Depending on what you offer, that is going to dictate what you end up purchasing. Do you plan on offering a full line of services out the gate? Monomer and polymer vs gel, enhancement/overlays, are you offering pedicures (some techs are a hard no with feet), efile manicures, the list is endless. Getting into each element is a bit pricey. Also try to not commit to a line before you try a few products. Do as much research as you can, see if the people in your classes are willing to split up the cost of a few trial kits from professional brands and play with them in class. Keep in mind what works for others might not work for you. If trade shows are back in your area definitely go (when you sign up for a licensing course you will be assigned a temporary license number and this will get you into beauty supply as well as shows)
But a bare bones setup for me at least would be:
Basic table setup:
Table towels
Hand rest (mine has a spot for the curing light to fit under, such a space saver)
Sanitizing station and timer
Sanitizer for implements
Spray or wipe sanitizer for tabletop surface
Hand sanitizer
Spray 99% isopropyl alcohol (cleansing nails of dust)
Work light (I recommend one you can move around a bit so you’re not frustrated by shadows)
A tabletop organizer this is what I use
Pumps for essential liquids. (They also fit neatly into the middle slot on the organizer)
Styptic liquid and bandaids (the goal is to never need it but always have them on hand)
Non latex gloves - exposure allergies are not fun.
Basic Gel Mani:
Orange wood sticks
180/220 nail files
Non woven lint free wipes
Buffer squares
(Wipes, buffer squares and nail brushes will fit in front three compartments of organizer, files and orange wood sticks will fit in the back. I recommend putting a folded paper towel in the bottom so the sticks don’t fall through)
Cuticle pusher
Straight nail clipper
Cuticle softener/remover
Fine cuticle nips
Straight multi tool - this is not the one I have but that flat side is AMAZING at getting dead cuticle/debris out of the sidewall.
Curing lamp - I wouldn’t commit to a wildly expensive one until you’ve set up shop somewhere. (If it breaks doing an unpaid house-call for ‘practice’ tears will be shed.) The ones on Amazon will do just fine in the meantime and they’re $30. Just make sure to read the reviews.
Gel polish - there are so many different brands in so many different viscosities. This is where the trial sizes come in.
Acetone
99% isopropyl alcohol
Gel brushes - again, super subjective. I highly recommend getting different variety packs on Amazon to see what size and shape you like the most and then invest in a quality brush when you decide.
I’m 100% forgetting things but that’s all I have from memory. This list does not touch on overlays or enhancements at all. If you need more info let me know and I’ll do the best I can to help.