I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to do once I graduate and get my license. I can’t believe that I’ll be graduating in 4-1/2 months. It seems just like yesterday I was nervous and anxious to start school!There are so many options, but I really don’t know what I want to do. I’ve had an offer to rent a room at the salon I go to for my hair, but I don’t know if that would be the right move for me, just starting out. The chance to pretty much be my own boss and set my own hours is very appealing, but I know it will be hard. This particular salon has never had an esthetician, so it would be a brand new venture for the owner, too, and that could be good or bad.
I think I would like to work in a salon or spa with other estheticians, and I would love to find someone to mentor me. I really don’t know what it’s like to work in a salon or a spa, since I’ve never worked in one before. Not only that, but I rarely went to a salon for haircuts because I had an aunt and quite a few friends who cut hair, so I would usually go to their houses to get my hair done. And I’ve only had one facial outside of school. I don’t know what to expect in regard to workplace politics; I don’t know what’s the norm for how an esthetician gets paid or even what we would start; and I don’t know if we get any benefits, such as health insurance. What are some questions I should ask when going on an interview?
I also would be interested in working for a skin care or makeup company, but a most of them seem to want you to have two years of experience working as a licensed esthetician. Am I wrong in thinking that, at my age, I don’t have that time? I know I need the experience, so maybe I’m just being impatient. Those of you who went into this field as a career change later in life, what did you do when you first started out?
Jobs I haven’t really looked into include working for a dermatologist, a plastic surgeon or in a medical spa, but I would like to know more about them. What are you responsible for? Do you get paid at an hourly rate or are you salary? Do you get benefits? Are the hours you work flexible at all or is it more of a set schedule? What do you like or dislike about it?
Another thing I’d like to know about is renting space versus being an employee. What are the pros and cons of each? If you rent space, do you have to buy your own equipment and supplies? What do you like or dislike about it?
These are just some of the things that have been going through my mind lately!:) Thanks in advance and I look forward to reading your comments and getting some advice on these subjects.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Hi Sandra. I am currently researching going back to school to become an esthetician, and was wondering how you like school so far? I live in IL in the Chicago are, and I am looking for schools if you have any recommendations? I am 27 and finally deciding to take a chance and make this career move. I was wondering if you can offer any site as to what you have found out so far as far as how other people like their job as an esthetician, do people prefer spas over medical offices, what is the starting salary? Things of that nature. Any information that you would like to share would be great. Thanks in advance, and I hope everything is going well with you.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Hi Nicole! I do really like school. Unfortunately, I don’t have any recommendations for schools since I didn’t do much of the research before I chose to go to my school. Colleen was the one who did all the research as far as calling the schools and going in to visit and getting all the information. She visited quite a few schools in the area. I will tell her you are looking for this information and maybe she can send you an e-mail about it. Ultimately, I did decide to go to this school because it had the best schedule for me, the cost wasn’t too bad, and I just had a good feeling about it when I went to see the Administrator. As for how people like their job as an esthetician, I’m finding from the comments I’ve received that they love it, which is very encouraging to me. I hope more people comment on this entry because I’ve asked some of the same questions you are asking so keep checking back. And if you want to know how school is, check out all of our entries. We talk openly and honestly about our frustrations, fears, and accomplishments. Congratulations on your decision to do this! Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing! Best of luck!
May 16th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Dear Sandra, starting a new career is not easy, indeed. Everyone has her own destiny. Maybe a couple of examples would help you a little.
In Russia you have to have some medical degree in order to enroll for aesthetic program. To make my dream to come true I became a nurse and paid my duty for 11years, overlapping for 6 years with skin care, finally. I started working straight ahead for myself and had a great success from the first month. Although, it was that time when regime hanged in Russia, economy crushed, and almost all of skin care places closed. So, I got right in that niche.
