I agree with Ally and Enith, it's best to start out in a salon or spa and have formal training. I don't think I could have done it without proper training and wonderful mentors. The experience helped me to find my niche too, so I could run my business with genuine passion and enthusiasm for my services and trade.
I was working on the side doing facials and decided to become legal, so before completing my training I began to look for places to do some internship even though I had my own customers. I looked online and found Ulta, which was opening a new site. They needed stylists and an esthetician. It was the best decision I think for me. It has allowed me to treat all types of skin conditions and gain more experience. Also their estys only use Dermalogica products, this allowed me to attend Dermalogica's entire training program where I have gained expert/specialist status. I still have my side business.