Treatment Notes: Why You Need Them After Every Service

Treatment Room Notes

If you are lucky enough to work for a place that has a salon software program that allows you to add notes to client files then you are already on the right track. If you work for yourself, you should keep either dinosaur notes (a.k.a. paper) or invest in a salon software program that will allow you to keep track of your treatments.

Why is this important?

First of all, it is extremely important for liability purposes: you can document what products you used; recommendations you made and skin conditions; and any adverse reactions clients may have had. If you do a service and keep a log of notes, you will have a better chance at defending yourself when you have a paper trail.Unfortunately, there will always be clients who are out to make a quick dime, don't worry this is not the norm, but you do want to protect yourself.

The other reason you want to keep notes is to remember what treatments you've done on the client in the past and what recommendations you gave your client. Did the client accept your recommendations, or did they continue using the over-the-counter cleanser you advised against? Did you forget that they were using Retin-A, and now they want a chemical peel? This could cause an issue, and you need follow-up information to verify the client's status. Update the notes regularly so you can adjust your treatments and recommendations as necessary.
In any business, you have to keep files and customer notes, and esthetics is no different. In fact, it might be even more important than a regular business because you want a computer trail of notes to follow the client's history for their safety and your protection.

My Treatment Room Busting at the Seams!

Okay, so I am lucky enough to be working in a beautiful beach town running my own business under the umbrella of an established business.  I am truly blessed to have secured this position because the owner had her pick of estheticians...there was only one spot available to work at this location and I got it. So I am in my first couple weeks, and while I loved my treatment room, I was literally busting at the seams with all my equipment, supplies and skin care products. During my last appointment, I felt like I couldn't find a Zen place--there was too much chaos with all the equipment and supplies taking up all the room. I didn't want to complain to the owner of the spa because she is super sweet, and she has given me the opportunity to run my business as I see fit under her business. I could never afford the high rent in this area nor the advertising costs she incurs each month, and so I have much gratitude for her picking me, but this treatment room was not conducive to an esthetics' practice.

I didn't know what to do because the last thing I wanted to do was to appear ungrateful for the wonderful partnership she has given me. I certainly did not want to rock the boat, but at the same time I knew this room would not work for me. So, I asked her if she could meet me in my treatment room so we could discuss some options on how to make my room more treatment friendly and less cumbersome. I explained that I didn't want to disturb my client with all the bumping into the equipment I would surely end up doing in this set-up, and I needed her help brainstorming ways to make this a more esthetics' friendly treatment room as opposed to a massage friendly treatment room. To be fair, massage therapists only need their hands to do their jobs, we need lots of cumbersome equipment.

So, after a nice discussion with the owner she agreed to give me the largest room available, and now I can spread out and feel comfortable. Sometimes having a candid conversation with an owner is important to getting your needs met, especially with owners who are not licensed in the beauty industry as is in my case. Sometimes these owners can't understand what your needs are because they have never been an esthetician, and they have no idea why you need all that equipment or why you can't squeeze it into a tiny space without hurting yourself or your customers. I think the key to success here is having open communication, and working with an industry or non-industry owner in finding a balance in what will and won't work in your business. You both have mutual goals, and that is to make money, and if you are both divided that can't happen. If you can come together as a team and keep the dialogue open, it serves a much greater purpose for you both=success.

