Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Crickett Enos on April 20, 2013 at 8:44am

Hi Stacey,

There really is not saying how much you can make in the long run.  It all depends on you and the effort you put in (or that your employer puts in)  These are service businesses and require a lot of time to build.  Whichever you choose, whether you are an employee or independent contractor, be prepared to put in the time needed to build your client base.  It doesn't happen overnight.  It can take up to a year to get a good solid client base built to where you are booked on a regular basis. 

You may see adds for mt's or Estheticians,  but that doesn't mean that you will be making the money you want right away.  Some pay hourly (min wage mostly) and other pay by commission (which means you don't get paid if you don't have clients).  As for hours, yes you can work as many as you want, if you have the clients.

What this means is that, whether you have clients booked or not you need to be sitting in the shop all day every day waiting for them to walk in, that is the only way to build a client base, no matter which way you choose.  Even if you are an employee, it does not guarantee that your employer will have you booked solid (of course this is dependent on where you are).  

Not trying to discourage you, just trying to give you the big picture.  For most of us, when you are starting out you really need a support system (financial and emotional) to get you through while you are building.  If sitting all day waiting for a client to come in so you can make money isn't something you feel you can do, then you might want to rethink your options. 

When looking beauty services, the top is hair (everyone is always going to get their hair done), then nails, then waxing, then skin care, then massage.  Hair, nail and waxing are much easier to build clients as facials and massage are seen as more of a luxury.

Hope this was helpful.  I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do.

Permalink Reply by Monica Grajales on April 20, 2013 at 9:21am

What exactly does the aesthetician program offer? Here in FL, if you go for what is called "full specialist", that means that you are an aesthetician AND can do nails (everything related to nails).  And that's what most employers seek because nails is in high demand. 

Massage therapy is not considered so much a "luxury" treatment because you can work with chiropractors, physical therapists, and you can also do house calls (or at hotels). It's in great demand. But you have to work to build a clientele whether you work for yourself or someone else. As an example, if you work for Essentials Massage and Facials (a new franchise), they charge $25/hr for massage and the therapist only makes $10 per massage.  they will have to be really good and connect with their clients to be booked throughout the day.

As an aesthetician, it's the same thing, but because skincare is considered a luxury service, most people, if they had to choose, will prefer to get their hair done (like Crickett said), then nails, then massage, then a facial.  But facials are more expensive and there is a chance you can make more money if you get paid by commision (and you have a solid clientele which can take time to build). 

You also have the option to work for yourself as a booth renter and go mobile.  I actually did this for a while and worked well because I was booking "sparties" with several people getting facials one after the other while they were enjoying a whole day of girl bonding (eating, talking, joking, etc). 

But the capacity to make more money is doing skincare in the long run.  You can become specialized, work at medical offices, etc.  I will give you an example.  I am a solo esty and rent a space in a multi-services building. I pay $500/month in a beautiful historical building right in the smacking middle of a historical area (it's a bargain!!!).  There was a month where I had absolutely NO ONE coming in.  I was very depressed.  Luckily, I live with my partner, so he helped me with my personal expenses that month.  Two days before the end of the month, I had 3 clients that booked at the last minute. Just 3 clients in 2 days that month.  And with those 3 clients, I made my rent! Now, that was a very slow month in the area, so you have to know what your low season is so that you can be prepared. 

I work by appt ONLY and all I need is 3 clients daily to live very well (my treatments are priced high because I know I can charge that much based on my experience, knowledge, competition, target population and the area my business is located). 

Either way you go, you will need the support of friends and family to make it through the first year after graduation.  Best wishes!!!

Permalink Reply by Vanessa Barrientez on April 20, 2013 at 11:59am

Thanks guys. I didn't ask ths question & that was info I needed.

Permalink Reply by Katrina Matos on April 21, 2013 at 12:47pm

Stacey,
Crickett and Monica responded with some great information and perspective! To that I would add, living in northern CA I find some people will prioritize facials before massage, others the exact opposite. Given your age and situation, I would go for esthetics. I am in my 40's, a certified MT and a licensed esthi. The esthetics is less wear and tear on your body (although good body mechanics are a must for esthi's, too) and has more ways to hit your target income that are easier to do with esthetics -- the longer hours without too much body strain, retail sales, upselling, waxing, makeup, etc. Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Monica Grajales on April 21, 2013 at 3:04pm

Katrina, great point!! I am 45 and I would not get involved in MT at this age. I know it will kill me physically! :-) I no longer have the energy I used to have in my 20s or 30s.

Permalink Reply by Stacey on April 22, 2013 at 2:59pm

Thank you guys for the replies, they are so appreciated.  I think I will go with esthetics and hope there is room in the industry for a 42 year old newbie.

Cheers

Permalink Reply by Monica Grajales on April 22, 2013 at 3:39pm

there is!