A few new aestheticians looking for help

I am a new aesthetician, and I bought a skin care business recently. When I first approached the previous owner over a year  ago, I wanted to find out if there was a way I could work for her—learn the industry a little bit better. Since I’ve used the same product she used for over fifteen years, I thought that was what I wanted to work with. Being the excellent saleswomen she is, I bought the business. Now I am in the process of learning what it means to be successful.

I love your blog and your website. I especially like what you have to say about “anti-aging.” Your approach to healthy skin sounds so similar to what I would like to step into and be able to offer. Kind of intimidating knowing you are out there, with so much experience and knowledge.

I am right now learning everything I can. I give an amazing facial, I was fully trained by the previous owner and by the skin care company, too. I know we are technically competition, but honestly I would like to team up with you somehow and learn from you. I wonder if there is any way this can be mutually beneficial. What do you think?

Wow, well congratulations to you! Starting a new business—and new career—is a lot to bite off. I wish you all the best of success in your new adventure. 

As far as “competition”— there really is no competition. People go to who they like and use the products they prefer. Our businesses are in reality completely different. 

As far as learning from me, yes, I have been an aesthetician for over 30 years and I’ve accumulated a lot of knowledge. But ultimately YOU will be learning from your clients, your business, your self every day from here on out. The first few years after school was where my education really began. I read a lot and studied what interested me as it pertained to skin care. Choosing a path that interests you and trusting that eventually, after a few years under your belt, you will start to emerge as the aesthetician you see yourself being is what I recommend. It’s practical experience (over time) that will make you great.

The two books I wrote have helped a lot of aestheticians, many who have contacted me. Also my blog ageless beauty, timeless skin has a lot of my personal experiences as an aesthetician written just for you guys under the category Aestheticians/Pros. [Although that blog is presented for clients, aestheticians have commented about how much the articles have helped them understand skin.]

Best wishes to you on your journey!

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Hi Carolyn,

I am a practicing aesthetician and am trying to build a clientele. I am experienced, but I took some time off to have my children and also during this time my husband was deployed. So now I’m back!

I hear people say things like, “Don’t facials hurt?” and “I break out after facials,” or “I have sensitive skin.” I think it’s mostly because they aren’t using the right products. So how do I get these people to make appointments for facials with me? I’m starting to get pretty discouraged because I know my stuff and I feel like I’m good at what I do! Thanks so much for your time.

My business has always been and continues to be built on referrals. Therefore I can’t tell you how to “get these people to make appointments” per se. I would, however, recommend:

• Give your services away to people you think would be good candidates to become clients and who would possibly give your name out to their friends.
• Offer a referral appreciation discount.
• Conduct some free seminars locally, and talk about the answers to all the frustrations you mentioned in your email to me. Address those issues, and hand out a coupon to the seminar attendees for a discount on their first facial with you. (See Throw a party to create interest in your new business.)

If you know your stuff—share it. The rest will follow.