Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/78523
If you have the luxury 4. Does my second job allow me to grow my esthetic practice? If you have the luxury of choosing your second job, some of the best choices are jobs that allow interaction with potential clients, such as customer service or sales positions with a high amount of face-to-face contact. The next step is to address the specific issues involved in setting up your part- time practice. This is the first place that your proposed number of weekly hours will be taken into account. For example, if you are working five days a week for four hours each day, what will your revenue be? Is that enough to cover the rent, equipment, supplies, and other expenses, and make a profit at the same time? Room Rent Renting business space is always a challenge, and finding the perfect room may take some time and cause some frustration. It is helpful to put together a checklist of requirements. The old saying "location, location, location" is important here. Look for a good traffic pattern and destination businesses around you, or lease a room within an existing beauty business. Be careful with salons that have high energy and noise; this can impact your business positively or negatively, depending on your focus and clientele. Atmosphere and decor are important in promoting relaxation for your clients. If the space you rent is not already furnished appropriately, you will need to factor in the cost of providing some simple, uncluttered decoration. Before finalizing a rental agreement, check with city and state governments to make sure you are meeting any licensing, safety, tax, or zoning requirements,⎯and don't forget to estimate the monthly cost of utilities. of choosing your second job, some of the best choices are jobs that allow interaction with potential clients. Equipment Part-time estheticians have more than the usual need to keep expenses to a minimum. When considering a major purchase, ask yourself whether your limited working hours will permit you to make the money back. Start by looking at your business needs first, and only then ask what equipment can best meet those needs. The tried-and-true options like galvanic current, microcurrent, and high frequency are all good choices, but don't become focused on a particular machine and then try to think of ways to justify buying it. When it comes to large equipment, the basics needed for a part-time room are an adjustable bed, magnifying lamp, hot towel cabbie, and steamer (of course, if you focus on a modality like waxing, a steamer may not be necessary). Invest in these four items and your product line, and don't get sidetracked into spending large amounts of money on extras. If you decide a large purchase beyond these basics is justified, connect with fellow estheticians on sites like Skincareprofessionals.com and Spabizboard.com to get feedback from those who have used the item or manufacturer you are considering. Connected to the Profession If you spend more than half of your working week in a non-esthetics career, you may need to make an extra effort to stay current with the skin care world. Estheticians who work alone in their skin care practice have additional challenges in this area. Be aware that you may find yourself feeling less in the loop. Plan ahead to avoid this risk. Attend at least one trade show or other training event each year, and build friendships with others in the industry whenever possible. The websites mentioned earlier are a great way to do this, allowing you to interact with other estheticians throughout your working week—no matter what shape that week may take. Susanne Schmaling, director of education for Associated Skin Care Professionals, is a licensed esthetician, experienced educator, former spa owner, and founder of the Pacific Institute of Esthetics. Her career includes all aspects of esthetics, makeup, and nail technology, as well as spa design and consulting. Contact her at sschmaling@ascpskincare.com. Get connected to your peers @ www.skincareprofessionals.com 35