New Esthetics Business: Be Fiscally Responsible

Fiscally Responsible Esthetics

A lot of student estheticians think they are going to jump into business ownership when the ink dries on their esthetics' license. While it is a great dream, something to work for down the road, it is not as easy as many students and recent graduates think. Running your own business is not a school project, it is reality and it is your dollars at stake. It doesn't matter whether that business is under the umbrella of booth rental or actually opening up your own shop; the fact is running a business doesn't come with a revolving bank account and you have to be realistic in your financial expectations. I have a friend who is opening up a spa within her family's health care business, and while she has the familial, financial support I advised her to be fiscally responsible because she wants to buy a lot of expensive items in the early stages with no customer base.
What do I mean by that? I mean to slow down, write a business plan and determine your costs and what you truly need and don't need. Do you really need two product lines in the early stages? Do you need every chemical peel the companies have to offer? Do you need the latest and greatest equipment? It is easy to go shopping like you have Paris Hilton's credit card when you get excited about your new business, but you've got to stop yourself in your tracks and figure out what is truly necessary. Yes, you need supplies, product lines, and equipment but think hard before you sign up for a full backbar (skin care line starter kits).
The story of "The Tortoise and the Hare" comes to mind here, there are some estheticians who get so overzealous and buy up every product only to find out that customers are few and far between. The products linger on the shelves and collect dust until they've exceeded their expiration dates--dollars down the drain. The esthetician that has the financially savvy to slow down and think about the costs involved, and budgets only for the necessities is more likely to run a successful business, and won't go broke nearly as quickly as the one who thinks she has Paris Hilton's budget. Of course, opening up your own practice is a lot of fun, but unless you have an unlimited bank account slow down and think about what you really need vs. what you want.

Here are some ideas to get you started:
(1) Only work with skin care lines who allow you to buy a la carte--in the early stages you might not need that whole back bar. You can always buy an entire back bar when you actually have the business to sustain it. (Image Skin, Nardos Naturals, Skin Scripts, and Pevonia are just a few that you can buy a la carte.)

(2) Buy equipment that you actually need right now like mag light with steamer attachment and towel cabbie. Look for used equipment if possible to save money--there is always a spa going out of business. Add on electrical and Microdermabrasion machines at a later date when you can afford it.

(3) Don't dump a lot of money into advertising. Spend your money on a professional website, business cards (Vista Print has a free section of cards) and use your networking skills to generate new business instead of wasting precious dollars. If you are booth renting work with other therapists/hair stylists about offering free services for their referrals. Hand your card out to everyone with a heartbeat.

(4) Be realistic in the amount of supplies you will need--this is one area you will have to spend money: facial brushes, back brushes, cotton rounds, 4x4's, sponges, towels, linens, bolsters, utility carts & cabinets, closed trash cans, tweezers, scissors, applicators, music, retail bags, facial stones, and the list goes on depending on your needs. These dollars add up quickly.

(5) Don't skip liability insurance--it is a must--I cannot stress the importance of this one. It is fiscally irresponsible to work on any clients without proper liability insurance--this will cost you more money down the road.

(6) Tread carefully with salon software--don't buy the most expensive one with all the bells and whistles--wait until you are booming with business to buy that one. Start with a more affordable package first.

Starting an esthetics business is a joy, but I can't stress enough the importance of being fiscally responsible by doing a needs list vs. a wants list, and creating a budget. There are many esthetics businesses that start out with gusto and they buy every product line under the sun; every new piece of equipment to hit the market; feed bundles of money into advertising and fancy software only to find out they don't have a viable client base to support all these big ticket items. So, slow down and really think before jumping into your own business, and make sure you seek the advice of a qualified accounting professional. If you need additional business help, SCORE is a free counseling service for business startup's where previously successful business owners will counsel you via e-mail or in person to help you get going in the right direction. Happy Business Ownership!

Recently Licensed Esthetician: Meet Cindy

 

 

 

Meet Cindy Caprio

 

                                 Bio:Cindy Caprio is in her early 40's, she is both a wife and mother of a loving young son. Recently, Cindy has had some serious health issues, but despite the health issues and having a family she managed to maintain a 4.0 overall GPA and start her own makeup business. Cindy recently passed her state boards, and she is officially an esthetician now.

 

Cindy rocks her 40's with her gorgeous skin and hip makeup, and she is truly a talented lady. I am proud to interview her--so join me to learn more about this newly licensed esthetician!

 

 

 

 

(1) Why did you choose esthetics?
"My passion has always been skincare, makeup, wellness and health."

