Not All Facials and Fun: What 20 Years in Business has Really Taught Me
After 20 years as an aesthetician and business owner, I’ve learned more than just how to treat skin—I’ve learned what it takes to stay in this industry and thrive. If you’re a solo aesthetician or thinking of stepping out on your own, here’s the real story. The good, the bad, and yes, the ugly.
This isn’t meant to discourage you. It’s meant to prepare and empower you. Because when you know what to expect, you can navigate with a lot more confidence—and far less burnout.
The Ugly Truths (That No One Talks About)
• Not everyone will support you. Sometimes even people you love—family, close friends—will question your career or discourage you from taking the leap into business. Most of the time, it comes from their own fear. But it still hurts.
• Unsolicited opinions will find you. People who’ve never built a business will offer advice like they’re experts. Some are well-meaning. Some… not so much. Either way, you’ll need to build a strong filter and trust yourself.
• You might not be taken seriously. I’ve encountered people who dismiss the “beauty business” as fluff. But let me tell you—anyone who has built a successful practice, managed a lease, inventory, scheduling, marketing, client care, and education knows it’s real work.
• There’s betrayal in this industry. It’s unfortunate, but true. Sometimes you’ll be used or hurt by others in the field. This industry can lack mentorship and continuing education, which leads to unnecessary competition and pettiness. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
The Bad (But Manageable) Realities
• The economy affects your income. Election cycles, bad news, and global uncertainty can slow down bookings. It’s scary when you’ve invested heavily in your business. Staying grounded and proactive during those times is key—but not always easy to do on your own.
• Low pay and no safety net. Especially in the beginning, it’s hard to make a living wage. No benefits. No paid sick days. You work through colds, pain, or burnout because the alternative is lost income.
• The market is crowded. New aestheticians can struggle to stand out in a saturated space. But the secret? You don’t need everyone. You just need to find your people—and market to them well.
• Some clients won’t value your time. No-shows and last-minute cancellations can wreck your day and your income. And unless you've built boundaries and policies in advance, you’ll be left scrambling.
The Good (And Why I’m Still Here)
• You can change lives. When you help someone feel better in their skin—literally and emotionally—it’s incredibly fulfilling. Confidence is powerful, and you help people reclaim it.
• You get to build real relationships. Some of my clients have become like family. I’ve celebrated engagements, pregnancies, job promotions, and birthdays with them. That kind of connection is rare in most jobs.
• There’s so much room to grow. From acne treatments to brow artistry, Reiki to nutrition, you can evolve and specialize in ways that keep the work fresh and exciting. If you’re someone who loves to learn, you’ll never be bored.
• When you find your rhythm, it’s magic. There comes a point when your business feels aligned with your values, your schedule works for you, and your clients light you up. That’s when it stops feeling like work and starts feeling like purpose.
If You’re in the Thick of It Right Now…
I see you. I’ve been where you are—overwhelmed, underpaid, questioning if it’s all worth it. And the truth is: It can be worth it. But it doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen without support.
That’s exactly why I now coach other aestheticians. You don’t need to figure everything out the hard way like I did. Whether you’re just starting or looking to reignite your business, there’s a path forward that can feel lighter, more aligned, and actually profitable.
If this post resonated with you, reach out. I’d love to connect and support you in building a business that feels good and works for your life—not just your booking app.