November 2024, Q & A

Reflections of a First-Year Esthetician: Lessons, Growth, and Gratitude

October 31, 2024 | by Samantha Garcia

In her first year, Sofia reflects on mastering new skills, building her spa, and finding her niche while sharing insights on growth and supporting new estheticians.

What has been the most rewarding moment for you as an esthetician so far?

I believe the most rewarding moment has been when clients have expressed gratitude and enjoyment in the services I provide. It’s very fulfilling when I know I have helped people feel better about themselves.

How have you grown professionally in the past year, and what new skills or treatments have you mastered?

I have grown professionally in terms of establishing my business and spa space. The mobile space is really starting to come together and be exactly what I hoped and envisioned it to be. I have mastered doing lash lifts; they have been the most fun and quickest skill for me to practice.

“It’s very fulfilling when I know I have helped people feel better about themselves.”

What role has continuing education played in your development as an esthetician during your first year?

During my first year, continuing education has helped me keep up to date with any new techniques and products currently blooming in the industry. It also helps keep my memory and knowledge of techniques and theory refreshed in my mind.

What mistakes did you make in your first year, and how did they help you grow?

While I have officially mastered lash lifts, they were difficult to begin with. I had a hard time finding the right products that worked universally among my clients. I was also the only person in my cosmetology class who couldn’t do lash extensions. I’ve always struggled with them, and it made me realize that there will be certain aspects of esthetics that I will be stronger in and some that I will not, and that’s perfectly fine.

Have you developed a niche or specialization within esthetics, and if so, how did you discover it?

I discovered that I love doing facials, including hydrojelly masks and LED light therapy. I found that clients tend to prefer adding on those extra services because they find it extremely relaxing, and it’s a very niche market that’s popular among estheticians online. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing to watch on social media, but clients find it helps calm them down if they are nervous.

What would you like to see more of in the industry to help first-year estheticians grow?

I think mentoring programs within the industry would help first-year estheticians flourish and feel more comfortable. For example, a licensed long-term esthetician providing a first-year esthetician the opportunity to shadow them or work under them. I also think workshops created for first-year estheticians, where they can mingle amongst each other and build strong connections, would be beneficial to help them grow their businesses.