How to set up a Websta profile as a beauty specialist in Latvia

What your Websta profile should contain

Your profile page acts as a simple website. Customers will expect to see what you offer, how to contact you, and whether they can book online or need to request a quote first. Start with these core sections:

A profile photo and a short description of who you are and what you specialise in. This appears first when someone finds your profile. Keep it clear - mention your main service and any qualifications or experience that matter in your field.

A services section listing what you offer. For beauty work, this might include service categories like hair styling, colouring, extensions, nails, waxing, facials, or makeup. For each service, you can add a description so customers understand what they are booking.

Photos of your work. Beauty services are visual - customers want to see results. Include before-and-after photos if relevant, photos of your workspace, and examples of different styles or looks you offer. Photos build trust.

Your location and contact details. Websta lets customers filter by area, so setting your town or neighbourhood matters. Add a phone number and email so people can reach you directly if they prefer not to use the platform.

A booking or quote system. Decide whether customers can book time slots directly on your profile, or whether you prefer to receive quote requests and confirm availability yourself. Both approaches work - it depends on how you manage appointments.

Which languages to use on your profile

Websta profiles in Latvia can be published in Latvian and English. Latvian reaches local customers and is the standard business language in the country. English is useful if you want to attract international clients or expat communities in cities like Riga.

Most beauty customers search in their native language. If you work only with Latvian speakers, Latvian alone is sufficient. If you have experience with English-speaking clients or want to build that part of your business, add an English version too. Websta lets you set up your profile in both languages, though you will need to translate or write the sections yourself.

How customers in Latvia search for beauty services

People in Latvia use a mix of methods to find beauty specialists. Some search online - Websta's marketplace lets people search by service and location, so they might type 'hairdresser Riga' or 'nail technician Daugavpils' and see providers nearby. Others use Google or social media. Word of mouth and recommendations from friends still matter.

Websta has a marketplace where customers can also post a task - for example, 'I need a bridal makeup artist for an event in Liepaja next month' - and providers nearby can make offers. This is useful if you want to bid for specific jobs or if customers come to you this way.

Small numbers of customers currently search on Websta in Latvia for beauty services. The platform is still growing in the country. This means less competition if you set up early, but also that you may need to let people know your profile exists - through your own website, social media, or by word of mouth. Websta works best as one part of how you market yourself, not as the only channel.

What to sort out as an independent beauty provider in Latvia

If you work as a sole trader or self-employed in Latvia, you need a few practical things in place. Register as self-employed with the State Revenue Service (Valsts ieņemumu dienests) if you have not already. This is a legal requirement. You will get a registration number and tax obligations.

You must charge VAT and handle tax returns, unless you qualify for a small business tax exemption - check the current rules with the State Revenue Service, as thresholds change. Keep records of your income and expenses for tax purposes.

Health and safety rules apply. If you work from home, make sure your workspace meets basic standards for hygiene and safety relevant to your service - for example, proper ventilation and sanitation for nail or waxing services, or a safe setup for hairdressing. The local authority (pašvaldība) in your town can advise on what is required for your specific service.

Insurance is worth considering. Professional liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong - for example, an allergic reaction or an injury. Check with an insurance provider about what is available and sensible for your work.

Payment processing works through Stripe on Websta. Customers pay by card through your profile, and the money goes to your own bank account. You need a Latvian or EU bank account to set this up. There are no hidden fees on Websta's side for this - Stripe charges standard card processing fees.

What to write in your first hour

Do not try to perfect everything at once. Set up the basics first and add more later. Start with:

A profile photo - a professional-looking headshot or photo of you at work. This takes minutes.

A one-paragraph description of your service and experience. For example: 'I offer hair colouring, cuts, and styling. I have 5 years of experience and specialise in balayage and natural colours. I work from my studio in central Riga.' Keep it honest and clear.

Your main service or services - even just three or four to start with. You can add more detail later.

Your location - the town or neighbourhood where you work. This is how customers find you.

At least two or three photos of your work. If you do not have many yet, add them as soon as you can.

A phone number and email so people can contact you. You do not need to decide on booking versus quotes immediately - you can change this later.

Why a profile matters for your business

A Websta profile gives you a web presence without needing to build or pay for your own website. Customers can find you through the marketplace, see your work, and get in touch or book directly. It is an extra channel alongside social media, word of mouth, or your own website if you have one.

The platform is designed for local services, so the focus is on customers near you. If you work across Latvia or in a specific town, your profile will show up in searches from that area.