Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Shelley Dodt on December 3, 2013 at 5:39pm

Well I am 59 and female and decided this would be fun and it is. I enjoyed going back to school, setting up my treatment room, giving facial treatments, act. I love all the products and what we can do, but seriously if you need to make an actual living, think again. This business is at women's whims, they are late, they cancel, they buy cheap goods at drug stores, ect. I am going back to school once again for my masters in Mental Health Counseling and plan to give a few facials on the side to suppliment income. Don't feel old, it doesn't even phase me, if you are alive and want to do something, go for it. But, adjust your expectations about income accordingly. The clients I have pay $100 and leave a 20 for a tip, problem is, they are few and far between. People who color and cut hair have it different because someone needs that every three-four weeks, our services as estheticians are seen as luxuries once in awhile. Just my opinion. 

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Permalink Reply by Stuart May on December 4, 2013 at 6:33am

Thank you for your input!

Mental Health is a truly honorable next chapter !

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Permalink Reply by Robbie Penney on December 9, 2013 at 10:56pm

Your marketing to the wrong crowd. I charge 75 for a consultation to weed out the free advice seekers not to mention my time and expertise. If a client doesn't show up for their appt they are charged a 25 fee most will pay for the whole missed session out of respect for my time as a professional. In all the years I have been in business (10) I have only lost one to the no show fee but she does this to her nail tech and hair dresser, the difference is they put up with it. It may be an issue of not educating the client of the benefits to them or a number of things. Maybe you need to re think your target market. Ask your product rep for help or an educator to help with some of the reasons you might me slow.

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Permalink Reply by Bryndl Mar on December 3, 2013 at 6:26pm

Not old nor am I a guy but I AM new tot he biz and have been really successful so far. Why? I have priced myself to work not to be paid what I am "worth".  (I charge $55 and my clients still tip me between 10-20 each session)

I have a good effective & cost efficient line (SkinScripts) and I work out of my home so very low overhead. I use social networking and manage myself as my brand carefully. Only been at it 6 months but currently filling my books through January and hoping to be leaving my other job bar tending by spring if this all keeps up. Diversify your income streams I am a doTERRA IPC as well and that supplements my practice nicely.

Do I make a ton of cash? Nope but it's enough. Am I happy? Yes. I love what I do. 

As far as your gender question I believe people can only be as comfortable with you in your role as you are with yourself in that role. Do some soul searching, maybe seek out some male estheticians and talk to them about their experience and unique struggles and strategies. Good luck finding your hearts work in the world!

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Permalink Reply by Stuart May on December 4, 2013 at 6:34am

Very good ideas and thoughts Thank you Bryndi

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Permalink Reply by Amy Sherman on December 4, 2013 at 6:22pm

I quit my job as a social worker and made a killing as an esty! I would find a part time school. I had no I intentions of being an esty. But jumped off and I love it!!! You could make a fortune in the manspa business! It's up and coming!!!

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Permalink Reply by Tatianna Anderson on December 20, 2013 at 9:51am

Wow, I am a bit late to finding this. Anyway, if you are still looking for a little encouragement, you are never too old to learn something new or to refine a skill. You really should just abandon that mentality that you are too old to learn right now because once you become and esthetician you will be a student for life. The industry is always changing and there are plenty of new things to learn constantly. I am not trying to discourage you, the fact that I have to keep learning is why I became an esthetician. I enjoy being a professional student. If you do too, then go for it!

As for money, it all depends on you. If you really are passionate and love what you do, then clients will see that and they will return for that more than they will the price. Also, don't second guess yourself. You know what your time is worth and the prices you charge should reflect that. Things might get hard until you get some practical experience and that is where the $13 and hour comes in, but it sounds to me like you have a bit of experience. 

I, personally, see no reason why you shouldn't pursue an esty license. You should sit down and consider what is your real worst case scenario if you do this? 

From the one male esthetician that I ever met, his clients didn't really care, until it came to getting a brazilian wax from him. They were a little uncomfortable, but he wasn't creepy or pushy about it so more often than not his clients would could see past his male gender and see him as the professional he was. 

Hope this helps! Good luck! 

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Permalink Reply by Carrie Patrick on December 20, 2013 at 10:10am

In addition to the answers other people have posted, there is a group on the forum for the male estheticians out there to discuss how the profession works out for them -- which might have some good info for you. http://www.skincareprofessionals.com/group/male-estheticians

I think you should do it. Even if you changed your mind later about starting a skin care practice of your own, this training would be a huge additional benefit to your existing skills and knowledge. Even if you stay in your current field of makeup artist, the license would probably help you get better jobs within that field. There would be no down side to getting your license.

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