The Making of an Esthetician

On May 27, 2007, I graduated from Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois, with a bachelor’s degree in English. I started my college career at College of Dupage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and after two years there, I transferred over to Elmhurst. When they told me I had to declare a major, I went for something I knew best, something I was good at. Reading and writing. No math. I told myself I would figure out what to do with it later, and I really hoped that it would all come together.

Sitting at my commencement ceremony on that sunny afternoon, my head couldn’t have felt more clouded. I had no idea where I was headed next. I had looked at a few beauty schools before I even started college, but I was afraid I was making the wrong decision, and my family encouraged me to get my degree. I sat down with a few beauty school admissions counselors and flipped through the textbooks, trying to picture myself as a stylist cutting hair. Though I was somewhat interested at the time, I decided to put it off until after college. I made the decision that if I still hadn’t forgotten about beauty school after another four years of school, then I would definitely go.

For as long as I can remember, I have always been interested in makeup and skin care because I have struggled with skin issues of my own throughout the years. This great passion of mine led me to explore esthetic schools after graduation, which really just confused me even further. Should I choose cosmetology school where they teach you hair, skin and nails, or should I specialize in esthetics and learn just about the skin? Most people don’t realize what a difficult decision that really is. Part of me wanted to know it all, so I was leaning toward a beautiful cosmetology school that I visited. The admissions advisor was so nice and so excited for me, but part of me was still unsure about what program I should to enroll in.

I remember looking at the styling floor and each individual station, trying to picture myself coloring, cutting and creating styles. I think it scared me because I am not even good with my own hair, so I feared that I would not be good at doing anyone else’s. I even e-mailed and called people who were already working in the professional beauty industry to get their advice, and they certainly helped, but the decision still needed to be made all on my own. It’s like I was waiting for someone to tell me what to do.

What really helped me was talking with my boyfriend who suggested going for esthetics and specializing in one area and becoming the “best” at what I learned. The more I thought about it, the more I knew that’s what I wanted. Skin care to me is so much more than a facial. It’s about treating someone’s concerns, and making them feel and look even more beautiful than they did when they walked in. It’s an experience that you and your client share; a time for you to really look beyond yourself and care for someone else for an hour or two. It makes you feel really good about yourself knowing you made someone else feel better. I know from experience, when your skin is in its best condition possible, you are in the best mood possible. Guaranteed.

Since I was about 15 years old, I have been a huge product junkie—mostly makeup and skin care products. And I could hardly ever walk out of bookstore without buying a book about cosmetics. Do you see what this is all leading up to? Esthetics school. That’s right. On September 11, 2007, I began my adventure at yet another school. But this time, I felt like, by the time graduation rolled around, I would have a sense of direction. I would know where I was going. There is nothing I love more than spending a day at a spa or salon and being pampered, so I know I would love to work in a spa or open up one of my own. Although these are just dreams for now, every day, I think of ways about how I can get closer to making this dream a reality.

1. Nicole
   May 16th, 2008 at 6:43 am

   Hi Colleen. What a great story. I myself was lead into getting my degree instead of really following my desire to do something I wanted to do. I graduated from Eastern IL in 2002, and have been working in healthcare ever since, but I am currently thinking about leaving my job and going back to school. Any suggestions for good schools in IL for becoming an esthetician? Are you still happy with your decision to do so?

2. Colleen
   May 19th, 2008 at 12:23 pm

   Hi Nicole, thank you for the comment. Is there any way that you could stay at your job and go to school part time? Some schools (like the one I attend) offer a part time program for those people who work during the day or have families. This might be something you could consider. I always knew that I had an interest in this industry - so I just had to do it. While I still don’t know where I am going with it, I am glad that I am at least pursuing it and will always be able to use it. I am very happy with my decision. If you have a passion for this and you are interested - do it. You will find that you love it too. Everything else will fall into place after that!