More on Aging in Esthetics

42 Years Old

 

 I am chronologically old, yes. Do I care? No. Do I care about being pushed out by younger people in this industry? Not really. I can't be good at everything, and younger people bring a new level to esthetics that I may not have. I focus on high-quality, classical skin care treatments and stellar customer service.

I feel like age is only an issue if you allow it to be. In this industry, particularly in the skin care portion I think people appreciate that a woman older than 35 can still have great skin. I think a lot of customers would rather take advice from someone who has been able to preserve their skin despite aging instead of someone who hasn't been plagued by the loss of collagen, environmental toxins, and the cruel hand of mother nature's aging process. A younger person can't prove that what they do prevents aging because the proof is in the pudding, and if they are too young they can't prove what they do actually works. An older person has an advantage, they have time on their side, and if they have well-preserved skin then they become an inspiration to clients.

I think we should celebrate our age in this industry. If you get to 35, 45, 55, 65 and have beautiful skin, why wouldn't you celebrate that? Why wouldn't you want to share your secrets with the world? So, it is never to late to be an esthetician, or go back to school for it. I say "why not?"

Does Age Matter in this Industry?

Me & my pup
42 years-old



The number one question sent to me at gracerileypublishing@gmail.com is "Am I too old for esthetics?"
The funny thing is y'all are every age under the sun. What is old? I don't know. I suppose I am old, and I am too stupid to realize it! I don't think of age as an important factor at all. Sure, there is probably age discrimination out in this world, but again I am too busy living my young life that I don't notice it.
Are you too old to go back to esthetics school at 30 (hell no), at 40 (definitely not), at 50 (of course not)? This question always baffles me. If you are still kicking, if you are still healthy, and if you are passionate about beauty and wellness then why shouldn't you go for it? The only regrets in life are the opportunities that we didn't take because of fear, don't let your own age discrimination stand in your way. Yes, ladies you are discriminating against yourself--you are shouting out to the world, "I'm too old. I am worthless!"
You're not! You have so much to offer.
I had a lady recently tell me that she is not getting jobs because she is too old (42 years old). She instead works as a cashier at a grocery store. This lady told me every reason was age was standing in her. My first words to her were, "You are your biggest enemy."
She literally was self-sabotaging. She already had it in her mind that she as only good enough to be a grocery store cashier (no problem if that was her life's ambition, but it wasn't). It comes down to lack of confidence. Instead of this woman reframing her thinking she was completely engulfed in her own self-pity party about why she could never be an esthetician at her age.
I waned to dress her up myself and drag her to interviews. One thing I know about this industry is that age is definitely not going to stop a passionate esthetician from fulfilling their dreams. Not going to happen. Estheticians love their job! They are proud people! We love aging--Why? We do it well!
If any of you 30 plus--even ladies in their 60's plus, if you want to be an esthetician, or if you are licensed but are afraid to get out there, don't be. Do you know what you bring to the table? You bring professionalism, poise, confidence, and a lifetime of connecting to people. Please do not e-mail me and tell me you think you are too old because you're not DEAD! Age is a number ladies, it doesn't have to define you, and it certainly doesn't have to destroy our confidence. You are beautiful! Now, get out there and apply for that job! Don't let the big 30, 40, 50 or 60 stop you! Who cares about age? Has anyone taken a look at Christy Brinkley? Kris Kardashian? Jennifer Aniston? Susan Sarandon? Madonna?


 

Why Do State Boards Let Unlicensed People Slip Through the Cracks?

 

I wonder how we estheticians have to follow so many laws; we have to abide to strict sanitation guidelines (which I am happy about); and other professional licensing laws. Then why can any Rodan and Fields rep, or Mary Kay rep, or any other MLM market themselves and sell skin care services? They seem to get through this loop hole by marketing themselves as strictly demonstrating products, but how many of us know that to be quite opposite of the truth? We know they do facial parties; we know they give out acne advice; and we know they touch people's faces. The state boards sit back and let these unlicensed, non-industry people give out consumer advice and touch the skin with absolutely no consequence. Let's face it, many consumers don't know the difference between a licensed esthetician and MLM rep. We have unlicensed people doing makeup (no worries about sanitation); we have unlicensed people performing eyelash extensions; and we have people performing "product facials" at makeup counters.

Where are you state board when all these illegal activities are going on? It not only cheapens our industry, but it defies what the purpose of the state board is, to protect the consumers.

Dreamin of Moving to a Tropical Island?

