Hi Christina! I recommend speaking with someone at the BBC in California. You’re fortunate because your state has excellent resources for aspiring small business owners. Give them a call and ask if your situation meets their standards for a home facility. I’m positive they’ll point you in the right direction.

While I can’t find anything outright prohibiting practice outside of a licensed facility, the Connecticut regulations for Barbers and Cosmeticians states that facilities must be licensed and that practitioners must apply for and receive a permit to practice at educational events (like trade shows). Based on that information, I’d argue that it’s either prohibited or regulated. It appears that cosmetologists and the profession in general is regulated more specifically on a city level. Meriden’s regulations can be found here. West Haven’s can be found here. I recommend researching whether or not your city has a set of their own rules, in addition to those imposed by the state.

First, check with the board to find out where you’re permitted to freelance. Some states don’t allow in-home services, or those that take place outside of a licensed salon facility. Then, I’d recommend contacting your state’s small business association. (Most have tons of resources online that you can use to find out about your obligations as a self-employed person within the state.)

Hi Tameeka! You don’t need a full cosmetology license in Minnesota, but you will need a braiding license. You can learn more about how to get one here. You’re fortunate your state has a braiding program. In many states, you actually do need a full license. It’s ridiculous. The braiding course shouldn’t require many hours or much instruction beyond basic health and sanitation, and you should be good to go. 🙂

I highly doubt it. Even if the state permits you to have a home salon, they’ll likely require a separate entrance and all the other things listed in this article. Additionally, an apartment is unlikely to be zoned properly for commercial use. I recommend reading this post.