Comment

Comment by Sheila Gordon on November 15, 2012 at 6:11am

I started my own business right out of school as well and I sometimes wish I would have started at a spa first.  I love my career and doing what I am doing and my small handful of clients think I do a great job, but I feel like I don't know the first thing about running a business.  It's a LOT of work and I almost feel that the running a business aspect is sucking my energy (where to netowkr, where to advertise, social media, website, what specials to run, etc etc).  I just think working for a spa I wold see how they do things.  Sayra, that is great that it has worked out for you.  May I ask, how did you first year go?  Did you feel like throwing in the towel after your first year?  Where is your location?  Highly visible area?  I def made a bad choice in my location, the location itself is hidden and not on a main road, although the atmosphere is perfect.  I am struggling to stay afloat and I am teetering on what I want to do, close, get a job part time, go back to school for massage, etc etc. 

Comment by Sayra Hill on November 14, 2012 at 9:10pm

Jaclyn, I appreciate your comment! Since I did not start out in a commercial spa working for someone else ( before I started my own practice)  would you mind sharing with us what valuable lessons you learned before going on your own that you would not have learned if you started your business right away?  I have run my business for 8 years and I am constantly learning what works and what does not work.  My own name is on my business where as if it was someone else's I would be ultimately working for them and I would feel my client would be second in line. Owners and managers of spas make the decisions when it comes to products and what services are offered.  I am passionate about making decisions for my client's best interest.  I would never want to trade the personalized care I gave those first clients, and true I was not as experienced back then, but they knew I cared for them.  Some of us have a different style of belief in ourselves. This assurance comes across to the client regardless of where we consider working.  You may have lacked this self confidence when you decided to work for someone else first. Not everyone is suited to run a business or work for someone else.  It is wonderful that we all have this freedom to choose our future but it must be done by following our heart with wisdom. Failure to do so can lead us down a path of not being able to use our gifts of healing to their full extent.

Comment by J.L. on November 14, 2012 at 7:46pm

Sandy, only you know what is best for your situation. But, I personally recommend getting more experience under your belt and working in a group setting where you can learn as a team. This way you can see what works and what doesn't, and gain more knowledge as an aesthetician.

If you love what you do you will work hard no matter who owns the business - or at least should :).

I wanted to go off on my own immediately, but the lessons I learned allowed me to have a much more successful practice. I believe I am much more confident as an aesthetician, and a business owner.

Comment by Sandy Defilippi on November 14, 2012 at 8:15am

Sayra,

Thanks for  the feedback, I think I know what my next step will be!

 

 

Comment by Sayra Hill on November 13, 2012 at 6:44pm

Sandy,  I graduated and started my own business right out of school. For sure I had alot to learn and I was a little nervous but my first clients felt my passion for caring for their skin and wanted to tell their friends.  Don't let the fact that you are new in the profession stop you from starting your own practice.  There is a special passion,  much deeper and enjoyable than if you worked for a spa, that comes with a since of pride. You give your best because of your reputation as the owner.  If you love independence you will love having your own practice and if you plan correctly you will make more money! 

Comment by Sandy Defilippi on November 13, 2012 at 5:26pm

I just finished esthetician training in September.  I was also an RN for 7 years but I am slowly leaving the business.  I thought that my previous background as a nurse would help me land the perfect job, but I was wrong.  I would love to work at a spa so that I can learn the business and later have a spa of my own.  Since I am having a hard time, I decided to just work by myself, however I am not sure if this is the right move so early on.  Is it always necessary to gain experience first? I'd appreciate your comments.

Comment by Sayra Hill on November 11, 2012 at 2:47pm

Ann, I looked up my own question about raising prices in the ascpskin care hand book. They say the best time to raise prices is Nov. 1. Clients most likely will come in one more time due to the holidays and may want gift cert. It also states if you raise prices Jan 1 they may run for the hills because they just spent money during the holiday season and are looking to conserve for the new year.  Since it is later in this month I am giving notice to my clients this month and the beginning of next month.  So far they have given positive responses when I explained my prices are going up.

Comment by Lisa Hewetson on November 2, 2012 at 10:20am

I am looking to further my education.  Has anyone heard of the National Laser Institute?  Does anyone have any recommendations for learning lasers?

Comment by Ann Prendergast on November 2, 2012 at 6:35am

To Sayra:

After over 5 years I am also going to raise prices and have decided to do it Jan 1st. However, I am going to make the change along with some positive changes so clients don't feel a pinch...every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve I have a gift certificate sale so first I will include the new prices on new service menus with those purchases...secondly I will advertise for new and refined services (right now clients can pick and choose from many different services if they desire) I want to streamline those choices and emphasize the positive changes :) 

Comment by Sandy Bradbury on November 1, 2012 at 3:42pm

And to add I have been in business for almost one year.  Not sure the best accounting methods.  

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