(2) What challenges did you encounter during school?
"It's definitely a challenge being an older student and juggling a family along with a new business. My passion for esthetics and makeup continues to drive me and gives me engery I need every day. I live, eat, and breathe skin care and makeup as I can't get enough information on it and I am constantly online researching and networking."

(3) What prompted you to go to esthetics' school at this stage in your life?
"My husband encouraged me to go back to cosmetology school (previously went & dropped out due to the passing of my mother), but I told him my 'ship had sailed' -I honestly thought it was too late in my life to start up something new and I was concerned about the high cost of a trade school. The only thing that came to my mind was either going back to cosmetology school or becoming an esthetician. I knew I couldn't go back to cosmetology school because of my back and shoulder issues from a fall so I decided to get into the field of esthetics."

(4) While you were in school you started your own makeup business. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
"I got into makeup over 20 years ago--typically working on friends and family when events would come up. I decided to take that passion of Makeup Artistry and start up my own freelance business while I was in school. I started a website, a Facebook page, made up business cards and postcards and currently working on a brochure to add on other services. It wasn't too difficult to start up and the start up fees were very affordable. I haven't gotten too much work yet, but that's okay, I just continute to update my Facebook page daily and constantly try and network and hand out my cards to just about anyone that will take them."

(5) You just recently passed your state boards. Can you tell us about that? Any tips for readers?
"I am very excited to have recently obtained my state license--it's the most exciting feeling imaginable. All of the hard work of putting in the hours at school and endless studying is an amazing feeling of accomplishment. I studied 60 hours in 5 days to prepare for state boards. Mainly I focused on all the definitions from each of the chapters. If you know the definitions then you know the answers on the test questions by process of elimination. Definitely do flash cards on the chapters that you aren't comfortable with. The night before I went over the tasks with my model for the practical portion. My tip is just to block out the proctor and do what you know, that's what I did and I didn't skip a beat!"



(6) What are your plans for the future?
"I am definitely looking to continue with my Makeup Artistry as a freelancer and I am currently looking for work as an an esthetician. I haven't narrowed it down yet as to where I want to work, I think getting my feet with with interviews even if it's with places I may not want to work at is a great idea. I go with my gut instincts and I will know when that perfect position is presented to me. As anxious as I am to get to work I am not rushing it as I want to make sure I find a place that I will be happy with. I also know it will take time to build a clientele and I probably won't have a steady income for a couple of years, but I am okay with that. Things will come around eventually; it takes hard work and determination to be successful."
Update: Cindy is doing an interview and a facial on a spa owner as I write this blog! Congrats Cindy--I hope you get the job!

(7) Any advice for older estheticians, and older women thinking about going into esthetics?
" Age is just a number and you can do anything you want to do as long as you put your mind to it."

Scroll down to see Cindy's amazing Makeup jobs and her website and Facebook page. If you like what you've seen today--please like her page!




www.makeupartistrybycindy.com
https://www.facebook.com/makeupbycindy?ref=hl

 









Treatment Room: The Importance of Staying on Time

 This is one of the most common problems with estheticians, either they are too slow and run over the treatment time, or they are too fast and finish the service too early. The key to staying within allotted time frame is to have a clock in the room, or wear a watch and occasionally glance at the time to make sure you are on task. There is nothing worse than finishing early and the client feeling cheated, second to that is going over on time and you are late for your next client because you went well past the end time of the appointment.

How do you stay on time? Well, first you need to know your facials that you give. If you are working for someone else they will run through the facials and how long those facials should take, and you MUST do it according to their instructions and time table.

If you work for yourself and you've chosen the facials it is even more important that you practice these facials on friends and family first. You want to know exactly how long each facial will take you, and tweak it as necessary. You might find that you put 60 minutes in your menu of services for one facial, but find that you really need 75 minutes for that facial. Or maybe a facial you had done for 60 minutes only needs 45 minutes. Practice makes perfect, practice on friends not on customers.

What do you do if you are in the middle of a treatment and you realize you are going to finish way too early? Do add on's like hand exfoliation and masks, do an extra mask on the face, and/or do an extra long massage. Do whatever it takes to keep the customer relaxed and pampered so she doesn't realize you are struggling to extend the service.

