From Esty to Entrepreneur

When an “esty” entrepreneur makes the decision to leave the security of a job and open their own practice, many thoughts may run through their head. Perhaps they are thinking about how they have always wanted to be their own boss or how they could manage things better than their current supervisor. Maybe they feel they are not being taken seriously where they are currently employed, or they may need more flexibility for their personal life. Regardless, in making the decision to go out on their own, one should consider timing, the pros and cons, and any necessary steps they need to take to make it all happen.  

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Mary NielsenTechnician, educator, mentor, and business owner, Mary Nielsen has been at the forefront of medical aesthetics since its infancy in the early 1990s. She is an Oregon-certified advanced aesthetician and a licensed aesthetics instructor. She serves as vice chair of the Oregon Board of Certified Advanced Estheticians. She is the author of several aesthetics books, including four chapters in the latest “Milady’s Esthetics” textbook. 

Taking Care of Business

Making the jump from employee to business owner can be a scary and somewhat daunting task. So many variables factor into the equation, like whether to be the sole owner and rent a suite or office or whether to go into business with a partner, perhaps several partners. An even bigger risk may involve opening a multi-service spa as an owner with employees. When spa businesses acquire staff members, will they be filed as a W-2 or 1099 employees? What is the difference? If spa owners take on opening a bigger space with rooms, will they rent some out? What booking software should be used, and does it include payroll, accounting, and marketing services?  

So much thought goes into every facet of running a business, even things one might not immediately think of as concerns. It is important to fully grasp what it takes to open a business to prepare for a successful, smooth-running operation. 

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Maxie FrericksMaxie Frericks has been a licensed aesthetician for over 16 years. Her highlights include being the lead waxer and trainer for three European Wax Centers in Manhattan, contributor for numerous skin care publications, judge for The 2019 Skin Games, educator for Face and Body Summit, and featured in ASCP 2018 Skincare Summit: Waxing Ageless Edition. Frericks has since transitioned into a business consultant for aestheticians and spa owners. 

Working as a solo skin care professional is incredibly rewarding. You have total control over your business, from services you want to offer and at what price to marketing and advertising decisions. Your creativity can flow freely, and you can really have your hand in every aspect of your business. 

However, working on your own can also be isolating. You may find yourself missing the camaraderie of working with a team. Maintaining motivation can also be a struggle when you’re flying solo. The key to staying connected is to connect – literally. There are a few ways to do that so you can enjoy and reap the benefits of working as a solo provider without the isolation. 

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Alisha Shumake is a licensed aesthetician of 15 years and owner of The More You Glow in Detroit, Michigan. She obtained a degree in small business management and has worked in a variety of different roles in the aesthetics industry such as sales, salons, and medical spas. Shumake decided to take the step into entrepreneurship in 2020, opening The More You Glow. In addition to providing corrective and age management-based treatments, she also strives to educate clients in product knowledge and the latest in treatment advancements to accomplish their skin care goals. 

The two most popular and profitable waxing services are eyebrows and Brazilian waxes. Not legs, arms, backs, chests, toes, bums, knuckles, or necks. There is nothing in the skin care professional’s handbook that says, “If you wax, you must wax every single body part or nothing at all.” This is your business. You decide what you want to wax and, more importantly, what you don’t.  

That may sound scary, and you may feel like you’re excluding people that want something other than what you offer, and that’s ok. Doctors specialize, teachers specialize, chefs specialize, so why not you? By specializing and creating a niche for yourself, you are telling people, “Hey, this is the only thing I do, and I do it really well.” When it comes creating an eyebrow and Brazilian business, it’s a no-brainer money-maker. Here are a few of the most important must-haves to build a booming eyebrow and Brazilian business. 

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Crickett EnosFounder and CEO of The Wax Chick, Crickett Enos is a licensed aesthetician, product creator, writer, speaker, and advanced waxing educator, specializing in eyebrow design and Brazilian waxing. With over 18 years of experience in the industry, she has trained and empowered thousands to wax with skill, confidence, and efficiency.  

One of the least productive approaches when it comes to a spa business is thinking, “We’ve always done it this way.” The aesthetics industry is constantly evolving, and the last few years have been a catalyst to speed up the pace of ever-changing consumers habits. As the world’s economy goes through ups and downs, it’s important to make sure you are maximizing your sales potential, particularly retail, which is one of the fastest and easiest ways to boost the bottom line.  

