Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1482182
DECIDE WHERE YOU WANT TO WORK Work for yourself in a solo practice? Work for a spa, salon, or franchise? Do both? DEFINE YOUR WORK If going solo, what prices will you charge? What kind of space do you want to be in? Do you want to see a niche clientele? What will your service menu look like? What is your brand? What are your startup costs? (ASCP members can log in and easily figure this number at ascpskincare.com/members/career-toolkits/biz-calculator.) REFINE YOUR WORK Practice on family and friends to build confidence while you work on opening your business Get services from other local estheticians to see what works and what doesn't Practice client communications over and over PROTECT YOUR WORK Get professional liability insurance (slip and fall, product reaction, etc.) Purchase advanced modality insurance if using advanced therapies Hang your license and code of ethics in your space PREPARE TO WORK Set up credit card services and appointment-scheduling software Get your client form, business cards, and other materials in order Write your cancellation and no-show policies, along with other protocols Create brochures explaining your services to help educate clients Research the equipment you want to invest in for the first year Buy your backbar products and retail; start small BUILD YOUR PRACTICE Network—tell everyone your name and new occupation Research your market—know your clients Get your website and social platforms ready for the public Practice your elevator pitch (the 20-second description of what you do) BE SUCCESSFUL Practice self-care every chance you get Find a mentor to help talk you through the challenges you'll encounter Revisit the body mechanics learned in school to ensure you're working ergonomically Stay confident—you've got this! When you are ready to start your professional esthetics career, there are some important things to plan for and think about. Here is a checklist to get you started. Getting Ready to Practice A Checklist Use your upgrade discount to become an ASCP Professional member today! ascpskincare.com 5