It can be daunting to start a spa business in Nigeria, particularly given the country’s low ranking for ease of doing business. However, the process can be manageable and relatively stress-free with the proper guidance and tools. 

How well you start your business will determine if you succeed or fail. This holds true whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time business owner. 

Data reveal that around 20% of new businesses will fail within the first two years of operation and 45% in the first five years. Only 25% of them will still stand by the fifteenth year. A major cause of this harsh business reality is poor preparation and execution. 

In this blog post, I’ll show you how to start a spa business in Nigeria successfully. From choosing the type of spa you want to run to implementing a foolproof customer service approach, you’ll get everything you need to begin. 

You’ll also be getting a business plan template and spa equipment checklist, both for free. 

But before we jump right in, let’s see what “spa business” means and why you should start one. 

What is a spa business?

Spa describes places that offer a variety of wellness treatments that focus on beauty, rejuvenation, and relaxation. 

A spa business is a commercial establishment that provides treatments for its customers for a stated fee. 

Treatments may include facials, massages, nail care, body scrubs, waxing, and hydrotherapy. Some spas have additional amenities like hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms. 

With this clear definition of a spa business, let’s see why you might want to start one in Nigeria right now. 

Why is starting a spa business in Nigeria now a good idea?

The beauty industry, which includes skin care, has seen impressive growth in the last few years. The upward trend will continue in 2024 and beyond. That means more people will visit beauty establishments, such as spas, now and in the future.

With Nigeria’s large population and a rapidly growing awareness of the importance of self-care and wellness among its residents, the country’s spa industry is poised for unprecedented growth. Your spa business will be well-positioned to utilise this boom to maximise its investment and create employment. 

Now, let’s see a step-by-step plan to pull it off successfully. 

How to start a spa business in Nigeria in 11 simple steps 

Every successful business first had to start. So did every failed business. Often, the difference between success and failure for a business is how well you start. To increase your spa’s chances of success, here’s how to start right: 

Step 1: Decide on the type of spa

Once you’re sure you want to start a spa business in Nigeria, your next action should be to determine which type. 

There are different types of spas in Nigeria: day spas, resort spas, destination spas, and medical spas (or medspas).  While they may have the common goal of enhancing wellness, they operate on distinct business models and cater to different audiences. 

As a prospective spa business owner, defining the type of spa you’re starting is imperative. You could even opt for a hybrid spa, e.g., a combination of a day spa and a destination spa.

The spa type will determine crucial aspects like service offerings, facility setup, personnel recruitment, marketing, target customers, etc. The decision sets the foundation for your spa’s identity and eventual success. 

Step 2: Register your spa with the CAC

Pick a business name and register it with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). It’s a legal requirement for your business to exist in Nigeria. 

During registration, the CAC will require you to provide some information about yourself and your spa, including the business name, contact details of the business (phone, email, and address), business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership), and forms of identification for the owner(s). 

After registration, the CAC will issue you a certificate to make it official. 

Resist the temptation to start your spa without registration with the authorities, as this may rob you of benefits like a legal identity, business protection, eligibility for a corporate account, access to loans and grants, and credibility with investors.  

See this comprehensive guide on registering your business name in Nigeria.  

Step 3: Acquire necessary business skills

Running a successful spa in Nigeria requires some business know-how. If you’ve managed any business before, the experience will come in handy when starting a spa. Otherwise, you’ll have to do some learning beforehand.  

You can get the necessary training to start your spa in several ways, including getting a brief apprenticeship with an established spa, consulting with existing spa owners, or even taking an online course (like this one on Udemy).

However, if you don’t have the time or bandwidth to do any of that, you can simply hire an experienced spa manager to help you get things started. Read more on the second approach in step 8.

Whatever you do, ensure you have expert hands to manage your spa when it starts. 

Obtain required licenses and permits

Also, you’ll need to get necessary licenses and permits, including a health permit, fire safety permit, and environmental permit. This stage is the best time to ensure your beauty business complies with government laws and regulations. An example is confirming that your chosen manufacturers supply you with NAFDAC-approved products. 

Step 4: Write a business plan

Next, your spa needs a business plan. 

