How Great Estheticians Excel



Skin care is a demanding business. Long hours. Cancellations. Difficult clients. Competitive work environment. Constantly evolving trends and technologies. As a professional, you’re on the front lines. To survive and thrive takes more than just mastering your craft and managing your time. The trick is staying engaged and staying positive. In a business as personal as skin care, attitude is every bit as important as craft.

What does that mean in practical terms? Well, it doesn’t mean you can just smile your way through the day ad expect a miraculous surge in business. Positivity must be proactive to be productive. Let’s get specific.

MAP OUT YOUR PATH

A lot of the estheticians we talk to have a similar story when asked what motivated them to go into skin care as a profession: they wanted to improve their own skin. And when asked what they love most about their work, many talk about the rewards of seeing clients experience better self-esteem, greater happiness and increased confidence because of the changes in their skin.

Whether you’re just starting out, or are mid-career and looking to make a few tweaks, you need to understand your own goals. Ask yourself what made you go into the business in the first place, and what makes you want to continue? What sort of clients are you seeking to attract? What kind of environment do you want to work in? What sorts of skills or knowledge do you need to acquire? Write down your goals and make a plan to achieve them. And if, in the process of examining your goals, you find something is not working, don’t be afraid to make a change.

BE CURIOUS

There are certain constants in skin care, but the methods change. There are new ingredients, new tools, new technologies. Some are worth adopting. Some are not. But most are worth at least exploring. Adopt the attitude that you can never know too much. If a client asks you about the latest light therapy products, do you want to be an esthetician who says, “I don’t know anything about that”? Or do you want to be the one able to tell them all the ins and outs and why you do or do not recommend it? Which esthetician do you think your client would prefer to see?

INVEST IN YOURSELF

Your craft evolves. You need to evolve with it. Go to classes, conventions, seminars, trainings. Yes, there are costs, but that is an investment in yourself and your business. You and your craft are worth the investment. Not only does continuing your education instill confidence in your clients, it gives you a heightened sense of self and empowerment. You can’t put a price on that. And from a practical standpoint, these are things you can write off on your taxes. That’s a win-win.

BE A JOINER

Like continuing education, joining professional organizations comes at a cost, but these groups can be a great resource for advice and support, and sometimes, discounts. Do a little research first to find the organization that best fits your needs. Additionally, there are online groups, usually free, that offer a forum for questions, inspiration and sharing of advice. Always be connecting.

GO DEEPER

We often ask estheticians about their skin care philosophy. We get answers about the importance of regimen and consistency, of course. But we also get answers that are less about skin and more about soul. Loving oneself. Reducing stress. Understanding that beauty is something beneath the surface. These are great answers and things to keep in mind when treating your clients. A successful esthetician is part scientist, part craftsperson, part artist, and part guru.

RELY ON YOURSELF

If you own your own spa, you already understand this one well. If you work for someone else, you have to remember that your success comes down to the choices you make and the actions you take. Your employer may provide a space and tools and support, but you have to provide the service, the skill, and the positive approach to keeping clients coming in.