Should You Go Solo After Esthetician School? The Truth About Working for Yourself vs. a Salon

Should you open your own esthetics business right out of school, or should you work for an established salon or spa first?

There is so much pressure in the beauty industry right now to go solo, become your own boss, open a suite, and build your own brand. And while owning your own business can be incredible, there is another side of entrepreneurship that doesn't always make it onto social media.

In this solo episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati breaks down the pros and cons of going solo versus working for an established salon, spa, or franchise after beauty school and shares her own experience with both.

Kati started her career working for other businesses before eventually becoming a spa owner herself. When she moved specifically into waxing, she intentionally chose a franchise because of the ongoing education, structure, team environment, and opportunity to build her skills before trying to do everything on her own.

Looking back, that foundation became an important part of the business owner and esthetician she is today.

What Going Solo Actually Looks Like

Opening a beautiful salon suite is the fun part.

But before you take your first client, there's an entire business that has to be built behind it.

Kati gets into some of the things new estheticians may not realize they'll suddenly be responsible for, including finding and leasing a space, registering a business, licensing, insurance, purchasing equipment and supplies, setting up the treatment room, choosing products, sanitation, and covering your expenses before you've built a consistent clientele.

And that's before marketing, booking clients, answering messages, cleaning, laundry, rebooking, inventory, taxes, social media, and actually performing the services.

Being your own boss also means becoming responsible for almost every part of the business.

The Benefit of Working for Someone Else