April 2024 Graduates
So. . .You’ve invested your time and money to become a licensed skincare professional. You’re ready to graduate, or you’ve recently graduated. Now what? Perhaps you have a detailed idea in mind of exactly what you’re going to do with your license. Or maybe you’re still evaluating the possibilities. Does the idea of owning your own practice thrill you? Do you see yourself working at a high end spa or medical practice? Does skincare product sales appeal to you? Or maybe you’d like to become an instructor and teach others.
If you’re going into the field with questions or concerns – we get it. Although things are constantly evolving in the skincare industry, some general rules of thumb still apply. Read on for 7 tips to help you hit the ground running in this career you’ve chosen.
1. Know what you’re getting into from the beginning.
As a newbie, naturally you’ll want to know what to expect salary wise from your first job. And you may be surprised by the answer. Before you say, “What? I need to make more than that!” or “I’m worth more than that”, recognize that as a new esty you can probably expect to put in a few unpaid hours as you build up your new clientele. If you go solo, it will take time to attract business and build your brand. If you’re working for someone else, you’ll still have to get clients but you have the cushion of an established practice bringing in business. In the end, you grow and be successful if you’re willing to put in the work to deliver superior results and stellar customer service for your clients.
2. Design your career your way.
You’re a licensed skincare pro and ready to start changing the world one face at a time. Have you thought about where you’d like your career to take you? It’s important to keep an end-goal in mind, even if it’s a temporary one. You can always change direction, but there needs to be a direction in the first place to get you on your way. Ideally, what kind of treatments would you like to perform? Who is your ideal client? How many days per week and hours per day do you want to work? How much money do you want to earn? Your answers will show you the way to a career path you can be passionate about. .
3. Find products you love and educate your clients on them.
Retail becomes a lot easier when you’re passionate about what you’re selling and you use an educational approach when talking to your clients about products. Try and test products and find the ones that you can’t work without. Don’t just mention them while in the treatment room. If you have a website, feature them prominently, and post to your blog and on social media. If you’re enthusiastic about a product, your clients will be likely be as well. They will hopefully love the results and spread the word. Remember – you’re the expert!
4. Market yourself.
This means tooting your horn boldly! Leave your cards and brochures as many places as you can think of. Review products online, guest post on professional skincare blogs, vlog, or start a podcast. Attend seminars or give presentations where you can reach a new audience.
5. Get comfortable with retail.
You will have to make money, and in order to do that you’ll most likely have to sell products as well as treatments. Think of retail sales as an opportunity to educate your clients on the right products for them. Demonstrate your knowledge of skincare ingredients and what they do. Homecare is an important part of your client’s skincare so they can keep the glow going after their treatments. And retail sales help build your income quickly.
6. Keep learning about new products, trends, and treatments.
It’s important to keep current on the latest advancements and trends. If your clients are interested in the latest products and treatments and you don’t know about them, they’ll go elsewhere.
7. Invest in continuing education & advancing your career.
Always be learning! This can’t be stressed enough. Take classes, read trade magazines and journals, learn new treatments, and products. Attend trade shows, webinars, listen to podcasts, whatever it takes. This is your career and the more you invest yourself in it, the more successful you will be.
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