What do you do if you are running behind during a treatment?
This one is worse because the customer may have somewhere she has to be immediately following the appointment. In addition, you do not want to get in the habit of running late because you will lose other customers when you have to tell them you will be just a few more minutes. Customers expect punctuality---they don't care how good of a service give you--be on time.

Meet Mylah: Newly Graduated Esthetician

Meet Mylah: Newly Graduated Esthetician

Looking at this beautiful lady you might suppose she is a fashion model not an esthetician. Mylah, recently graduated from esthetics' school and passed her state boards. Even though Mylah and I live on the opposite coasts, I've had the pleasure of getting to know her through my Grace Riley FB page. Join me, as I have had the opportunity to interview this gorgeous and sweet lady!

Mylah's Bio:
Mylah Stanton is a thirty-something wife, mom, and child of God. She is the owner of Noyce B. Skin Therapy Boutique located in Los Angeles, CA.  In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her son, attending skin care advanced education opportunities, and trying new restaurants. Wherever she goes, her life verse goes with her: Micah 7:7.
I don't know about the rest of you out there in the cyber-esthetics world, but are you thinking what I am thinking? Mylah in her 30's??? I thought she was in her early 20's--OK, so Mylah is clearly in the right profession. The second thing many of you are probably wondering is how did a recent graduate open her own business already? Read my Q & A with this amazing woman below to find out those incredible answers.

(1) How did you decide to go to esthetics' school?
"My skin was beautiful as a child and for the most part, as an adolescent. But when I hit 20 years of age, I began to suffer from cystic acne. I tried nearly every product on the market, saw several different dermatologists, and read every "get rid of acne" book I could find. I also got regular facials. Unfortunately, nothing worked and I gave up and asked my dermatologist for Accutane. Accutane was so hard on my body and I suffered many side effects. About five years ago, I decided to become a knowledgeable esthetician so that I could help others achieve healthy and clear skin right in my treatment room. It took four years to gather the tuition money, find the right school, and take the plunge. Now, I'm a newly licensed esthetician who is ready to conquer the world (Los Angeles for now) one face at a time!"

Love that Mylah was a customer before she became an esthetician--gives her a great insight into the industry and helps her learn different techniques. I highly recommend other students get facials from spas as well so you know what is a good service vs. a bad service (Grace Riley).


(2) Do you think esthetics' school prepared you for the real world of esthetics?
"No. I believe esthetics school prepared me for the State Board exam. I'm grateful for that. Our school didn't prepare us for chemical peels, bikini waxes, and many of the other modalities we'd like to use in a professional setting."
Too many schools are just state board factories, and don't take the time to teach essential esthetics' job skills. For any of you in this situation, consider buying Milady DVD's or attend post grad classes at places like The International Dermal Institute or Catherine Hinds (Grace Riley).

(3) What did you do to prepare for the state board exam? Any tips for student readers out there?
"To prepare for my state board exam, I studied a lot. I bought the practice CD from Western States Kit Company and reviewed, took practice tests, reviewed, and reviewed some more. I also outlined subjects in my Milady's text book that I knew were particularly difficult for me. I used Quizlet.com to study and also had a few study sessions with my classmates. I think the best thing I did was prepare and then pray. God took care of the rest! For those who are preparing to take your exams, always remember that you know more than you give yourself credit for. When you get ready to take the exam, breathe and look at it as an opportunity to "show what you know" instead of a wretched E word (EXAM)."

(4) Have you gone on any interviews? What types of questions have spa owners asked you?
"Yes, I've been on a few interviews although for now, I'm choosing to venture out on my own since I still have my "day job" as a loan processor. My full-time job is funding my skin care dream so I'm keeping it for now. The interviews went well and I did receive offers."
 Students and recent grads, get your note pads out because these are real questions that Mylah was asked by potential employers! 'What service do you least like to perform? Why did you choose to seek employment with us? Since you're a new esthetician, approximately how many brazilian waxes have you done? What do you think you can offer our company if employed here? How do you best receive praise for work well-done?"

