're starting in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or a small town in between, this blog post will walk you through:
✅ Legal and licensing basics
✅ Home studio setup essentials
✅ How to create a legit brand
✅ The tools and software you’ll need
✅ How to get your first paying clients
Let’s build your dream beauty business — the right way.
📍 Step 1: Decide Your Beauty Niche in Canada
Start with ONE core service that you’re confident in and that’s in high demand in your area. The top trending niches in Canada in 2025:
Lash extensions (classics, hybrids, volume)
Brow lamination or threading
Full-body or Brazilian waxing
Holistic facials and skincare
Mobile services for bridal beauty
💡 If you’re still learning or unsure, we recommend viewing our Beauty Classes to help you decide and plan.
📝 Step 2: Check Your Province’s Rules & Licensing
In Canada, beauty industry regulations vary by province — especially for services like lash extensions, waxing, or skincare.
Here’s a general guide:
Province | Beauty License Required? | Home Business Allowed? |
Ontario | No license required for lashes or waxing | Yes (check zoning) |
Alberta | No license for lashes/waxing | Yes, with AHS inspection |
BC | License not required but recommended | Yes, with home biz permit |
Quebec | Stricter regulations – aesthetics license may be needed | Sometimes, check municipal laws |
Manitoba | No license for lashes/waxing | Yes, usually allowed |
✅ Action Step: Call your local health unit or city zoning office. Ask:
“Can I operate a home-based beauty business offering [service] in [city]?”
🏡 Step 3: Set Up Your Home Studio or Space
Make it legal, safe, and client-ready. Here’s what to consider:
🔹 Physical Setup
Separate entrance (if possible)
Clean, ventilated room (not near pets or kitchen)
Lash or facial bed, trolley, ring light
Lockable storage for tools/products
🔹 Health & Safety Essentials
Covered trash bin
Hand sanitizer + gloves
Disinfectants + Barbicide
Client intake + waiver forms
🎓 Pro Tip: Include a “Studio Sanitation Checklist”
🧾 Step 4: Register Your Beauty Business in Canada
Here’s what you’ll need to go legit:
📍 1. Pick a Business Name
Search for your name on NUANS, Instagram, and domain sites.
📍 2. Register Your Business
Use your province’s small business registry (e.g., Service Ontario or Alberta Biz Connect)
📍 3. Get a Business Number
Free from CRA — you’ll need this for taxes.
📍 4. Optional: Get Insurance
Especially for waxing, lashes, and skincare. Check providers like Notch, Zensurance, or Lloyds.
🎓 All these steps are broken down inside the Beauty Business Essentials course — with links, templates, and how-tos for each province.
💻 Step 5: Create Your Online Presence
A legit beauty business needs a professional digital setup, even if it’s just you.
Here’s your checklist:
✅ Instagram Business Account
Highlight your services
Use Canadian hashtags like #TorontoLashes #LashTechCanada
Post 3x/week minimum
✅ Booking System
Free options: Square, Fresha, or Calendly
Add service list, intake forms, and deposits
✅ Website or Link in Bio
Free: Linktree, Milkshake
Pro: Wix, Shopify, or use a pre-built beauty site
💸 Step 6: Set Pricing & Get Your First Clients
How to Set Prices:
Research 3-5 local competitors
Price slightly lower when starting (but not too cheap)
Include a launch offer or loyalty program
Get First Clients:
Offer free services to 3 friends in exchange for photos/testimonials
List yourself on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and local mom groups
Partner with a hairstylist, MUA, or nail tech for referrals
🛠️ Optional Tools to Save Time
Tool | Purpose |
Canva | Branding, price lists, menus |
ChatGPT | Captions, emails, policies |
Square | Booking + payments |
Descript | Reels + promo video editing |
MailerLite | Email marketing |
Notion | Business planning |
Need help? We include walkthroughs in our course!
✨ Bonus: View Online Beauty Courses Here
Final Thoughts: You CAN Build a Successful Beauty Biz in Canada
You don’t need a 6-figure loan or a huge salon.You just need a clear checklist, the right training, and support from experts who understand the Canadian beauty scene.
And that’s why we created:
The ultimate startup toolkit for new lash techs, waxers, brow artists, and facialists in Canada.
What’s Inside:
✅ Canadian Legal Guide
✅ Editable Business Templates
✅ Marketing Scripts
✅ Pricing Help
✅ Booking & Form
Build your business the smart, simple way — with Glam Up Canada by your side.
