ASCP Esty Talk Episode 292: Community Over Competition with Tina Buckley

Release Date: November 20, 2024
Host: Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP)
Guest: Tina Buckley – Esthetician, Educator, Product Development Specialist

Introduction to Community Over Competition

In Episode 292 of ASCP Esty Talk, hosts Maggie Stasik and Ella Cressman delve into a pivotal topic within the skincare industry: Community Over Competition. Featuring guest Tina Buckley, a seasoned esthetician and educator, the conversation emphasizes the profound benefits of collaboration and support among skincare professionals over traditional rivalry.

Redefining Success Through Community

Tina Buckley articulates a nuanced understanding of success, distinguishing it from superficial metrics often highlighted on social media. She emphasizes that true success lies in meaningful client relationships and the collective upliftment of fellow estheticians.

Tina Buckley (03:23): "If they feel happy with their services and we've made a connection and they feel safe and I can honor their space wherever they're at. That feels like success to me."

Buckley shares her philosophy of nurturing client relationships and supporting peers, asserting that individual achievements contribute to the broader community's strength.

Building a Supportive Professional Network

The discussion transitions to practical strategies for fostering a supportive network among estheticians. Buckley highlights the importance of maintaining relationships with colleagues, even those in neighboring clinics, to create a robust referral system.

Tina Buckley (06:46): "The majority of my clients have come from referrals from other estheticians. So estheticians that have moved their spaces."

By sharing knowledge and referring clients, estheticians can enhance their collective success, ensuring that the community thrives as a whole.

Overcoming Fear and Embracing Collaboration

Ella Cressman introduces the concept of fear within the industry, addressing common anxieties such as feeling inadequate or worried about keeping up with new trends. Buckley encourages professionals to define their ideal clients and confidently refer services outside their expertise.

Ella Cressman (08:08): "I've got to master. [...] Who do I really want? Who is my ideal client?"

Buckley responds by sharing her own practice of referring specialized services to trusted colleagues, reinforcing the idea that collaboration strengthens individual businesses.

Honing Your Niche and Authenticity

Maggie Stasik and Buckley discuss the significance of identifying and honing a niche within the skincare field. Buckley advises estheticians to focus on services they are passionate about and excel in, rather than trying to offer a broad range of treatments.

Tina Buckley (12:52): "Do what you love to do. [...] People just forged their own way and it was amazing."

This focused approach not only enhances the quality of services but also attracts a loyal client base aligned with the esthetician's strengths and interests.

Strategic Client Base Building

The conversation shifts to effective methods for building and expanding a clientele. Buckley advocates for setting achievable goals, such as acquiring two new clients per week for specific services, to systematically grow one's business.

Ella Cressman (17:04): "Plan it out for six months, 12 months. I'm going to do a, let's just call it a fresh facial... So plan it out."

This targeted strategy allows estheticians to steadily increase their client base while maintaining quality and consistency in their services.

Pricing Strategies and Valuing Your Work

A significant portion of the discussion centers on pricing services appropriately. Buckley underscores the importance of valuing one's expertise and discourages undercutting prices, which can devalue the industry as a whole.

Tina Buckley (25:00): "Charge more. Rise to the occasion and look at the competition, but also know your own value."

By setting fair prices that reflect their skills and the quality of their services, estheticians can sustain their businesses and contribute positively to the industry's standards.

Fostering a Collaborative Esthetician Community

Buckley emphasizes the necessity of building a trustworthy network of fellow estheticians for mutual support, especially in unforeseen circumstances like illness.

Tina Buckley (20:22): "If someone was sick or if I was sick and I couldn't take clients for a couple of months... I want to have an esthetician that I can trust to send my clients to."

This trust-based community ensures that clients receive continuous care and that professionals can rely on one another during challenging times.

Embracing Positivity on Social Media

Ella Cressman proposes a constructive approach to handling feelings of competition or imitation on social media. She encourages turning perceived negatives into positives by viewing overlaps as compliments and opportunities for growth.

Ella Cressman (21:56): "Say, I'm flattered. [...] You had such a great idea that someone borrowed it. I'm flattered."

This mindset fosters a positive online environment and strengthens professional relationships.

Conclusion: The Power of Community

In wrapping up the episode, Maggie Stasik reiterates the value of building a community-centric practice over a competitive one. The hosts invite listeners to share their experiences and thoughts on fostering community within the skincare industry.

Maggie Stasik (27:18): "This has been a very thoughtful and thorough conversation on community over competition and I absolutely loved it."

Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

Listeners are encouraged to engage with ASCP Esty Talk by sharing their own strategies and experiences related to building a supportive professional community. The episode serves as a motivational guide for estheticians at all stages to prioritize collaboration and mutual growth.

Connect with ASCP Esty Talk:
For more insights and to connect with Tina Buckley, Ella Cressman, or Maggie Stasik, visit the show notes or reach out via social media and email at getconnectedcpskincare.com.