(5) Tell us one thing you wished you had learned in esthetics' school that you didn't.
"One thing I wish I would have learned in esthetics school that I didn't is chemical peels."
Anyone in this situation should look into Milady's "Chemical Exfoliation and Peels" DVD...it is a terrific guide. Also, Image Skin Care (if you sign up for free account) offers online videos of chemical peels (Grace Riley).

Thank you Mylah for your candid and informative interview.


 

                                         

Why Working At An Upscale Spa Equals More Dollars In Your Pocket

Working at an Upscale Spa Equals More Dollars in Your Pocket

Working at an upscale spa equals more dollars in your pocket for a very simple reason: price of services. Let's assume you work as an esthetician at a hair salon and you get a 50/50 split on all services. If the salon charges $60.00 for a facial you get $30.00 plus tip. You are probably thinking that isn't bad at all, and that it is rare to find $30.00 per hour at any job much less esthetics.  With a 20% tip, it would be roughly $36.00 per hour. OK, now envision yourself working at an upscale spa that charges $80.00 per basic facial with a 50/50 split as well,  that is a whopping $40.00 per hour plus tip. Assuming a client tips at 20% you would have earned roughly $48.00 per hour. That is outstanding!
There is nothing wrong with working at a regular salon or spa, but if you can get a job at a more upscale spa you have the potential to earn a significant amount of money in comparison to a regular salon. It is something to think about when you decide where to apply. Of course, if the only job you can get is at a regular salon, by all means you want to earn money while you wait for the next big gig, but if you have a choice "work smarter, not harder."
Good luck!

Mid-Life Career Changers: Making The Transition To Esthetics

Making the Change

A lot of my readers are mid-life career changers, some come to this point at no fault of their own with corporate downsizing and others land here because they've always dreamed of working in esthetics. No matter how you got here, you have arrived. You filled out the application for esthetics' school, bought your uniform and kit, books are in hand and you are ready to go except you are frozen with immense fear that you can't make this career transition.
This is completely normal, in fact, if you weren't a little scared about diving into a new career I would wonder if you had considered all the consequences. I think a lot of esthetician students wonder if this is the right career path, for many it is completely the wrong way to go, and for others it is absolutely the right career choice. I don't have academic statistics, but I guess that around 50% of esthetician students are in the wrong field for a variety of reasons: no passion; lack of professionalism and prior business experience; not willing to do continuing education; and inability to put customer service ahead of their own needs.
Now, we can talk about the other 50% of students who are in the right career path, and out of those 50% many of you are career changers. I love career changers. Why do I love career changers? Well, from my own experiences they know themselves better;  they know what they want and how to get it; they've been around the block career wise;  and they understand the business aspect of esthetics. Esthetics is so much more than the clinical side, you have to have a business sense to make it in this field. Sure, you can work for a variety of places that will do all the business stuff for you, but isn't the best way to launch a successful and lucrative business in esthetics. Career-changers tend to want to be in charge (in a good way), they are not going to let some overzealous spa owner take advantage of them, and they know how to professionalize (if that is a word lol) the industry. One of the things that I've noticed about this group of esthetician students is the fact they are willing to do more than esthetics school, while they are in school they are signing up for every additional class they can, and many do whatever it takes to  get industry experience ALL WHILE IN SCHOOL!

In a business that use to discriminate based on age, it seems like the tables are reversing and the older group of esthetics' graduates might have an advantage these days. This is especially true for the older esthetician who takes excellent care of her skin (or his)--it shows that you know a thing or two about skin care--clients want the secrets to the fountain of youth, and if your skin exemplifies healthy beauty at mid-life then clients perceive you as knowing the secret to youthful skin. There is certainly nothing wrong with younger estheticians, but older clients can identify with older estheticians who are at the age where your skin starts to reflect your real age. It is easier to appear youthful when you are young obviously than it is when you are older, but if you are older and appear youthful it gives the client confidence in you.

