The Easiest Ways to Start a Side Hustle in NZ (Even If You Have a Full-Time Job) - Brows & Lashes

Starting a side hustle as a brows and lashes professional in New Zealand is an empowering way to enhance your income and help clients look and feel their best. Whether you operate in Auckland’s bustling beauty scene or provide mobile services in smaller towns, these Kiwi-focused tips will help you connect with local clients and manage your side hustle alongside your full-time job.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Know Your Local Beauty Trends

New Zealand’s beauty preferences vary between regions, with bold lash extensions popular in urban Wellington and natural looks favoured in smaller communities like Nelson.

Weirdly enough, some clients prefer eco-friendly and cruelty-free products, so offering these can set you apart.

Understanding local tastes helps you tailor your services and marketing messages effectively.

2. Create a Yada Profile

Yada is a user-friendly NZ platform connecting brows and lashes specialists with local clients without charging lead or success fees.

The platform’s rating system enhances visibility for trusted professionals, helping you secure more bookings.

Its mobile-optimised interface lets you manage appointments and client chats easily between jobs.

3. Offer Flexible Service Packages

Provide clients with options like lash lifts, tinting, brow shaping, and combination packages to accommodate varying needs and budgets.

Offering loyalty discounts or referral bonuses, as practiced by a Christchurch technician, encourages repeat business.

Diverse packages make your side hustle attractive to a broader client base while allowing you to manage your time efficiently.

4. Advertise on Local Beauty Platforms

Besides Yada, leverage local Facebook groups, health and beauty boards, and community noticeboards where clients actively search for services.

Including high-quality photos of your work and clear pricing builds client confidence.

Cross-platform presence increases enquiry volume and client diversity.

5. Collect and Showcase Client Testimonials

Genuine reviews and before/after photos from happy clients build trust and help new clients choose your services confidently.

A Wellington lashes specialist found that posting client testimonials on social media significantly boosted bookings.

Word-of-mouth recommendations are powerful allies in growing your side hustle.

6. Network with Local Beauty Professionals

Partner with hairdressers, makeup artists, and wellness centres for mutual referrals and package deals.

In Dunedin, a brows technician expanded her client base through collaborations with local salons and wellness studios.

Strong professional networks support steady and sustained growth.

7. Create a Simple, Mobile Website

Build a professional-looking site with Wix or Google Sites featuring your services, testimonials, and easy contact options.

Regular updates showcasing your latest work keep your portfolio fresh and engaging for visitors.

A well-presented online presence enhances professionalism and encourages bookings.

8. Share Beauty Tips and Tutorials

Posting simple care tips, product recommendations, and styling tutorials on Instagram or Facebook helps you build a loyal online audience.

Weirdly enough, authentic, casual content often resonates more with local clients than highly polished ads.

Consistent sharing keeps you top of mind and drives enquiries without hard-selling.

9. Manage Scheduling and Client Communication

Utilise Yada’s booking and messaging tools or third-party apps like Calendly to organise appointments efficiently.

Clear communication of your availability and policies fosters trust and reduces cancellations.

Good organisation helps maintain work-life balance and client satisfaction.

10. Keep Developing Your Skills

Stay updated with new treatment techniques, safety standards, and beauty trends through workshops and online courses.

Joining professional groups like BeautyNZ helps with networking and continuing professional development.

Ongoing education ensures your services remain relevant and in demand.