When we came to US 10 years ago I did not know anything about American culture, nether I knew the language. So, I evaluated my documents, past the practical test and gained the license. Next I send my resume to a few day spas, intervewed them and chose the most attractive one.First 6 months were tuff…But after working there for 5 years it became quite clear that my experience overcame my professional satisfaction. Not to mention that I learned a lot from my boss and pairs.
So, I decided to move on and start my own company. I actually found a partner, who does all “behind the scene” work and she is just wonderful!
When a new person comes after school to join our team we alwais tell them to start from a few ours a week and keep their job for financial support. Usually after a few weeks they expand their hours, as they begin to feel more confident. We also recommend to gain a manicurist license to multitask: people drop in for a manicure often, and upgrade their ticket easily if the professional educates them properly during their nail appointment.
I don’t have any particular suggestions, but hope all that I told above helps you a little.
Good luck!
May 16th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
One more thing to mention: two years ago I graduated from a cosmetology program, which I attended to learn more about scalp and what affects it. I loved it to the bottom of my heart and earned lots of knowledge.
Remember, to stay on a good level you have to constantly study!
May 18th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
I love your blog! I teach at Santa Barbara City College and I have shared your blog with my students. We also have a blog, http://www.nourishyourskin.wordpress.com
Thank you for your inspirational work! I will post it on my spa review blog at http://www.spadefined.com
May 19th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Svetlana: Your background is amazing! Thanks for the idea about getting another license in something else, like nails. The thought has crossed my mind. I think that would only benefit me. I appreciate all your comments! You give me a lot to think about! Thanks again!
May 19th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Melissa: I’m so glad you love the blog! I do too! :) That’s great that you share it with your students. I’m sure they can relate to a lot of what Colleen and I write about. I checked out your blog and I really like it. Thanks for posting our blog on your spa review blog. That’s so nice! Hope to hear from you and your students again! Thanks!
May 20th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Hi Sandra! Yeah you for making the leap and going back to school to pursue this dream! I am 41 and made a major life change a few years ago. I have been in cosmetics management (retail) and a freelance make-up artist since I was 17 and 3 1/2 years ago, I left my husband, moved to L.A. and went back to school at night while I worked during the day and cared for my 9yr old daughter. I love my job as an esthetician! In L.A. there are too many to count so there is quite a bit of competition but I found a situation that works great for me. I was getting discouraged in my job search initially because none of the jobs seemed like it would fit my life needs till I found a small but beautiful salon in my town. The most appealing thing about it for me was that it was on a commission basis instead of renting and it was only a couple of minutes from my daughters school and my home. There are some great pros to working on a commission basis for at least a year. Perhaps the salon that offered you a room there would be willing to do a commission split for a year and then you could negotiate a rent from then on. This is important because then the owner has a stake in your business and is more likely to refer the hair clients to you. Most salons will do a 60/40 split or if you are lucky, you may be able to negotiate 70/30. In other words, each client who gets a $100 facial treatment earns the salon $30 and $70 for you! When you have no clientelle, it is important to have something to draw from. Once you have a stable client base, renting makes more sense because you could make a lot more money. You could ask them to partner with you in making your business successful. A smart owner may pay the initial cost of setting up the room and buying basic equipment and supplies in anticipation of future income and if you part ways, they are already set up for the next esthetician. I prefer to own my own wax pot and i bought my own multifunction machine so I can take them with me if I ever leave and they are off limits for other employees. I would suggest researching skincare options you believe in and a basic order for retail product and you can offer .Retail sales support your business and offer huge profits while ensuring client loyalty. In this type of situation, you have to be willing to really promote your business, talk to everyone, hand out cards, etc. Working in an established salon as an employee is good for some people because they pay for everything and handle booking, advertising, supplies, etc. However, as a result, you have to use whatever products they like and some of them issue 1099s. Also, when you work for an employer, you are subject to their schedules and rules. I LOVE that I come and go according to my own needs and I only book my clients when it works for me. Now realistically, you need to be available for clients so I try to be available some nights, some mornings, and some saturdays. I am off sun-tues. But, I can also take a week off whenever I want to or take a beach day, or be home with my sick child. The danger is getting too complacent and not growing in your knowledge. A good esthetician is constantly continuing education. School simply prepares you to pass the state board, but your real education comes after school. You need to really think about what you WANT to do… do you love waxing, makeup, spa style facials?..then find a salon you can do those things. Are you more interested in the science of the skin, peels, other clinical treatments??…then seek working for a derm or med spa. There are great insurance benefits with those and you learn how to use more advanced equipment and treatments. When you work for yourself, you pay for your own insurance. You cover your own butt with release forms etc. If you are truly interested in being a make-up artist, let me know and I can give you the low down on how to get into this fun and exciting business. I have also worked for several different skin care companies. We’ll chat if you need more info on that. Hope my rambling helped some. Let me know what else I can help you with.
