Any relevant suggestions welcomed

Hello everyone,

Please forgive me in advance for the lengthy post but I would really like some useful feedback so bear with me.

I have been with ASCP since my second month in beauty school 9 months ago. I have benefited from the webinar resources and forum discussions so thank you all for the interesting and informational threads.

Now on to the issue. I graduated from a 700 hr esthetics program in WA state in late August. I received my license and relocated to Florida 2wks later. (Im a mil spouse so frequent moves factor into a good deal of what I will get to in a bit.) It took about 2 months to get my Florida state license by endorsement which was fine since we needed time to get settled.

I have now been here almost 7months. NO JOB. I have had my resume professionally reviewed, I think that I am well presented and feel good about my skills and ability. I have been on a handful of interviews and cannot figure out where Im going wrong. To be fair my availability may be a concern. I am unable to work outside of school hours and there is no flexibility there. I thought that I would have a leg up on the competition considering that a facial specialist program here only requires 260 hrs. Plus 300 of my hours were clinic so I have experience working with clients.

I have considered opening my own business, and even created a business plan, however that is neither the most practical or desirable option considering I know that relocation is just over 2 years away.

I need help. The first 6 months out of school I was a recent grad. Now I am just unemployed. I attended a Dermalogica partnership school. I was trained with PCA, Bio-Theraputics, and Being True Cosmetics. If anyone Especially anyone in the Florida pan handle can help that would be great.

Thanks for reading. I look forward to your suggestions.

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Permalink Reply by Kristina Smith on February 4, 2014 at 8:18am

I'm so sorry to hear all this! Such a bummer! :( When you say you aren't able to work outside of school hours, does that mean you don't have any availability nights and weekends? I'm still a newbie at this, but we were taught in school from the get-go that you pretty much HAVE to have nights and weekends availability, because that's just the nature of the business. Since people typically work business hours during the day, they rush for relaxation and treatments when they have free time. The job I'm starting soon requires at least one weekend day, and mostly evenings for the other hours. Business is just slow during business hours on weekdays. I think you're right that availability may be a big factor in their decision! :/

Have you thought about freelancing out of your house? Or maybe doing a booth rental? I'm not sure about the laws in Florida if that's legal or not, but it may be a good option so that you can work on your own time, although you may run into some trouble retaining clients with daytime hours only. But, it would definitely be a start, and a way to build a book! And something awesome to add to your resume! :)

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Permalink Reply by Roberta Gilbert on February 4, 2014 at 12:25pm

Kristina,

I appreciate your suggestions. I feel like I have considered my options from every angle. Saturday evenings would be fine, but otherwise Im a full time mom, I insist on being in house when my family is home. Professionally limiting I know, but personally fulfilling. With prom and wedding season coming upon us I also thought about freelance make-up artistry, but a professionally stocked makeup kit is quite an investment; not a good one seeing as this already costly career path is not yet profitable. Thanks again for the tips, and for taking the time to respond.

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Permalink Reply by Valerie Johnson on February 4, 2014 at 11:36am

Hi there, perhaps try looking into working at an Ulta. They are very flexible with work hours and they use Dermalogica in the treatment room. If you stay in the US you may even have options with transferring stores. Good Luck!