Starting your own practice

Hi fellow Estys! For those of you who have started their own practice, how many clients did you have to feel confident to step out on your own? And what is the minimum # of repeat clients you would recommend to start out w/ a 2 room set up until marketing efforts start bringing new business?

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Permalink Reply by Shelley Hancock on July 11, 2011 at 9:15am

My way of thinking is a bit different...instead of waiting until you feel confident about having enough clients, feel confident now and the clients will come. Take the plunge with certainty that you will succeed and you will succeed. I purchased my first skin care center back in 1990 with only one year experience as an Esty. I was approached by the owner of a small center here in town. She had just gotten the opportunity to move out of State to help open a large franschise Day Spa and she wanted me to take over running her business and she needed my answer by the following morning. I had a fabulous job in a Derm office at the time but I took the leap and went for it. I purchased the business from her 3 months later and ran that business for 15 years. If I had not accepted her offer with confidence, I would never have succeeded. I know this is probably not the nuts and bolts answer you were looking for, but it's definitely food for thought! Much success to you.....Shelley

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Permalink Reply by Gina Williamson on July 11, 2011 at 7:51pm

thank you for this Shelley- as a brand new Esty who is stepping right off the cliff inside a chiro's office with NO clients...!!! I really appreciated the encouragement of this answer!!! makes me feel not so crazy after all! haha

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Permalink Reply by Denise Ivers on July 12, 2011 at 8:11pm

Hi Laura,

I think that the number of clients (repeat and new) is difficult to pin down. There are so many variables.

I agree with Shelley and did something similar. When I left school I looked for work for 4 months and couldn't get hired. Everyone at the time wanted at least 2 yrs experience. This was in 2009 when there were very few jobs available. I took the leap and started my own practice. It was slow the first year but my business has grown much fasted than I had anticipated. In March of this year I started advertising with Trubates.com. Similar to Groupon's business model but better for vendors. Your discounted ads run as long as you wish, not like Groupon's quick 1 day deal. Since then I've had 65 new clients walk through my door and now have at least half returning paying my regular fees. This was an option for me that worked then and continues to work today.

Of course having the money to get started and keep your head about water is key but as Shelley pointed out, having confidence in your skills is what will drive you, bring customers to your door and back again.

Market your business with every opportunity that comes your way. Pass out your business cards, brochure etc... and continue to educate yourself..