How Do You Get Paid When You Sell Retail As An Independent Contractor?

In my recent blogs I've been discussing the types of independent contractors and how it affects your esthetics' practice. This is probably way down on the importance list for many of you, but it is something to think about: how does retailing work as an independent contractor? Who pays for what?

In one of my independent contractor positions I didn't get a cent, nada--not one single penny. The owner said she couldn't afford to pay us a percentage for retail because she had spent so much money opening the spa. I think this scenario was unfair to us because we are the ones educating and promoting these products. In my new position, the owner is much more reasonable, and she will either buy all the products out right and give me a commission, or I buy the products and she takes 20% after we mark them up 50%. So in other words I get 80% of the net and she gets 20%. She also deals with the state tax issues so that is a relief to me as well. I decided on the later because I like to be in control of my own inventory, and I have dealt with overzealous owners who buy every product under the sun only to find out that clients favor certain products, and those are the ones that sell. There is nothing worse than products that hit their shelf life before they sell, and an owner who tries to get you to sell it despite the fact it is EXPIRED PRODUCT!

In some scenarios as an independent contractor you will get a commission based on your retail sales, but that is something you can and should negotiate before you sign. I wish I had demanded that in my other position instead of waiting to find out after I had signed on that I would get zip for retail sales. I know a lot of you fresh out of school are just happy to get a job, but slow down and make sure you are getting the best contract because the spa owner doesn't care about your bottom line. You need to think about how much it costs you to work somewhere vs. another spa. For instance, if I had worked at a spa that paid commission on retail instead of the spa that gave me nothing for retail sales, I would have made more money per year. Just something to think about.

Skin Care Samples: Packaging Ideas To Make Them More Appealing

Before Picture

 

I give out a samples of skin care products to all my new customers, and anytime I get a new product in that I want to retail I hand out these mini-containers. They are perfectly fine the way they are, but I wanted to make them more attractive and appealing. Everyone likes to get something for free, but it is even better when it comes in a cute, little box.

I went to Michael's and found these adorable boxes, six for $1.00. The ribbon was only a $1.00 and the samples I get for free with Image because I buy enough backbar to qualify for free products, and I chose to get samples to give to my customers so there is virtually no cost to me. I know I love to try samples before I buy, and in an effort to pump up my retail sells I like to give out samples, especially to new customers.

Finished Product
 

My Costs Involved in Working as an Independent Contractor

My Start Up Costs as an Independent Contractor

 

 

Before you jump into independent contractor status make sure you know the realities of what it will cost you. In some situations, it won't cost you much at all to work as an independent contractor as the owner will provide all equipment and necessary supplies. There are pro's and con's to working for a place that you don't have to bring anything--the obvious one is there is no start up costs to you--the second is you don't have to research equipment and meet with skin care reps to pick the perfect line.

It is easier to go in as an independent contract in a spa that provides everything, but you lose a little bit of business control when you do this. If you want to plan your own menu of services, pick and customize your own skin care line, and decide what type of equipment to use then definitely go the route of purchasing your own supplies and equipment. While the initial investment can cause sticker shock to the most seasoned pros, it can be an exhilarating experience to be in charge of your own business journey.

Previously, I worked as an independent contractor for a place that picked their own product lines and equipment. I did get to creatively tweak their menu of services, but it wasn't much fun using product lines I didn't love--okay, I didn't like all that much either. They were good product lines, but too medical for my preferences.

