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Permalink Reply by betty bliss on December 15, 2015 at 4:31pm

I say working in a spa is a better start; and there's many reasons why.  I understand fully the desire for control, I've been there.  It's possible, if you have a substantial amount of savings to fall back on as renting can suck up your entire income if you don't have the traffic flow.  You will also need a lot of energy not only to service clients but to market to them continually.  I learned the hard way.  I was able to acquire equipment which was awesome however I found marketing to be the hardest to control; marketing practices tend to fluctuate.  If you do decide to go solo, I recommend a rental where you can have clients sent your way, such as a medical office or salon.  The rental places you mentioned would be good if you can stimulate biz with the other non-competing renters/businesses.  Positive vibes your way! 

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Permalink Reply by mk on December 15, 2015 at 5:11pm

I would definitely start out in a spa, if not just to build some confidence, capital, and clientele :)  

One perk of working for certain factory-style spas (like massage envy or ulta), aside from the nearly guaranteed flow of clients...they often offer free continuing education!  

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Permalink Reply by Lili Torres on December 16, 2015 at 12:04pm

Thank you for all your help! 

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Permalink Reply by SFCAEsthi on December 17, 2015 at 10:33am

Hi,

Congratulations on earning your license! You want to start at a spa, skincare studio, waxing salon, etc. where they offer good training and/or there's a mentor that you can learn from. If you don't have any related experience on your resume or are not being called back by top spas, here's what happened to me:

I remember how daunting it was trying to find that first job without any experience. I had to start somewhere and ended up first taking a job at Nordstrom's in cosmetics (managed the skincare counter). It was a grind, but I expected it. At least I was able to get familiar with skincare ingredients and various lines ... and once I had that on my resume, spas and salons started calling me back. I had customer service (Nordstrom), sales experience (also had experience from a prior career) that helped me get a foot in the door. I ended up having 2 offers. One was at a place where I would have a lot of freedom, my own room, given supplies, but no one to learn from and I really did not know what I was doing, even though I had schooling and my license. The other offer was from a successful skincare studio that had a strong following and reputation, and I would have a mentor (the owner) that would train me thoroughly. I could not pass that opportunity up. 6 years later, have my own business and owe my success to my former boss ... I learned everything to the detail from customer care, cleanliness, technique, etc.

Best of luck to you!!!

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Permalink Reply by Lili Torres on December 17, 2015 at 11:08am

that gives me hope! thank you for your wonderful response!

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Permalink Reply by Regina on January 2, 2016 at 3:23pm

Hi There-

Congrats! You are taking wonderful steps to an exciting career.......I love esthetics and have built a career in this industry. I think it is wonderful to consider renting your own space however one of the first questions that you should ask yourself is: Do I have the financial means to successfully run this biz for the next  6-12 months?  Do not expect clients to come pouring through the door.  I have not worked specifically with Phoenix or Sola but know and understand the dynamics very well....Can you pay the rent on your own while you build your client base? If you cannot pay the rent without the clients then don't get yourself into that. The last thing you want o do is have a "if you build it they will come approach" that is a definite recipe for disaster.  I don't think you have to work in a spa before getting your own space I think you have to do what is right for your budget, understand your philosophy, find or create a brand that supports your philosophy, and market your brand so that people know that you are there and choose you.  I think you do and be great the first place to start is what differentiates you as a professional? What makes your business different? Have you explored what lines you want to use? Have you looked at financials? Maybe start small and in the mean time please feel free to reach out or call 202-471-0086.  I wish you all the best and am here to help you succeed.

Regina Tucker

Creative Director

beautifullyyoursmetro.com

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