If you like to travel your heart strings might be pulling you to uproot your life and live in paradise. How does an esthetician make the move from the U.S. to a tropical island? Preparation is the key. It is easy to get enamored with the beauty of an island, but you need to know not only cosmetology laws but also labor laws. The last thing you want is to arrive in your new destination and learn that you don't qualify for jobs either due to licensing or labor laws.

Let's start with some places that are U.S. owned--Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. From my research, it looks like any license from the U.S. mainland states would allow you to work in these islands, but check the most up-to-date laws.

These islands are easy in the sense that you would be allowed to work there as a U.S. citizen so much easier than other islands/countries. I've personally been to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas...both beautiful places in their own right. Puerto Rico though is much larger, and all throughout this large island you will find mega resorts. El Conquistador, Palmas Del Mar, Hyatt Dorado etc. St. Thomas has exclusive resorts as well, but the island isn't as big.

Another place that I absolutely love, and a country where health and wellness is practically in the country motto is Costa Rica. Love it! It is a large county in comparison to the U.S. islands, but it has many health resorts. I don't think there is a specific licensing requirement to be an esthetician in the country, but I think you MUST become a RESIDENT before working. You can stay in the country for 90 days I believe as a tourist, but you have to get citizenship to work there.

Costa Rica, is a health conscious, beautiful country with friendly people. Of all the tropical places that make me think of health and wellness, it is by far Costa Rica.

Moving to a tropical paradise is not only a lifestyle choice, but a choice in terms of working the tourist industry. It is a different piece of the pie, and while there is no guarantee you would be busier as an esthetician in a tourist-filled island than in say Detroit, MI, it certainly has many perks.

Deduction Tips: Can I Deduct Laundry Services?

Don't forget to check out our new Grace Riley Consulting Services.
We are offering e-mail and phone consultations as well as resume revision for estheticians.
https://squareup.com/store/gracerileyesthetics

Many solo estheticians believe that they can deduct much of their monthly electric, water, and laundry supplies per month when they do spa laundry at home. I am not a CPA or tax expert, but in doing my research I've spoken to some experts that say do this with great caution. Why? It is a red flag to the IRS, and a red flag can mean an audit?

You might not believe an audit is a big deal until you've lived through one. Is deducting laundry electric, water, and supplies worth the potential audit? Isn't it fair you deduct your expenses.

Yes, it is fair to deduct expenses, but it is equally fair to the IRS that you deduct expenses that are actually business expenses and not a combination of both. So, how do you track your costs per load of spa loads vs. your home loads? The easiest way is to do your laundry at a laundry mat where you can keep track of receipts, but if that isn't an option consider tracking it with a calculator http://energyusecalculator.com/electricity_clotheswasher.htm.

The last thing you want is to muddy the waters of your own laundry costs vs. your spa costs, and end up with an audit.

Marketing Tip of the Day--Attract More Esthetis Clients

 

Don't forget to check out the new Grace Riley Consulting Services at https://squareup.com/store/gracerileyesthetics

 

 

 

Today's Tip: Use Word or another software to create bookmarks...use high quality paper from your local business supply store. I created bookmarks with the name of my spa, website, hours, telephone, online booking information, and my best priced services. For instance, I offered a 45 minute basic facial (no frills) for $29.95 to get people in the door--this was on my bookmarks. I went to the local libraries and put the bookmarks in all the books that were related to beauty, makeup, skin care, health, fashion, and women's novels.

Thoughts on Groupon and Living Social

 

Don't forget to check out the new Grace Riley Consulting services at https://squareup.com/store/gracerileyesthetics

 

Resume revisions, phone consults, and e-mail questions answered in detail!

Groupon and Living Social definitely seem to be the new wave in marketing. I've tried both Groupon and Living Social, and while I like the companies in terms of customer service and helping to generate new customers, I don't like some things about them. Here's my pro's and con's list--you make your own decision.

Pro's-no upfront costs marketing campaign
         generates a lot of customers
         easy to use and friendly customer service
         get new people in the door
        
Con's-the customers that it can attract are not always high quality
          you have to greatly reduce your service price and the customers want that price on future visits
         some of the customers are more fickle than full priced customers
         many of the customers tip on the paid price and not the price of service
          

Need advice? Need help starting your own esthetics business?

You've asked for it, and now I am offering it: consulting services. A lot of you asked me to help you with resume revisions, recreating job gaps, and consulting on job interviewing techniques and starting a new business in the world of esthetics.

Phone consulting: $25.00 for 30 minutes
E-mail Consultation: 1 Question with detailed answer $5.00
3 e-mail questions: $25.00
Resume Revision: $30.00

Please make payments to the following link or e-mail me at gracerileypublishing@gmail.com for more information or to pay by phone.


https://squareup.com/store/gracerileyesthetics