I've lived my life one step ahead (but in reality one step behind). Several of my "ideas" are on the streets but not by me. I know nothing about the business compared to all the folks offering advice. I do know though about business in general and seeking lost opportunities. I think you have heard the cons about openning this shop, but I sense you are looking for support. If you're husband (as you describe) has a good job and is making all you need monetarily, then what do you have to lose? Can he repay the $80K you're talking about borrowing? If he can, then you have nothing to lose from my perspective. If he is supportive of your idea and has the ability (and more importantly the willingness) to repay the
loan, then why not go for it. I do question your hairdresser contact. If she's so wildly successful, then why would she want to open a shop with you. Is she going to work it, or is she going to staff it with "unknown" hairdressers. I like your tanning suites, as after I tan I'd like to relax, but from a courtesy perspective I've always departed quickly so the bed was open for the next client (often there's no one waiting, but I feel obligated to "hurry" up. A suite, with a Tanning Bed, Hot Tub, Massage table and a lounge chair would be ideal. As a client I'd willingly pay $100 for two hours to relax - a 20-minute tan, a relaxing 20 minutes in a hot tub, a 45 minute massage, and a 35 minute lounge period would be fantanstic. Today so many people are so busy, but are willing to pay to relax. Since a massage cost $60/hr around here. I figure you'd have to pay the person doing the massage (can't spell massuuusseee) around $40 for the 45 minute massage and that would leave you $55 per session for you. Since hot tubs are about the same price as tanning beds, $55 is a pretty good rate for use of both during the 2 hour period. I may be crazy, but I spent nearly 4 years in Europe and I got real spoiled on the "spa experience."
If you want to do it and your husband can afford it, then I say go for it. If you "lose" then you learned a lot but had a good run at it. Just make sure you're husband understands he may have to work a bit harder to pay off the
loan if it doesn't work out.