How do I find which state is a better place to start a Day Spa and Salon business?

Hi, iCandee20:

You don't mention if you have already gone through a certification program. Even so, you might find it helpful to check out this site: http://www.naturalhealers.com/

Not only do they give a list of certification programs, they also list schools by state and city. I searched on both Pennsylvania and Georgia, and found that both Philadelphia and Atlanta have massage schools:
http://www.naturalhealers.com/metrosearch.php

Schools also have career centers, with contacts about existing businesses within a particular area. You can also search "day spa" for each city and see how many are currently established, to find out your potential competition.

You will also want to think about each location from a personal perspective. Which place would you rather live? If you're going to open a business, you're making a potentially long-term commitment.

Finally, in case you hadn't already found them, here is the list of sample business plans for day spas here on bplans.com:  

http://www.bplans.com/beauty_salon_and_day_spa_business_plan_templates.php

Hope you found this information helpful. Good luck with your business!

hi iCandee20,

My name is Carla I am a licensed hairstylist/barber and I live in Atlanta Georgia and have been in the hair industry for thirteen years in Georgia.  I think you should research state unemployment rate. If people arent working they may not get hair done or done as frequent. I notice a major decline since recession. Have to cut prices due to the $50 weave bars in atlanta and $8 dollar hair cuts. so with that being said Atlanta may not be the best place. Dallas is pretty stable as far as the economy just research. you can see some of my work on facebook under Carla Streater or cuts by design diva.

We offer industry specific market research reports for individual states and counties (as well as national reports). They are a great resource when trying to decide between potential locations.

Unfortunately, the industries are based on SIC codes which lack specificity for some industries. A day spa and salon would fall under the Miscellaneous Personal Services industry, as would all sorts of other unrelated business types. If you're interested, you can see a basic national report  at http://www.bplans.com/industry_reports/report/miscellaneous_personal_service/7299 and from there order reports for Georgia and Pennsylvania, or the specific counties in each of those states that you are considering.

Hi Candee,
If you are interested in opening a day spa in Atlanta, I have a fully built-out day spa space available for lease.  I lease shopping centers and have a center in the Vinings neighborhood in Atlanta.  Please lt me know if you would like more information.  

I am with The Dinerman Group, LLC - www.dinermangroup.com.  

Thank you,
Eve Slaughter
eve@dinermangroup.com