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 Working at an established salon or franchise doesn't mean you're giving up on the dream of owning your own business. It can actually be one of the best ways to prepare for it. You have the opportunity to work with more clients, improve your timing, experience situations you may never have seen in school, learn from coworkers, receive additional education, and figure out what you do and don't want to bring into your own business someday. There's also something incredibly valuable about having a team around you while you're still building confidence. You don't have to know everything immediately. Going Solo Isn't Wrong. But It Isn't Your Only Option. There isn't one perfect career path in this industry. Some people are ready to go solo immediately. Others benefit tremendously from spending a few years inside an established business first. The important part is understanding what you're actually signing up for before making the decision. Don't choose entrepreneurship simply because social media made owning a salon suite look like the next step after graduation. And don't think working for someone else means you're somehow behind. The Takeaway Your first job doesn't have to be your forever job. It can be your training ground. Use that time to learn. Ask questions. Watch how the business operates. Build your speed. Strengthen your consultations. Learn how to handle difficult situations. Pay attention to what creates loyal clients and what doesn't. Then, if and when you're ready to go solo, you're starting with experience behind you instead of trying to learn your craft and run a business at the exact same time. There is nothing wrong with wanting to become your own boss. Just make sure you're building the foundation that will allow you to actually enjoy it when you get there. Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessionsPodcast Page: Flagstaff Skincare | Beauty Talk Confessions Prickly Bare Professional waxing products and post-hair-removal skincare created by an esthetician, for estheticians. Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybareWebsite: Prickly Bare If You Loved This Episode Share it with a beauty school student, new esthetician, or beauty professional who's trying to decide what comes next. Going solo isn't the only definition of success, and working for someone else may give you exactly the experience you need to build the business you eventually want.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.