A fresh set of eyes can help you assess if you are creating an inspiring environment for clients to purchase from and if you are missing opportunities for retail sales. Make sure to bring your growth mindset before you audit your spa and don’t be scared of the not-so-pretty truths. Put yourself in the shoes of your ideal client and analyze your spa’s client journey. Here are the top touch points to look for when mystery-shopping your spa. 

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Alice PicheryFounder of the spa retailing coaching platform, The SPAcialist (@the_spacialist_pro) and a skin expert, Alice Pichery has been in the spa industry for 15 years. Born and trained in France as a licensed aesthetician and massage therapist, she traveled the world and expanded her spa and wellness culture before settling in Miami, Florida for the last 10 years. Acknowledged in the industry as a savvy cosmetics educator, spa trainer, and retail manager for high-end locations and brands, Pichery’s mission is to empower spa professionals to become the retail high-performers they were always meant to be, while remaining aligned with their authentic self and purpose. 

Flora VS. Fauna

Written by   David Stachura

Stem cells are special cells that have the unique property of proliferating to make more of themselves and differentiating into more specialized cell types. Early in development, stem cells give rise to every tissue of the body. These early stem cells are called embryonic stem cells, and in humans, they are derived from the embryo five days after fertilization.1  

The embryo is composed of only about 20 to 30 cells at this stage, and all of these cells have the ability to generate any tissue or organ of the developing human body.2 The isolation and use of human embryonic stem cells is somewhat ethically dubious to some, but discoveries in stem cell technology allowed for the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells, which are stem cells generated from adult tissues that have embryonic qualities; no fertilized embryos are needed.3 

Besides embryonic stem cells, the body has adult stem cells. They are what maintain the body’s tissue on a daily basis and help heal wounds when they occur. Skin, hair, blood, and the lining of the gut are constantly being replaced with new cells that derive from these specialized pools of stem cells. In fact, humans generate about one trillion new blood cells every day to replace dying cells. These stem cells need to function perfectly for a person’s entire lifespan. Too few blood cells? The body will not be able to fight infections or move oxygen to distant tissues. Too many? That leads to cancer. These cells are different from embryonic stem cells, in that adult stem cells are more developmentally differentiated. For instance, a blood stem cell cannot become a tissue cell under normal conditions; it is already fated to become blood. 

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David StachuraDr. David Stachura has a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology from Lehigh University and a PhD in cellular and molecular biology from the University of Pennsylvania. After obtaining his doctorate, he performed his postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Stachura’s career has focused on understanding the genetic control of adult stem cell biology by using both hematopoietic stem cells and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) as models. He is the chief scientific officer at FACTORFIVE. 

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The Cortisol Connection: Stress & Skin Health

Stress is widely acknowledged as a link between healthy and unhealthy individuals. Additionally, numerous reports show stress to have a direct impact on the gut, brain, and immune system.1 However, limited research is available concerning cortisol, a hormone produced in response to stress, and its effects on skin.  

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Drawing the Line: Setting Healthy Boundaries as a Service Provider

With smartphones at the world’s fingertips, boundaries around businesses are more blurred than ever. With features like direct messaging and text messaging making everyone radically accessible, clients can reach service providers at any time of the day, and social media makes it easier than ever to work on off days. 

It is no surprise, then, that stress begins to pile up. Things happen at work that leave professionals feeling frustrated and burnt out. They may find themselves balancing clients who cancel at the last minute, working extended hours, and juggling others’ expectations of constant availability. 

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Pretty Practical: Infographics & the Skin Care Professional

In today’s day and age, the landscape and opportunities for skin care professionals are vast and ever growing. Utilizing methods to reach current and prospective clients through social media is a constant task of the modern professional and has presented obstacles for most because business, marketing, social media marketing, and graphic design do not get covered in aesthetic programs across the country. Yet, it is more and more being asked of skin care professionals. 

One of these many new responsibilities is creating social media content. Professionals running and managing their own accounts, who are in the majority, are finding themselves in the precarious position of needing to step into and fill the roles of brand manager, marketing manager, social media manager, and graphic designer – all of which would be separate roles within larger companies. For this, all driven and resilient women and men in the industry deserve a collective standing ovation. 

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Right of Drip: The Responsibilities of Offering IV Hydration Therapy

For many, an intravenous (IV) hydration clinic seems to be a business with high margins and low overhead. Though there are those that open successful clinics, many face the common issue of scope of practice laws that are not always clear, exposing the clinic, owners, medical directors, and, primarily, the provider. These requirements changes across state lines as well, creating even more confusion than clarity. For instance, in some states, there are several IV hydration facilities that have licensed practical nurses assessing patients deciding on course of treatment and providing treatment. This is not within their scope of practice. In contract, in the state of Florida, they have a more expanded scope of practice, with some exceptions.  

