Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/618738
64 january/february 2016 ASCP & you I AM ASCP Pride & Joy For this veteran esty, the excitement for skin care hasn't waned SHERRY WIESZCHOWSKI Esthetician; founder and president of SW Skin Care & Cosmetics Johnstown, New York ASCP Member Since 2010 WHEN DID YOU FIRST FALL IN LOVE WITH SKIN CARE? When I was 16 and got to go to modeling school. I learned the importance of skin care and how to properly apply makeup. I've been hooked ever since. In my 20s, I thrived as a Mary Kay consultant, and in my 30s, I was one of my area's leading counter managers for Clinique. My excitement for this industry never waned, and, at 49, I finally decided to get my esthetics license and make a business out of this field I love. That was six years ago, and I still wake up excited to go to work every morning. WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT OWNING A BUSINESS? Flexibility in schedule. You work long, hard hours, but you get to choose what hours they are. I also love being able to add products and services whenever I feel a change is needed or when I see something that excites me. WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART? Managing employees. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and you have to figure out how to best utilize the strengths and improve the weaknesses, all while maintaining a high level of service quality. GIVE US A TREND PREDICTION FOR 2016. I think clients will definitely lean toward treatment-oriented services instead of just relaxation-oriented. Clients want services that provide results. I also see treatments like microcurrent and microneedling on the rise over the next year. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE AN ESTHETICIAN WHO WANTS TO OPEN HER OWN SPA OR SALON? It's hard work. Be prepared to work 80 hours a week when you begin—and this work will be more marketing than esthetics. You need to get out in the community, join organizations, visit and team up with other area businesses for promotions, etc. You'll also need to constantly reinvest your money for new equipment and products, so don't expect a meaningful paycheck for the first 2–3 years.