Marketing Degree?

I knew from day one of being an esthetician that I wanted to be on my own, make my own schedule, carry my own line, find my own clients, be my own boss. What I didn't know was how hard, time consuming and overwhelming it is bringing in clientele. While I was in school to get my license I should have also been going to school for a marketing degree! *SIGH*

I love my job. If I could sit and talk with someone about their skin, answer their questions, comfort them and help them feel like they aren't the only one feeling the way they do about their skin, or even talk about new lipsticks or eyeshadow palettes, by golly I would! It's ultimately why I do free skin consultations. 90% of my first time clients are newbies to the facial world. They think a facial is just a glorified 'face washing!' When I get an opportunity to explain the procedure of a facial and the benefits, I see the wheels turning in people's minds. To me, I want someone to trust me, and feel like I can give them an educated answer to their questions. But I also want to give them personal experience along with professional information. I want someone to trust me, but I also want to be relatable.

As a new esthetician I will be honest and admit I have insecurities. Not everyone is going to like me, or like their treatment. One of my first clients admitted half way through her facial that she hated to be touched and felt extremely uncomfortable when someone laid their hands on her. I had to stop and ask her if she wanted to continue with her service, in which she requested that I proceed. I did, but she has not scheduled another facial. Do I take it personally? No. I can't. If I question why every client hasn't returned it takes away the positive energy for those clients that come back week after week. I know I am good at what I do, but that does not mean it is for everyone.

I have spent countless hours reading. Not just in my profession, but more on how to reach the every day person. How to market my business. How to bring in the people and keep them coming back. I don't think after all the reading I have done that I have found the answer. Because really, a lot of my clients have come to me by word of mouth. They have been referred to me by a friend, family member or co worker. And to me, that is truly flattering. But let's be realistic. In a small town, with the competition out there in the beauty industry, I can't simply settle and wait for everyone to refer their friends to me. I have to go find them. I have to put my thinking cap on and do some marketing strategies. Do I like this part of my job? No. Am I finding it difficult on ways to be creative? Yes. But I won't let it deter me. I will keep looking for new ideas. In the mean time, this is a good time to mention my specials going on right now!

I am offering some packages which are beneficial to those who will be buying multiple services because they get a discount in doing so.

3 European Facials for $150. ($210 value. $20 savings on each facial. Must be used within 90 days of purchase.)

3 Spray Tans for $75. ($90 value. Must be used within 90 days of purchase.)

Summer Ready Package includes European Facial, Spray Tan and Eyebrow Wax for $90. ($120 Value. Must be used within 90 days of purchase.) 

Purchase a Resurfacing Peel Series (5 Chemical Peels) and receive a free Vita C Protective Skin Cream ($40 value.) 

Never had a facial? First timers mention this blog when scheduling your first facial and get 20% off!