Advice on Starting Out as Mobile Esthetician

Hi Everyone,

I am about to embark on a career change by starting esthetician school after years in the corporate world. My daughter will also be starting school. She is interested in make-up application and I am interested in facials/waxing/body wraps, etc.

It will take me a number of years to transition out of my corporate job so I am thinking about starting out by working part time doing "mobile" services to my business contacts. (Yes, I have checked on regs, etc. in my state). I'm hoping to get some advice on what products/services/tools are suitable for mobile work, and approximate costs.

Right now I am trying out different product lines to build my familiarity with them, as well as doing research on services in my area. Any ideas on what I should consider for"start up" so I can estimate costs & plan my training - such as a basic line of facial products, mobile bed/stool, dermafile, ultrasonic spatula...etc....

Thanks everyone!!

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Permalink Reply by Shelley Hancock on May 30, 2012 at 10:08am

Hi Kate....congratulaitons on making the switch! This is a wonderful industry. After almost 25 years, i still have a ton of passion for it! I've got some really effective, inexpensive, small (easy to transport) tools on my website. Have a peek around and then feel free to give me a call if you'd like to chat.

http://www.shelleyhancock.com/skincareprofessionals.html

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Permalink Reply by Cindy Greenwood on May 30, 2012 at 7:11pm

After you are in school it will be easier to really evaluate product lines.

Hopefully your school will get you familiar with ati least one major professional line.

Then you can go from there.

It's kind of hard to make a decision when you are still so new!

And most professional lines will only sell to licensed estheticians - so you may not have access right now to the better lines.

I read lots of trade magazines while in school, visited a ton of websites and attended trade shows...besides being interesting and fun, I learned a lot.

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Permalink Reply by Kate Rodrigue on May 30, 2012 at 8:43pm

Thanks Cindy - great point. I am able to try various brands now by getting facials, and I do have some Skin Script samples. My skin is sensitive so I have always been a good guinea pig :0) I figure if a product line appeals to me because it is simple to use, effective, and at a reasonable price point then it will appeal to my target market.
My biggest concern right now is calculating a return on investment. Yes, my degree is in business...luckily with experience in marketing as well as finance! I want to make sure I am financially prepared by educating myself on retail markup, as well as profitable services. As I want to start out mobile, I want to focus on doing less with more - so small portable tools that are relatively easy to clean are what I will start with.
I am also wondering about services that are easily mobilized but profitable. For example, someone suggested eyelash extensions versus body wraps because of mess & toting products, etc.