May 21st, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Hello Sandra,
I love this blog….I am a lisenced Aesthetician who works in a Dermatologist office. My career choose me….what I mean by that is…I wanted to work in the medical field, and after working for a brilliant Dermatologist, I fell in love with skin care. I became on of the first Aestheticians to work along side of a Dermatologist in the mid 90’s….Since then, Dr. Anhalt and I have teamed up to offer an extended education program to help other Aestheticians who want to work in the medical side of skin care. I train and educate licesned Aetheticians on skin treatments as well as product knowledge. Please check out my website http://www.myskinfx.com and see if I may be of any help to you or anyone else who needs assistance in post graduate training. Thank you and keep on learning…
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Hi Sandra! Thanks for starting this blog. I too did a career change from finance into Esthetics and now into Nursing in hopes of using esthetics later on. I think it is wonderful that you brought insite into this topic since so many people do change their careers and decide to get into this industry. I currently am workinging at a spa which offers a more holistic approach. I agree with others that you should continueyour education past the state board licensure since this field is always changing. Currently I only work with 1 skin care line and as an esthetician, we know that not 1 line works for everyone. This line is also holistic so it does not cover all skin types. Before applying to a spa/salon, check out their products and see if it is something that you beleive in.
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Another thing I forgot to mention. Is if you are working at a resort type spa, most clientele gear towards massages vs. facials. I would if I could, go back to get licensed in massage as well. Good luck to you!
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Christy: Thanks for all the information! You’ve given me a lot to think about and have given me some great questions I need to ask myself. I definitely prefer giving facials over waxing, but I do want to wax too. And I love makeup so I would like to incorporate that into my services also. I would love to hear what you know about getting into the business. Ultimately, I think I would like to work for a skin care company. I like that I have a lot of options in this industry. Thanks again for all the information. I’m looking forward to hearing what you have to say on the makeup business.
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Joan: I’m just starting to explore ALL my options, and while I’ve never thought of working in the medical field before, I certainly don’t want to rule it out. Thanks for the info on your website and I will be sure to check it out.
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Regina: I’m starting to realize how many people do change careers. It really is scary for me because I’m totally taking myself out of my comfort zone, but I know this will be good for me. Thanks for the advice about getting a massage license. It is something I’ve been thinking about lately.
May 25th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Sandra–
You mentioned possibly renting a space to start your own business and you mentioned having a mentor.
These are two specific topics I will be addressing at an event in Denver on July 3rd.
Any chance you can attend?
email for more info.
May 27th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
me tooo !
I would also like to know all the above !!
would you like to talk shop ?
I don’t know much ither ,,,But anytime I come accross FYI on this amazing Industry we are entering ….
I will pass it on to you and vis /versa
By the way …..
My name ic cassie I live in Camarillo Califiornia
I am 38 ,,,,, a proud single parent of one !
she is 14, she is my #1~ FAN ! She cheers from the side lines every test I pass @ school !
I trully Have passion for this industry !
