Hey girl Hey! Can we just chat for a second about the things we absolutely thought we would learn about in beauty school, but actually DONT! ahah If you’ve attended a beauty school you already know the struggle, and if you’re thinking about attending don’t let this article change your mind but actually let it help you and prepare you for that next chapter. There are a lot of things they don't teach you in beauty school (this applies to other schools as well, no matter what profession you're in), so if you're newly graduated or just trying to figure a few things out, hopefully this makes you feel better and puts things into perspective of what your getting yourself into. The beauty industry is definitely a learn as you go, so figuring things out on your own can be rewarding but having help along the way is always a plus too.

I will be the first to admit we don’t find our dream job immediately. Sometimes we don’t even realize that we will become our own boss. In my past blog I wrote about some of my journey and how it brought me to where I am today. I definitely didn’t have it all figured out in the beginning, but with time and hard work things played out. So here are a few tips for you!

• Having clients is a what it’s all about, so don’t take them for granted!

Clients can be hard work to get if you haven’t truly mastered your skill. It takes time, dedication, hard work and late nights to build a great clientele. Be sure your always showing them how much you appreciate them, because in the beauty industry there are so many talented people out there that they could end up with. Take on as many clients as you can…without burning yourself out of course. Be sure to always have a smile on your face and be happy because your setting the tone. Always remember their names, this is a MUST and also acknowledge their birthdays, because who doesn’t love a sweet birthday card, text or email:) Your clients make your business and keep you booming so treat them like the gold they are!

• Working for someone/working for yourself and why both could work for you

If you’re coming straight out of beauty school with no training at all, then starting in someone elses salon may be a better route for you. This will help you just focus on showing up for work and not running an entire business while trying to figure it all out at the same time. Working for someone else will also help you learn more behind the scenes work of a business, client expectations systems and procedures and even managing other peoples energy around you.

• You may end up doing something completely different than what you went to school for

Attending a beauty school means you have some idea of what you may want to be doing. You could go for hair, nails, lashes, microblading and so much more! You walk in the door with one idea and life hands you a completely different hand and you may end up doing something completely different. Pay attention to what lights the spark in you and what your heart gravitates to most. Be sure to be open to all possibilities and keep an open mind. If something doesn’t quite work, try something else there is something out there for everyone.

• Being an “Owner” doesn’t make you successful and its not what its cracked up to be

Just because you own a business doesn’t make you successful. Be sure to define your own success. It also doesn’t mean you have it all figured out. Instead of working specific hours, your mind is always on the go, thinking of new business ideas, the thoughts are never ending. If you see other people killing it as business owners on their own or with a team doesn’t mean that it may be the right fit for you. Be sure it works for your lifestyle and aligns with your future goals.Think about WHY you want to be a business owner, because you never know...chair rental/booth rental may be a good fit for you. (If its legal in your state, because in PA its illegal, but I’m sure people still find a way around it.)

• Continued education

Take the time out to stay up to date in the latest trends in the industry. Knowing the products you’re using and what may work for one client and not another is a game changer. This is what will help you stand out in the industry. (Who doesn’t love having multiple certifications on the wall) Attend trade shows to gain product knowledge but also build connects. Trainings usually take place all year around, you just have to find the right class for you. Subscribe to a magazine in the industry your in, they’re normally the first to predict industry trends.

• Tax time

Someone you don’t want to deal with is the I-R-S, so be sure to have a professional handle all the paperwork you may need to get your business on the right track. Keep your business money away from your personal money! Set up that account, that way you can pull money straight from your business checking over to a savings that’ll be put up for you to pay any taxes at the end of the quarter or year. Do not accept payments such as Venmo and Cashapp for your business, not only so you can keep track of these payments but so people will look at you more professionally and you can keep track of your businesses profits and expenses correctly. Having your taxes in order is a top priority, you don’t want to scramble last minute come tax time. Now I can’t give you any qualified tax information but these are things that have helped me tremendously.

Hope you enjoyed reading along through some of my tips and experiences! Leave a comment below if you found this article helpful and even if you plan on attending beauty school soon! Any questions I would love to answer them for you:)

Always<3

Love Brionna!