From Solo Esthetician to Business Owner: 3 Tips for a Successful Transition

If you know my story, you know I had a pretty rough transition from non-business owner to salon owner. I had to give up my apartment and rely on tinder dates in order to feed myself. 

Living in my car to launch my business was the wake-up call I needed. I really think I can start this business based on my grit and passion? I need to know sales, I need to know my numbers, I need to get serious. 

So, I did. I turned my situation around and was able to have 2 successful spa locations before I had to close my doors due to a car accident. 

I don’t want you to have to experience homelessness in order to succeed obviously, but what’s it going to take in order for you to understand you need more than passion and a license to run a successful business?

With the right mindset, approach, and knowledge, it is possible to make a successful transition. In this blog post, we will explore the top three tips that helped me when I was finally able to make this transition:

1. It’s not just about passion, it’s going to be a lot harder than you think it is

When I first started my business, I was passionate about my work and believed that it would be enough to make my business successful. However, I soon realized that passion alone isn't enough. I thought because I was good at what I did, the customers would come running. But, I was very wrong. If you don’t invest in your business by actively seeking to learn more about your industry, ways to increase your revenue, scale, etc., your business will fail. Be prepared for the challenges that come with starting a business, such as financial struggles, managing employees, lawsuits, etc. Knowing that it won't be easy, but being willing to invest in yourself and your business, is key to success.

2. Surround yourself with the right people 

As a solo esthetician, I was used to working alone and making all the decisions myself. However, as a business owner, it's important to surround yourself with the right people, such as a mentor, coach, or other successful business owners who can offer guidance and support. Always surround yourself with people you aspire to. Networking with others in the industry can also help you to stay up to date on industry trends and best practices. Additionally, hiring the right employees is essential to the success of your business. Look for individuals who share your values and work ethic and who are passionate about the industry. 

3. Coaching and in-person trainings 

Investing in coaching and attending in-person training can help you to develop the skills you need to succeed as a business owner. Coaching can help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies to overcome obstacles. In-person training can provide hands-on experience and help you to stay up to date on industry trends and best practices. A part of surrounding yourself with the right people is networking and these kinds of events are where you do that. Gain valuable insights into the industry and even send your team to trainings like these in order to elevate your staff. Spa Strong® offers coaching packages as well as IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS! Our Front Desk Accelerator is coming up on April 1-2, learn more here.

In conclusion, making the transition from a solo esthetician to a business owner requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn and grow. Surrounding yourself with the right people, investing in coaching and in-person trainings, and being prepared for the challenges that come with starting a business are all essential to success. With these tips in mind, you can make a successful transition and build a thriving business.