KEEP N TOUCH !
cbccassie@gmail.com
you can veiw more about me @ myspace
so yo know I am real !
myspace.com/templeondaro…myspace.com/templeondarox
May 27th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Hey ! ALL ….my name is cassie crisafulli
Ilive in Camarillo California
I love to talk shop ! RE>the world of skin care ( the industry )
I am still a student, as you can see ..
all of you are great ! I am going to tell the girls at school about this blog ,
I want to keep intouch with you all !
visit myspace look me up,
BY the WAY!!
there is a hair competition @ the PACHANGA CASINO RESORT HOTEL JUNE 1st
I will be going to earn extra time to graduate a little early . most of my class will be there….
if you want to talk shop !
cbccassie@gmail.com
myspace.com/templeondaro…myspace.com/templeondarox
May 27th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
opps sorry ….
the above blogs,,,,, Thought the first did not post …
TAKE IT EASY!
May 27th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Svetlana !!!
You ROK
it is people like you……….. that INSPIRE PEOPLE LIKE ME!
May 29th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Grace: I would love to attend the event in Denver, but unfortunately, I won’t be able to. I am interested in hearing what you have to say on these subjects though.
May 29th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Cassie: How long have you been in school? When do you graduate? I would love to talk shop and that’s one of the reasons for this blog. Keep reading and commenting! I look forward to hearing from you again!
May 29th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Hey sandra !
Ive been in school 3weeks and I just love it !
Everyday I am excited to get up .
My teachers are great . they’re always very embracing .
The students are also welcoming
I will graduate in November .
I am already pricing steamers & chairs LOL LOL
ARE YOU IN CALIFORNIA ?
if you are! there are two shows …..
I am attending them both ,,,a bunch of us are carpooling .
I did my first waxing yesterday ……..OMG , i was so nervous, I tend to be a little over zelous sometimes. and I start to shake a little .
well you have a great DAY!
May 30th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Hi Cassie: Sounds like you go to a really good school. That’s great! I don’t live California. I live in Illinois. Have fun at your shows though! Waxing can be scary, but I’m getting used to it. While I’m certainly far from being an expert on it, I do feel more comfortable with it than when I first started. Just pay attention to what you’re doing, take your time, and keep practicing! Good luck!
May 30th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Sandra, I think you have lots of options, it’s just a bit challenging at first to get your foot in the right door. What you need to do is, have and open mind, continue your education, post your resume at the schools and beauty supply stores. I don’t want to think that your age is a disavantage, actually be glad your in your 40’s we need more estheticians like you, think of all those baby boomers your going to be taking care. Good Luck!
Patricia
June 2nd, 2008 at 11:46 am
Patricia: Thanks for the encouragement! I certainly don’t want to think my age is a disadvantage! :) I am trying to keep an open mind and think about ALL my options. Lately I’ve been thinking I really should look into working for a Dermatologist so I’m going to explore that option and see what happens. Thanks for the advice! Hope to hear from you again!
