Thinking of opening a spa? Owning a spa has the potential to generate profit and grow into a multimillion-dollar franchise. However, it is going to take a lot more than an aesthetician’s skills to reach the finish line. In order to be successful, skin care professionals need to understand the business aspect of a running a spa. The spa industry has been expanding for years, and it can be capitalized on if the spa owner understands their financial blueprint. One cannot maximize their business without a budget. Certain financial strategies are needed to manage a successful operation.

Annette Hanson is the founder of Atelier Esthétique Institute of Esthetics in Manhattan, a New York state licensing, NACCAS-accredited skin care school, post-graduate facility, and the first United States aesthetics college to be recognized by London’s International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC). Her professional experience spans more than 30 years as a Paris-trained aesthetician, waxing specialist, body therapist, salon manager, and spa consultant. She was instrumental in the development of the 600-hour curriculum for the New York state aesthetics license, as well as the written and practical exam. She was inducted into the Aesthetics International Association (A.I.A.) industry legends in August 2009 by DERMASCOPE Magazine.