If I focus on waxing, will I discredit my path?

Hello Everyone!

I am currently a student and excited to begin my career in esthetics! I am interested in waxing and heard chain wax companies are willing to take on new estheticians. So far, I'm Acing my classes, have a good technique/pressure and I'm right on with my skin care recommendations. I'm afraid if I work for a wax chain and want to work on clients down the road the lack of experience will work against me. Is waxing straight out of school, for a chain company, the way to go or should I focus on facials first, and build waxing experience slowly until I establish a clientele naturally?

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Gariepy on June 4, 2014 at 1:04pm

Hi Kirsten! Thank you for your response. I live in MA and I feel women in this region are not as focused on skin care in comparison to warm weather parts of the US. I may move back to FL at some point and feel there would be more options. You brought up a major point: cash flow. As much as I would love to slowly build a solid following, I have bills and I am the only source of income! A friend of mine (who is an Etsy) tells me to pursue lashes and nails all the time! It seems as if complimentary services in the skin care industry is where the money is at. I am confident with waxing and facials but I agree, after time away from waxing, my confidence and skill levels may decline.

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Permalink Reply by Kirsten Chavez on June 4, 2014 at 1:38pm

Well that does make it more of an issue. I took a somewhat low paying job at a surgeon's office and worked my lash business on the side. Now it is the only thing...If you are interested in lashes, I can tell you it is incredibly lucrative and because there are a lot of poorly done lashes, if you do an excellent job, your reputation spreads quickly. Yelp has been an absolute gold mine for me! But what I have found personally, is that whatever you choose - become the best at that one thing and make a name for yourself. When I was in school, I had the "put as many tools in your toolbelt" mentality, but I have not found that to be the key in real life (maybe others have, just my experience). Think about it, would you rather go get a brazillian from someone who waxes day in day out, or has it on their menu but realistically does it every month or so? If you love waxing, then be the wax goddess in your town - it is doable! That's why brazillian wax boutiques make a mint without anything but maybe other waxing services on their menu...good luck!!

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Permalink Reply by patricia elaine dewey on June 4, 2014 at 7:43pm

I graduated one year ago from Aesthetician school as a second career, and opened my open a waxing room inside a nail spa. Three months after opening the nail spa owner raised my rent 66 %. I could not afford the increase in fee so had to close however, I loved working for myself and was getting repeat clients. I currently work for a massage chain that does facials and waxing so I am extremely pleased. I have taken post graduate classes in waxing, facial massage, skin analysis, and product identification. My suggestion is go for the waxing facility ___learn all that you can and go from there. You will eventually find your nitch and feel comfortable in the waxing area. Best Wishes

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Permalink Reply by Amy Sherman on June 5, 2014 at 11:42am

I became an Esthetician because I liked making soaps and lotions. I had no idea how much I would LOVE LOVE LOVE waxing. I'm one of the best in my area now. I will tell you I love Facials and skincare and have a large following in that area as well. The trick is to be honest and professional at all times. I wouldn't worry about building your clientele as either or. Go for it. The more experience you have with ANYTHING the better you will get. focus on learning business and waxing and you can always work on facials/skincare later. all you have to do is keep up with the craft. :D Sounds exciting!