Think of this plan as a roadmap for your spa. Something that lets you analyse what and who you need to start your business and stay on top of things. Several studies show that businesses that follow a strategic plan stand a higher chance of surviving the first few years than those that don’t. 

A spa business plan will cover everything from service offerings and marketing strategies to financial plans and regulatory considerations. Writing a business plan can help your spa convince investors and secure start-up funding. 

Download the Splice Business Plan Template in step 7.

Step 5: Raise start-up capital

Funding options to start your business include:

• Personal savings 
• Money from family and friends
• Grants 
• Investors
• Loans from financial institutions

Considering how resource-intensive it is to start a spa business in Nigeria, your most reliable funding sources will most likely be loans from financial institutions and investors, often, in addition to your savings or assistance from loved ones. 

A business plan in hand makes it significantly easier for you to convince a potential investor and lender to take a calculated bet on your spa. The template above will help you get started. 

Step 6: Pick a suitable location

Location is crucial to the success of your spa. 

The type of spa you intend to establish will determine the ideal business location. For instance, city centres and residential areas with high foot traffic are optimal for day spas. In contrast, destination spas thrive in more secluded, tranquil settings typical of remote locations.  

Furthermore, assess the size of the chosen location to ensure it’ll fit your spa needs. Regardless of where you choose, prioritise safety and easy accessibility for your target customers, staff, and suppliers. 

A well-thought-out location will add to your spa’s overall appeal and success. 

Step 7: Purchase spa equipment and supplies

You need high-quality, specialised equipment and supplies to serve your customers. 

Spa equipment includes massage tables, magnifying lamps with lights, hydraulic chairs for staff, trolleys on wheels, etc. Supplies can range from slippers and towels to oils and skincare products. 

Download our spa equipment checklist and business plan below:

Incorporate management software

Find the right management tool to automate aspects of your business. Good spa management software like Splice will automate appointment booking (including sending reminders to customers), handle customer information, manage staff schedules, track product inventory, process payments, and use real-time data to provide insight into your spa operations.  

Step 8: Hire qualified staff

While you’re getting your equipment and bringing the facilities up to standard, you must also put together a high-performing team to utilise them. The success of your spa hinges on the quality of your team. Hire qualified and experienced professionals. Your team should include front desk personnel, massage therapists, aestheticians, nail technicians, and assistants. 

Furthermore, train your staff on your spa’s core values, equipment use, and customer relations. Also, invest in ongoing training to keep your employees updated on the latest techniques and industry trends. 

Here’s how Splice can help you streamline your staff’s schedule: 

Step 9: Create a service menu

Design a menu that features ALL the services your spa offers, with accompanying prices. If you’re unsure how to price your offerings, research your competitors’ pricing — their website is a great place to start.

To make it even easier for your customers to navigate your spa offerings, categorise your services. For instance,  body scrubs and facials can fall under skincare, while nail care can cover manicures and nail enhancement. 

The rule of thumb is to describe any service that might seem strange or confuse your customers. For example, “Hammam: massage and exfoliation in a steam room.”

The service menu should be available on all your marketing platforms, such as websites and social media. Splice can help you do this.

Step 10: Draft a marketing strategy

This document should detail your plan to promote your spa to reach your target audience and turn them into customers. A solid online presence will be instrumental here. 

Consider implementing a combination of strategies to promote your business. Explore social media marketing, search engine optimisation (SEO), email marketing, and local advertising. You can also use loyalty programs to retain customers. 

You don’t have to use all the marketing strategies at once. Pick some to start with and add more techniques as you grow. 

Step 11: Provide exceptional customer service

In addition to delivering high-quality spa services, your spa must provide exceptional customer service.  

There are two basic ways your spa can achieve this. First, tailor your services to suit the needs and preferences of your customers. Management software like Splice can help provide you with customer information and interaction data, giving you much-needed insight.

Second, ensure your team is knowledgeable and professional at all times. Your customers expect to feel special when they visit your spa; it’s your job to ensure they do. 

Conclusion

If you’ve read up to this point, you know now how to start up a spa business in Nigeria. The next step is to launch your own successful spa. While you’re at it, don’t forget to keep up with industry trends and prioritise customer satisfaction. 

As you focus on getting your spa business off the ground, remember to get Splice to help you automate your day-to-day operations.