So now, I am working as an independent contractor at a spa where it is perceived as my business, and I have to bring all my own equipment, supplies and skin care line. It is a great opportunity, but it is not for everyone. The costs of just a skin care line backbar alone is expensive much less the equipment that goes with it. The spa I work at provides the facial chairs, linens, towel cabbies, advertising and of course the rent (high rent district that I wouldn't be able to afford on my own). Below are some of the fees I've incurred to establish myself in this spa:

 

Liability Insurance Renewal ($211.00)

Steamer/Mag Light ($189.00)

Rolling/Locking Cart ($89.00)

Image Skin Care Line ($1,100.00)--modest supply

Cuccio Back Facial Supplies($50.00)

Misc. Supplies-($200.00)

Electric Machine Mini- ($500.00)

 

(Remember to keep all receipts, some of these items listed above might be tax deductible--see your tax advisor.) The benefit of owning all my equipment is that I can take all of this with me and go to another spa, and/or booth rent should I be inclined to do so. There is also the option of reselling the equipment. In the end, it is a personal choice that estheticians have to make for themselves, I decided that this was the right move for me, and that I liked being in control of my own business. I am in charge of my pricing, specials, packages etc. and not dependent on the owner to decide my business fate. The owner and I have mutually beneficial partnership to work together as a team to build business together.

Independent Contractor in Esthetics: What Does That Mean?

When you look for an esthetics job fresh out of school you might come across a variety of jobs-some pay per hour, commission splits (60/40) or (50/50) are common, and some pay by the hour plus commission. If you are paid by the hour you are an actual employee of the spa, if you are paid by a commission split you are generally considered an "independent contractor."
This is very different than BOOTH RENT. You are not booth renting if you are an independent contractor. See my other blogs and/or book for more specifics about booth rent.

So what does "independent contractor" mean exactly? It is dependent upon where you work, but in most cases, it simply means you are not an employee and you do not get any type of benefits. You have to draw up some type of contract with the owner to establish how you are going to work harmoniously together.

Tips for Success
(1) Ask for a contract.
(2) Make sure contract outlines who is responsible for what expenses--skin care products, linens, towel cabbies, advertising, and prices of treatments (very important!).
(3) Discuss coupons and deep discounts--a lot of businesses are on a coupon craze and that affects your bottom line. Chapter 8 of my book JumpStart Your Esthetics Career: A Guide For Newly Licensed Estheticians discusses this in more detail--things to watch out for and how to protect yourself.
(4) Talk product line--make sure you are comfortable buying your own back bar and/or using the products they provide. Some spas will want you to pay for all the skin care products and tools upfront while others will already have an established line that they want you to learn and use. It is important to verify that they have enough of each product as well, some non industry owners don't buy exactly what you need so double check, or request that you bring your own backbar.
(5) Remember, no matter how new you are in esthetics, as an independent contractor, it is your business and you should run it as such. You are not an EMPLOYEE you are business owner working within the terms of the spa and agreement you made.

Upscale Esthetician: How Do You Become One?

 Do you dream about working in a swanky, upscale spa one day? Do you know how to go from working in an ordinary spa to an extraordinary spa?

I called it the trifecta of esthetics because there are three important components to establishing yourself as an UPSCALE ESTHETICIAN-- (1) Hard Work, (2) Experience, and (3) Luck.

Hard Work--Let's start with this one first, I've seen a lot of estheticians who want to do the bare minimum and still get paid top dollar. There are a lot of estheticians that don't take pride in what they do, they lack the passion and motivation to service their clients to an upscale standard. Clients are not stupid, let me repeat that one CLIENTS ARE NOT STUPID, they know the difference between a substandard treatment and an upscale treatment. Do not go into this business if you do not like pampering people. Take great care to treat all your clients the way you would want to be treated.

