We interviewed an Esthetician for their advice on a successful career in esthetics.
Here’s some valuable advice from a professional esthetician who created her own successful skin therapy business.
Fauzia Morgan is a licensed esthetician who graduated from the Euro Institute of Skin Care. Her specialties are facials, resurfacing peels and body treatments.
#1 – Do what you love
Morgan’s advice is to be yourself and do what you love. Her approach to esthetics is holistic and rooted in her own experience. After struggling with chronic acne, Morgan learned to heal her body from the inside out through acupuncture and dietary changes.
Then, while working at an integrative pharmacy, she realized that she was able to help other people with their skin by recommending natural skin care products and making referrals to naturopaths, nutritionists, acupuncturists and herbalists.
She decided to translate this talent into an esthetician job. Morgan chose an esthetician school that emphasized the whole body and the ways in which internal health affects the skin.
#2 – Network
When she started as an esthetician, Morgan built a professional website and joined online networking groups. She spent six months participating in a referral-based networking group called Business Networking International (BNI).
“I had to stand up and give a commercial about myself every week. It really helps you get clear about who you are, what you do and how to confidently market yourself. It’s so important to have a good answer when people ask you what you do. It’s also important to know other professionals in related fields—nutritionists, homeopaths, massage therapists and others—so you can make informed referrals.”
Also: Buddy up! Sharing space and clients with other professionals can be a great way to build your business. Morgan initially partnered with a massage therapist in order to open a larger practice space.
#3 – Be product-savvy—and sincere
Estheticians typically offer clients a professional line of products that aren’t available in retail stores. They should be carefully chosen—or curated—luxuries. Organic and natural products are increasingly popular with eco-conscious consumers.
“I can only sell something I believe in 100 percent,” Morgan explains. “People want products that will really work for their skin. People trust me, because I’m passionate about the products and I know them well.”
#4 – Know your own worth
New estheticians should look at the industry standard, which is at least a dollar per minute, and then look at what others are charging locally. Settle on a fair price that makes you feel properly compensated.
Estheticians may price their services lower because they expect tips. While tipping is common courtesy at a salon, where clients know you’re only getting a portion of the price they pay for a service, it should not be expected when you work for yourself.
Clients depend on an esthetician to create and maintain professional boundaries, so they can relax and enjoy their time. New practitioners may write out clear policies about everything before they start, including returns, cancellations, pricing and hours.
“It’s hard to be firm when it’s such a feel-good service. But if you respect yourself, other people will respect you,” says Morgan.
#5 – Keep learning
It’s important to keep building your skills. Many skin care lines offer courses to the professionals who use their products.Trade shows, such as the International Congress of Esthetics and Spa, can be a great source of information.
Like many estheticians, Morgan gets her insurance through Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP). She receives information about developments in the field through their website and quarterly publication.
You can also enhance your practice by developing related skills and knowledge. Morgan reads a lot about nutrition because even though she’s not a nutritionist, she talks to her clients about how important diet and supplements can be for healing the skin.
Classes in massage therapy or aromatherapy are also helpful to many estheticians. Or, if you’re a medical esthetician, you may want to take courses in Botox or laser hair removal.
Bonus – Never sacrifice self-care
“Taking care of yourself is so important when you’re in a field where you take care of other people,” says Morgan.
Even if you only get short breaks between clients, make them count. Stretch, eat, go for a quick walk, meditate or do whatever helps you avoid feeling stressed out. In terms of overall lifestyle, a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential.
“People are coming to you for a peaceful experience and for their monthly or bi-monthly treat. You have to be grounded. You have to be in a good mental, physical and emotional space.”
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