The Making of an Esthetician

I have also been thinking a lot about what I want to do after I graduate and get my license. I would love to eventually have a spa set up in my home because I think it would be a very personal experience, and it would also be a lot of fun. I know a lot of women who do hair out of their homes, and I go to school with a few girls who do some esthetic work out of their homes, as well, and they are really enjoying it. I am currently working full-time at a company and I would really like to stay there while I slowly start building up a clientele. It would be good to have a steady income while practicing spa services and figuring out where I want to go with this career. Though working in a spa does sound like a great opportunity as well, it would be nice to work on my own.

I have even seen job openings online for freelance skin care specialists that work on clients at spa parties, corporate events, hotels and even in some upscale communities. Has anyone ever heard of something like this or know more about it? I love makeup, too, so I would love to work more with that, and it would be fun to be an educator for a skin care line, as well. I would love to hear about the different career paths that people have taken with their licenses.

I am open to many different options, but I would like to have my own spa equipment, furniture and products in the comfort of my own home. I understand that, with this option, I would have to do some serious advertising and marketing for myself to get my name out there and really start to bring in business. Although family and friends would most likely be my initial clients, I think that they would help to get the word out and send more my way. Do you have any thoughts and suggestions about this?

1. Svetlana, Day spa co-owner - A-Skin Care Salon, a-salon.com
   May 19th, 2008 at 10:34 pm

   Anything works, but I’d personally suggest to start first under a knowledgeable supervisor: it’s more secure and you learn a lot. However, having a small studio at home for the sake of your friends’ skin care and to push your own experience wouldn’t be a bad idea. Just don’t burn yourself - find a balance.
   You want to do something different from aesthetic to keep harmonies.
   Best wishes.

2. Alexis, Aesthetician
   May 20th, 2008 at 11:49 am

   As a still fairly new esthetician, I suggest working for someone to start. You learn so much in the first few years of being an esthetician. Companies often send you for continuing education and seminars, not something you usually can afford on your own starting out.
   I would also check with your state to make sure a home-based spa is legal. Here in Ohio, there are a number of regulations to having a home-based spa. Just make sure you can meet all the guidelines before taking on the task.
   Another nice thing about working for someone else when you start is that you can play with product and makeup to see what you like and don’t like.

3. debra, Owner - Pony Tails
   May 21st, 2008 at 8:12 am

   I have the same desires as you, but I have been self-employed for more than 25 years and could never see myself working for someone. I have learned alot by trading facials with experienced estheticians or going for facials and asking lots of questions. I have set up a treatment room in my home and I have started developing an Arbonne Business. I love these superior products and developing this business offers far more income potential than I can create with my two hands. I still love what I do, which is haircutting and skincare. I also would like to become an educator. Arbonne offers this as well with online education and advanced training all over the country! There are formats for spa parties and make up parties. The people and the company are great.

4. tiffany, owner/esthetician
   May 21st, 2008 at 7:51 pm

   unfortunatly, school really teaches you half of what you will need to know. when i started 10 years ago i was lucky enough to train under this amazing esthetician. she was crazy and paid me very little but when i left a year later my techniques were the best and i had a great understanding of the bussiness. i really think it is a must. good luck girl!

5. Grace, Owner - Acomoclitic Laser & Wax Studio
   May 25th, 2008 at 6:49 pm

   Colleen–
   It sounds like you already know that you want to have a home based business. You can picture it. You can see it being successful and rewarding.
   Keep envisioning it and talking about it. Then –TAKE ACTION!!! Buy the equipment (only what you absolutely need to get started–you can get the ‘extras’ as you make the money).
   Make up business cards. Have an introductory offer and tell everyone you know!
   I believe in you!
   If you would like more inspiration from others, like myself, who have started their own businesses and been wildly successful, come to the event I’m hosting in Denver on July 3rd.
   For more info, email me!
   or contact me through my website:
   http://www.mypinkwink.com

6. Tiffany, Owner - Divinelooks Skin and Spa
   May 27th, 2008 at 10:17 am

   I have my own home based spa- What i actually did was have my treatment room designed and a lower level rest room built. This was done in accordance with my state’s qualifications. In my state you had to have a seperate entrance and it could not share living space. It had to be solely dedicated to the service you were providing Also there are tax right offs that I am able to get because it is at my home. It has been very good for us because I was able to write off all of my business building and renovations. The internet offers a lot of information about operating a home based business. but definitely check with your states regulations.

7. Anonymous, 99009 - 84167
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