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Superficial Solutions: At-Home Micropeels

Exfoliating acids have long been a proven way to help provide solutions to various skin concerns. While cellular turnover takes place on a regular basis throughout much of a person’s 20s, by the age of 25, that rate of cellular turnover rapidly declines. It is necessary to give those cells a boost to help remove dead surface cells and to reveal smoother skin. 

One of the most effective ways to accelerate cellular turnover is by utilizing alpha and beta hydroxy acids. While these acids have long been a staple in every skin care professional’s tool kit, not all acids perform in the same way, and more importantly, not all formulations of acids are equally effective. 

Glycolic acid in particular is one of the most widely studied and recommended acids to provide solutions to a variety of skin conditions, including signs of aging and pigmentation. How these acids are recommended and used is what will make the biggest impact on results and client satisfaction.  

Many individuals struggling with skin concerns are unhappy when they see their reflection in the mirror and think that the best solution is always more. However, educated licensed professionals know that it is not a race to the finish line but a comprehensive approach and treatment plan that will provide the best result. 

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Chain Reaction

Welcome to the ever-changing, beauty and science-focused aesthetics industry. The true nuts and bolts of a professional’s work will entail a strong understanding of histology, the study of the microscopic structure of tissues. Clients are more aware than ever about the nuances of skin care and what is available on the market. It is the professional’s job to dive into the deeper levels of skin care in order to help explain the why factor. This is the magic sauce and true pathway to long-term success as a working skin care professional.  

Within consultations and post-service education moments, the professional is able to utilize their expansive knowledge of the inner workings of the skin layers to explain and recommend professional skin care treatments and homecare. The future of amazing skin care is in the professional’s hands – and they have the superpowers available through expansive knowledge of science and ingredients to take clients to a place of skin care enlightenment. Amazing additives to this special relationship with clients include uplifting their confidence levels, assisting them with wellness management, and changing their lives in a big, inspirational way. 

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Courtney SykesCourtney Sykes is the chief administrative officer of Southeastern Esthetics Institute and is a licensed aesthetics instructor in South Carolina. Sykes is also the creator of Courtney Sykes Molecular Anit-Aging, a clinical skin care line for consumers and professionals. Her passion lies in creating real change in the aesthetics industry, assisting her students to obtain gainful employment, and making a difference in the lives of their clients. Sykes specializes in a science-based approach to skin health and education. Her primary focus is chemical peels, laser treatments, eyelash extensions, micropigmentation, and cosmetic lasers. Her background in medical spa management has led her to nationally accredit the largest licensed aesthetics school in South Carolina – Southeastern Esthetics Institute. 

In the Know

As professionals in the ever-changing skin care industry, “Keeping Up with Consumer Lines” is a familiar reality show we all live in. Skin care has forged coming-and-going trends throughout the years while clients seek increasingly unattainable ideals. Regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity, the fountain of youth is still very much sought after. Some skin care brands may tease with the notion that their products can deliver a more youthful appearance, and clients are willing to try anything. 

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Amra LearAmra Lear is a licensed massage therapist and aesthetician, NCBTMB provider, trainer, and co-creator of world-renowned treatments such as the Nobu Go. She just recently relocated to Pallavi Luxury Spa in Clearwater, Florida after spending the last 22 years of her career on the Las Vegas strip at two prestigious spas. As a spa spokesperson, she appeared internationally on various media platforms sharing her knowledge on spa treatments and wellness.  

October 2024

Brands of the Month

  • Celluma by Biophotas, Inc
  • Eminence Organic Skin Care.
  • Circadia by Dr. Pugliese

Business

Under Construction: Choosing the Best Website Builder for a Skin Care Business 

Employee to Entrepreneur: Preparing for Success 

More Skills, More Clients 

Tips For Medical Spa Pros To Become Better Patient Advocates 

Beauty

Greenlighting Sustainability: Biotechnology & the Future of Sustainable Beauty

Lip Service: The Top 10 Lip Tips of 2023

In the Land of Lashes

Poreless Perfection: Glass Skin Makeup

Body

Light Work: Enhancing Outcomes & Growing Incomes with LED Light Therapy 

The Sun Never Sets  

The Brightside of Skin Health 

 A Guide to Body Brightening: Treatments & Ingredients