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Permalink Reply by coldsalineplexus on February 26, 2014 at 11:23am

Imitation is the highest form of flattery, and the other esthetician is not going to "steal" your technique by having her friend come in for a service.  Be extremely welcoming, make sure she is comfortable, do a great service, completely put it out of your mind that she is "spying" on you, and let her head out your door glowing and with 3 business cards.  By presenting your highest level of service, and also paying close attention to what you are doing and not making it "look easy," you'll help her (and the esthetician she is friends with) understand that your great service comes out of years of knowledge and practice. If the other esthetician starts offering it, raise your price immediately to show the world that you're not scared of her, and that you give the hands-down best service.  It all sounds counterintuitive but these are the ways you make your mark in your world.  And you never know, you might get a call from the esthetician herself offering to pay you big bucks to train her in your method.

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Permalink Reply by Tara Borders Dollar on February 26, 2014 at 11:36am

I wasn't entirely worried about the spying part because the other esthetician has been in my shop before. I guess I am just stressing about worse case scenarios. Like the person who wants to come in just later on says it was a horrible experience or what not. I live in a very very very small town where people thrive on rumors and gossip. That is what is making me nervous.

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Permalink Reply by coldsalineplexus on February 26, 2014 at 12:44pm

That's exactly why you've gotta do everything by the book.  Intake form.  Offer a cup of tea.  Make sure there are zero contraindications.  Ask if she has ever had the service before.  Have her sign off a zillion consents.  Document document document...  but be a lady and be totally inviting into your space.  She may wind up spreading the word about how professional and talented you are.

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Permalink Reply by Tara Borders Dollar on February 26, 2014 at 2:32pm

Thanks! That's exactly what I did. She ended up getting another service as well. She did complain about having to fill out forms and that no one else makes her lol.

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Permalink Reply by coldsalineplexus on February 27, 2014 at 5:43am

Oh well. If she leaves a yelp review complaining about having to fill out forms, all that does is make you look more professional.

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Permalink Reply by Amy Sherman on February 26, 2014 at 7:32pm

I live in the same kind of small town where another person spread untrue rumors about my business. I will admit it hurt at first. Then I realised that this business is not for sissies. I not once have ever said anything negative about anyone else in this business nd when others ask, I generally say something positive such as "she does a great eyebrow wax" etc. There is more than enough business to go around. Why not call her up and ask to meet for lunch and talk shop? Maybe she does a service you don't do and would be a good person to refer to? 

Someone once told me to treat all of your clients like your best friend. The rumors will die if it's a lie. People see through that.

I agree with coldsalineplexus. Kindness and compassion won't hurt either. You got this. And if she spreads rumors, so what?

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Permalink Reply by Marisol Leon Haynes on March 12, 2014 at 8:13pm

I would give her the best damn brow and tint she's ever seen.

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Permalink Reply by Fredrick Ricco on March 12, 2014 at 11:41pm

I have also gone through the same experience maybe 3 months ago. But as recommended by my sister I took it as a challenge. When the person visited me for her appointment, I gave her one of my best service. After that I heard that she had recommended my name to 5-6 people.

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