Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/108113
opportunities in a wedding job occur exclusively at the makeup trial. months, and facial waxing should be done at least three days before the wedding—longer, if there is any chance of a reaction to the service. Some mobile makeup artists do pre-wedding services at their home studio, or in the client's home. Will you need help? Probably. Will you form a business partnership, engage independent contractors, or hire employees? See the article "Employer or Landlord?" (Skin Deep, November/December 2011, page 20) to learn more about the differences between contractors and employees. Marketing Paperwork A contract is essential. Have a detailed agreement ready for the bride to fill in and sign at her initial consultation, and collect a deposit at that time. Any changes to the contract should be initialed by the bride, or agreed to and documented by email. Keep a written record of everything. If changes or requests are made by phone, immediately send a follow-up email, going over what was discussed and requesting an email reply to confirm the change. You should also put together a checklist of standard supplies and equipment that you'll take with you on the day, so you'll be ready to go when you get a booking. As a member of Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP), you are covered for work done in any location where you provide services. If you have other insurance providers, check with them to make sure your mobile services will be covered. Pricing Set your rates according to your business plan, not based on what others are charging. Your expenses, experience, specialties, and volume are just a few of the considerations you'll use to determine pricing. When setting prices, it's helpful to know how much your average service ticket is. If you normally work in a spa, you'll have to set your fees so that you make at least as much on location as you would at the spa, plus travel expenses. For instance, perhaps you bring in $600 for a full day's work at the spa. If doing a wedding means your bookable hours at the spa for that day will be reduced by half, you will be losing money unless you can charge at least $300 for the wedding. You'll also need to factor retailing into the scenario. Your spa shelves are filled with products the guest can purchase, but you won't have that advantage on location. The retail Have wedding-specific marketing materials—at the very least, a brochure, menu of services, and website— detailing what you offer, how long it takes, and how much it will cost. Don't ignore men's services on these materials. A wedding may be the only time that a man who is not normally interested in spa services will consider brow waxing, facials, manicures, or more. There will undoubtedly be networking groups in your area for businesses serving the wedding industry. Get to know caterers, event planners, photographers, wedding coordinators, and so on. Know who you can recommend, and who, in turn, can recommend you. Explore the major websites aimed at brides, such as www.weddingwire.com and www.theknot.com. Being a helpful participant on forums and other online communities can be a great way to indirectly advertise your business and get your brand in front of brides. Social media like Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter are free but require continual updates and attention—be careful, since you can easily fritter away a disproportionate amount of time in this area. The Payoff Not only is the wedding market a great revenue-producing niche, but the artistic and professional stimulation it provides can be incredibly rewarding. In addition, your greatest benefit as an industry professional may be the personal satisfaction that comes from helping brides, grooms, their families, and their wedding parties build beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Special thanks to wedding consultant Brenda Boorman, Amelia C. & Co., and Youngblood's Director of Education, Philip Luque, for their contributions to this article. Linda Ruberto, LMP LE, is an eyebrow designer, , spa service provider, and owner of Star Brows in central California. She has worked in the health, beauty, and wellness industries since 1975 and has extensive entrepreneurial experience, both as a sole proprietor and in a corporate setting. She can be reached at linda@starbrows.com, or visit her blog at http://starbrows.com/blog. Get connected to your peers @ www.skincareprofessionals.com 17