How to Start an Esthetician Business

 The beauty industry can be such an amazing career choice where creativity and a love for appreciating the beauty of people is allowed to thrive. Unfortunately, sitting under the thumb of a corporate salon can take the fun and spontaneity of being an esthetician, leaving you to feel drained, unappreciated, and underpaid. 

If you’re thinking about starting your own esthetician business so that you can break out of the place where you feel stuck and unfulfilled, let me guide you! I was there once, and am happy to guide you in a way that helps you keep your career, your goals, and your passion as your primary objective.

Steps to open your own esthetician business

Bear with me – I know this process can seem overwhelming and always just ever so slightly out of reach, but I promise it isn't! Reflecting back on my journey, I was able to identify 8 steps that helped me catapult my dream into the reality it is now and I’m more than happy to share them with you.

1. Figure out the initial budget for your business

Many of us can idealize our big dreams, grandiose plans, and perfect lifestyles, but there’s generally one thing that holds us back: money. Planning the opening of your own beauty business is no different. 

I recommend looking over basic costs associated with opening your own business (rent, materials, new furnishings) and create a budget based off of these numbers to see if this dream can truly become a reality. When you start to budget you’re actively making your goals tangible by creating realistic expectations to work towards.

2. Decide on services you’ll provide to clients

While starting your own business can be exciting, it’s important to remember to take it slow at first. You do not want to get in over your head! As a licensed esthetician, you are automatically trained and skilled in a number of services; however, consider offering only one or two services to your clients to start off. This will help mitigate the realities of feeling overwhelmed, but also help you cut down on initial business expenses.

3. Create a business plan and find a location

Once you have an idea of what services you will plan to offer (skin treatments, hair removal, medical aesthetician, makeup application, etc.), as well as what materials you will need, start forming a business plan. This outline doesn't have to be substantial at first, just something basic (such as your business name, budget, and potential time frame) to track your intentions and how you plan to make your plan a reality. 

4. Purchase the required equipment for your services

This one is pretty self explanatory. As you develop and grow your business plan into a reality, buy equipment and materials for your business along the way. These costs spread out over time can alleviate the financial strain of opening a business all at once. 

5. Obtain a business license and insurance

You should start looking into obtaining a business license pretty early on. In fact, keeping the requirements and processing timelines at the forefront of your plans really help you pace your opening timeline. Additionally, looking into insurance quotes help gauge what money you need to set aside to properly protect yourself and your business.

6. Price your services

Now that you have an idea of your expenses, start pricing your services keeping in mind what your monthly costs may be and what you think your services are worth. If you’re just starting, try to avoid falling into the tempting trap of under-pricing your services to get more clients. 

7. Establish a brand & online presence for your business

Did you know that developing a brand can truly make a difference in the success of your business? Creating a tone, target audience, and personality to your shop separates you from other businesses trying to win over your clientele, and provides a unique customer experience.

8. Market your business and get booked!

Once you’ve established your marketing plan, put it into effect! Push your business on all fronts and get the gears moving into making this a reality! With the right mindset and proper planning, your business and its success isn't too far out of your reach. 

Things to keep in mind before starting your journey

While these steps create a simplified path to success, there are going to be a few things I think you should keep in mind. 

Gain experience and clientele before opening

Going directly from being licensed as an esthetician to opening your own shop is a little unlikely. Take your first few years working under other companies as a way to gain experience and develop a sturdy clientele. After all, your success will be dependent on those very two things. 

Be a master of your field

Don't settle for being good! Understand your full potential by constantly improving on your craft. In fact, if you’re able to, invest in continuing education to make sure your skills are staying sharp by understanding the latest tricks and techniques. 

Provide customer service that keeps clients returning

Lastly, remember that most of your interactions with clients will guide their opinion of your skills and quality of work. Treat your clients the way you would hope to be treated if you were on the receiving end of the service because quality customer care is what guarantees your clients will return. 

Learn how Raya took her esthetics business to the next level – so can you!

If I can do it, so can you! This industry is about bringing out the best in people, and I want to help you bring out the best in yourself. If you’re interested in growing your beauty business, invest in our program where we can turn your business into a successful reality.