Visualize before you begin

When selecting a place to start a career in the beauty industry there are a few things to visualize first before committing.  Now it doesn’t need to be your entire career but a place that you can grow and thrive for 3-5 years.  If you bounce around too much it will be difficult to create consistency and build a business. 

1. What type of work do you want to do

2. Who will you work with

3. What is the career path 

What type of work do you want to do- this could be men’s haircutting, bridal, makeup, etc..  Choose an environment that these clients would be drawn to visiting.  Is it a masculine place, a spa like environment, or maybe it’s being onset doing a Photoshoots or fashion shows. You will need to do your homework, visit these places, and don’t be afraid to be selective.  

Who will you work with?- You can get a good sense of attitude during a visit or phone conversation if it gives you a welcoming vibe or not.  You are the equivalent to 5 people you spend the most time with.  So if these worker bees are not successful and loving life then ...you won’t be either 😳

What is the career path?-

  Continuing education, tracked goals, increase pay.  All of these will contribute to your end goal of why you should work harder/smarter.   If you don’t hear about these things in your interview then I would immediately put up a red flag 🚩CAUTION!  Continuing education in my mind is the key to success and staying in the game.  Make sure your team holds this as a high value and believe!

Hopes this helps as I always hear from new artist starting in their career.  I’ll share a few ideas for those starting a suite too but we all start somewhere and I do believe a good salon with continuing education will be an amazing stepping stone for most! And believe me the hardest part is the beginning!

Five Career Paths After Beauty School

I love going to beauty schools and teaching students more about the industry, being a business owner, and life behind the chair.  I’m always shocked when I ask the students what they are going to do when they graduate 🎓and they have NO CLUE 🤷🏼‍♀️what they will do once licensed.  

So here is a shortcut roadmap to help you discover your next step as a professional 

5 ideas to use your license 

1. Behind the chair Artist 

2. On location Artist

3. Session Artist 

4. Counter Makeup Artist 

5. Sales Rep 

1. Behind the chair- this is a great option for those who are wanting to increase their skill, knowledge, and practice their craft typically five days a week.  Build a clientele and make typically a fair commission on your services.  You’ll have the support and a team that usually becomes family. 

1. On location- this is a great option if you like traveling.  It’s most common and successful for bridal artists.  Your weekends will be mostly booked.  You will need to market yourself though and spread the word about your business to gain business.  You can also partner with APPS such as glam squad or Lisa App (WARNING: they will take a large portion of your pay). 

1. Session Artist- this is a great option for those who are not interested in cuts, colors or selling products.  You will typically sign on with agencies to get jobs booked.  Usually you will need to find your own work too.  This can pay very well once you establish a reputation and portfolio.  A work day maybe long on set.  Many times you will be creating someone else’s vision so it may not always be creatively fulfilling. 

1. Makeup Counter Sales- this is a great option if you LOVE makeup, enjoy talking about it, and working with people.  typically your hired by a manufacturer line.  You do not need to be licensed however it adds more credentials to your name and work.  Often times your receive the newest products and discounts on purchases.  Weekends are a must! 

1. Sales rep- if you love talking about products and showing other stylist how to use it successfully.  You will need to establish great relationships with salons and staff to make an impact.  Typically hours are during the day and during the week.