June 2nd, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Hi Christy, Thank you so much for all the info! I’ve been a single mother for a little over a year now. I always worked retail, but that wasn’t going to pay the bills anymore and allow me more time with my 8 yr.old son. So, I chose a career in something that I have always been interested in and would love doing. I graduated in November ‘07 and received my license in Dec.’07. I took a couple of months to figure things out. I was thinking of moving to Tucson, AZ to work at a spa there, but instead found a salon in my town and decided to give it a shot. It’s the largest salon in the area, but primarily hair. I saw a great opportunity seeing that I would be the first esthetician they ever had. I was hired on as an employee. The owner purchased all the equipment and even let me decorate it however I wanted. To promote the new service, he offered 50% off the first month and 40% off the second. I was doing awesome for those 2 months. I even established a little clientele. The third month, the owner offered $25 off. I think when you keep offering such a huge discount, that people are going to hold out for the next deal! That was all the advertising he did. Not even a brochure offering my services at the front desk. I tried to discuss my concerns with him, or how to market it, but he told me that he had spent all that he was going to on advertising. His main focus was hair and other things. NOT the spa part of it. Eventually he cut my hours to part-time and being a single mom that just wasn’t going to work for me. I decided to learn how to do eyelash extensions by NovaLash. I recently got certified in Seattle and absolutely love it! I do it freelance….not in the salon. I needed to find another way to support myself and my son. I told the owner that I was doing this on the side as a second job and he let me go. He was afraid I would promote within the salon. Even after I promised that would not happen. I think it was because he was not going to be able to profit from it. I am now looking at renting a room and buying all my equipment. I would really like to work in a medspa, but there is only a couple in my town and it’s hard to get in. That’s why I thought in the mean time I would purchase all the equipment that I need and rent a room 2-3 times a week so that I could get a few of my clients in and then do the extensions as well. Or, should I just wait a little bit and see if I can get on at one of the medspas? It’s a big investment for me, so I need to make sure that I’m making the right decision. What I do know for sure is that I never want to be employed by a small business owner again. Very controlling and greedy. Not saying their ALL like that. I just prefer to call my own shots if I’m going to work in a salon/spa. If you have the start-up money, then that’s the way to go. I would appreciate any advice or comment that you or anybody else has to give!!
June 5th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Hi Sandra. I graduated almost 1 year ago from Estheticis School in TN. I was very blessed to find a fabulous job in a new spa….and I love what I do. My advice to you is keep your options open and definately work for someone first if you are thinking of opening your own business. You will learn alot from your employer about running a business. And send out your resume and cover letter out early, even before you graduate and pass state board. As they say…the early bird gets the worm. Best of luck to you !
June 5th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Laura: I’m definitely keeping my options open and I’ve been looking to see what’s out there, but I haven’t sent out a resume or gone on any interviews yet. I’d love to have something lined up for the first of the year and if I start looking now I can take my time and really find something good. I’ve been really lucky because everyone where I work has been really wonderful and supportive. It’s going to be really hard making this change! Thanks for the advice!
July 9th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Hi, I found this blog while searching for info about aesthetics. It’s wonderful!
I am 41 and have owned and operated a residential & commercial cleaning business for 21 years. I am very burned out and want to change careers. I find aesthetics very interesting. I have an appointment at a local school on Friday to learn more. My question for you is do you have to have a college degree to move on to aesthetics? I have no college. I started my cleaning business pretty much after high school and it took off so I did not go on to college. I was wondering if you have to have a degree or a nursing degree or if you can just go to aesthetics school right off the start.
Please help, any info would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much.
Sandi
July 9th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Hi Sandi! Thanks, glad you found us! To answer your question, no, you do not need a college degree or a nursing degree to go to esthetics school. I do have an Associates Degree, but it’s in Accounting and I didn’t get it in order to do this. I believe you do have to have a high school diploma or GED because I’m pretty sure I had to send in my high school transcripts. Maybe someone else can comment about whether a nursing degree would be beneficial, especially if you want to work more in the medical field. Best of luck to you! Keep in touch and let us know how you like school.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Hi Sandra,
I found this blog as I was researching current trends in the economy for aestheticians. I just signed up for school and start in August. I am also doing a career change at 31 years of age from being an office manager of a medical office. I am really excited to follow my passion but am nervous about the industry. My hair stylist told me today that the aestheticians in her salon are struggling and that when the economy is down clients usually cut their treatments. I am interested to see how possible it is to find a part time placement so that I can slowly build up a clientele and work my way into purchasing my equipment and renting a space as that overhead would be quite a factor in the beginning. I live in Las Vegas and there are great options at the hotels but I hear that it is hard to build a local clientele when on the strip so I hope that a viable option would be part time with a salon. Any comments?
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I agree with about of the things you said. I Was working Red Door Spa in Dallas TX & then one day they call me & told me we no longer need you you have to go ! I later found out I was only filling in for some one on leave till they came back I was so hurt & upset ! Bye for now don’t give up . Sincerely, Lisa
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