In my 10 years as a licensed esthetician, I have experienced so many parts of the industry.
I was a front desk receptionist
I folded laundry and washed masque dishes as a spa attendant
I completed a 600 hour program as an esthiology student
I was an esthiology educator for nearly 3 years
I worked in a salon/spa as an esthetician
I have worked countless events and with photographers as a freelance makeup artist
I opened my own solo esthetician practice
I ran an online skin care and makeup business leading a team
I have conducted workshops to coach social media tips for beauty professionals
I am working now to create lasting change in our industry in the name of Empathy!
PHEW! Dang. When I write it out like that it really makes me realize how much I have devoted my life to the spa, makeup, and skin care business - and honestly it has been one of the most rewarding and beautiful journeys of my life so far.
Recently I have had an influx of Esthiology students reach out to me for advice on their careers and look for input
One thing I wish I had had while in esthetics school was solid information on how to kick start my own business while I was still in school - instead of simply learning how to be a good employee and perform services.
That kind of knowledge can only go so far once you’re licensed, and really only if you are a part of a well-established salon with a full clientele and you pop in and get a ton of clients from the get-go.
The reality of our current industry is that we often need to build our own reliable client base (which can take years)
so you might as well start now!
Here are my suggestions on ways that you can kick start your business while you are still a student!
How to start your business while in Esthetics School:
Build your personal brand -
clean up your social media! Minimize memes, things that are
shared from other pages and things that don’t fit your big inspired future, Remove photos of partaking in illicit activitiesFind your favorite colors & style (what would your dream color scheme be in your spa? Your business cards? Your website? Do it NOW!),
Dream about your best self and show up as them
I have designed a course to totally demystify this process!
Learn about marketing techniques that go for connection + bookings over “likes” + impressions - This digital guide gives you your own personalized Marketing Blueprint to help you do just that!
Curate an instagram of your work - digital portfolio mixed with personal branding.
Create a new account or shift an existing one so that you don’t have to start followers from scratch (Personal & Business brand - your instagram can be both as long as you keep things in line with your big vision)
IMPORTANT - Ask permission before posting before/after photos
Download this free plan for a week of TRUST BUILDING content ideas!
Partner with a makeup or skin care brand and get affiliate or direct selling links (LimeLife by Alcone!) - You don’t need a license to sell these professional products and earn a minimum of 20% commission
Limelife by Alcone has skin care free of harmful chemicals, direct shipping + generous commissions.
Have friends and family come in for services - ask them to write reviews or refer their people - ask for their emails or phone numbers to keep a basic client list (if your school allows) This will give you a huge head start when you land a job - YOU CAN EVEN post screen shots of conversations - this is amazing social proof.
Scope out places you’d like to work, get a “bridge job” in a community that you’d like to work - think about your “Dream Esthetics Job!”
Join facebook groups about esthetics - There are so many groups that you can niche down according to the brand of skin care you utilize, the state that you’re in, the wax brands you love, marketing mindset, etc.
I have a facebook group called “The Empathetic Esthetician” where we talk about building client relationships and bringing Empathetic Beauty into our practice.