Experience- When I talk about experience I am not merely talking about school and work experience. I am referencing a couple different things, for instance, working in other professional environments sometimes helps create great estheticians because they have good business sense and communication skills, and they know how to treat clients. The other "experience" I am referencing is by BEING A CLIENT before you are an esthetician. Why is it important to be a client first? This one confuses a lot of soon-to-be estheticians, but being a client before you actually work as an esthetician is very important (and I don't mean at school clinic) because you will learn techniques and characteristics of other estheticians that you like and dislike. If you want to work for a high end spa, going and getting services at a few of those spas will help you research how you should conduct yourself as an esthetician to get there. In addition, going to dermatologists for regular visits helps too because when you go to the dermatologist you have a vast array of information at your fingertips, and while you are in your appointment you can absorb as much knowledge as possible from your doctor about skin care treatments (lasers, bleaching creams, Retin-A, new fillers etc). Of course, you don't have to know these things to be an esthetician, but UPSCALE CLIENTS will likely expect you to be up-to-date on these types of things because they are. It will look really bad if they know more than you do in terms of the latest skin care treatments. Just because your spa doesn't do those services, doesn't mean you shouldn't have some basic familiarity with them. Remember, your upscale clients are going to look to your for education about these types of treatments and they will trust you and perceive you as an "UPSCALE ESTHETICIAN" if you can hold an intelligent conversation about these types of things. Of course, this is not requirement to be an esthetician, but it is a must if you want to work in an upscale, high end spa.

Luck-There is some luck in esthetics. Finding the right job, being at the right place at the right time, or knowing the right people will certainly influence your chances for a high end position. You can alter this luck positively by networking with your esthetics' instructors, doing internships, working at a day spa while in school to increase your chances for good luck in the high end spa job search. Depending on where you live, it might make or break your luck in landing an upscale esthetics' job--if you live in a small town without access to wealthy customers you can't expect to work in an upscale spa. Look at your area market, and see where you can fit in, and what place of employment would be the best for your pocketbook. Even in a small town, you can earn a reputation of being an upscale esthetician by constantly learning and educating yourself, and providing outstanding services.

10 Things They Should Teach in Esthetics School

(1) Learn More Than One Skin Care Line--too many students come out only learning one line. Learning one line is fine, but it doesn't teach you how to manage and adapt to other lines and types of treatments. If an employer is looking for a new esthetics' employee they are more likely to the hire the esthetician with knowledge of more than one skin care line. They perceive that esthetician to be more knowledgeable.

(2) Importance of Infection Control-This one is extremely important! Every esthetician should be taught more than book knowledge of infection control, it should be a daily task at school that every student engage in proper infection control and demonstrate competency. Bad habits will carry on in the workplace; a good esthetics instructor will make sure every student leaves with good infection control & hygiene habits.

(3) Liability Insurance-Every esthetician needs liability insurance, period. Don't trust your employers to cover you. Sure, they might tell you that you are covered, but if you are named in a lawsuit and your employer failed to paid their premium you are stuck paying all the fees associated with the lawsuit. Can you afford to defend yourself even if you aren't at fault? Schools do not talk a lot about this, but they need to have this conversation and present students with the resources to find liability insurance.

(4) Brazilian Waxing-Many schools don't teach this type of waxing because of liability purposes, but it is unfortunate because there is a lot of money to be made in BW.

(5) Professionalism-There are a lot of schools that teach the fundamentals about esthetics, but forget that many students have never had a job previous to esthetics school. How should you conduct yourself at the spa?

(6) Splits/Commissions-This is a HUGE ONE! Schools should spell out in easy to understand terms how spas operate and how the splits work. It would be helpful for them to give students an idea of what types of employment practices are normal in terms of pay rate. Also, how to negotiate your rate.

(7) Customer Service-It is important that students understand where their money comes from, it is not just the spa owner, but the customer. If the customer never comes back that is money LOST! Instructors need to demonstrate to students mock scenarios where students can see how to treat and NOT treat customers.

(8) Resume Writing-Everyone should leave esthetics school with a resume in hand--it actually should be an assignment before you graduate. Many students have never written a resume, and then other students are career changers and they find it difficult to reconstruct their resumes. Schools should bring in their career counselor and help with this task.

(9) Internships-This one is a pet peeve of mine! All the money esthetician students put into school and most schools won't find them an internship. I think it should be a requirement that every student do a internship the last semester of school at a REAL SPA. Esthetics school is completely different than real world esthetics, and it would behoove every student to gain this valuable experience. Many spas would welcome the free labor!

(10) Career Fair- Schools absolutely should organize a career fair once a year and invite all their current students, and former students to network with area spas.