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A
Hey, guys. Welcome back to another episode of Beauty with a Twist. I'm super excited for this week's episode because we have a special guest. Go ahead and introduce yourself.
B
Hi, I'm Casey Boone.
A
Where are you from? Let's hear it.
B
I'm from L. A. Born and raised. I'm a Real Valley girl.
A
Oh, my gosh, I'm shaking right now. Okay. You should see my. I'm, like, fangirling. Can I just tell you that I've been wanting you on this podcast for so long.
B
Really?
A
And I'm, like, now that you're in front of me, it's just crazy. I feel like. I don't know.
B
I'm happy to be here.
A
Deja vu right now.
B
I love it.
A
So tell me more about yourself. Tell me.
B
I've been an esthetician for 18 years.
A
Okay.
B
I started as a makeup artist.
A
Oh, really?
B
But before that, I was a dancer. So I went from, like, dance to makeup to skincare.
A
How did that even happen? Oh, well, you know why? It makes sense. Because in dance, you do makeup.
B
Exactly.
A
Right?
B
Yeah. So I was, like, doing all. I was, like, putting on fake eyelashes, and then I was like, all the girls would, like, line up and have me do their eyelashes. And I was like, wait, I think I'm good at this. Let me go to school for makeup. But, like, I don't want to do facials and then cut to, like, me finishing esthetician school. I, like, never did makeup again. Like, I barely like to do my makeup now. Like, I'd rather pay someone to do my makeup.
A
It was like, it's the clean girl aesthetic.
B
Yeah.
A
It's like, okay, good. Because before, though, I would always do the cut creases. Oh, my gosh. I would always do, like, the smoke. And now I'm just like, you know what?
B
Clean.
A
Clean.
B
Yes.
A
I'd rather have my skin looking nice.
B
Exactly.
A
And then just tinted moisturizer, CC cream or whatever.
B
Exactly.
A
So you were doing the makeup, and then when did you go to get a certification for me?
B
Yeah, I got a certification. I couldn't wrap my brain around the fact that, like, you didn't need to be licensed to do makeup. Like, I just couldn't. I didn't understand that. So, like, searching and, like, esthetician kept coming up, and I was like, okay, like, let me do this. Like, it'll look good on my resume. Yeah.
A
Because I think it's under makeup estheticians, but also Cosmo.
B
Yes.
A
Because they do it right.
B
Yeah. But, like, anyone can do makeup in L. A yeah. Or like, in California.
A
And then did you decide, like, hey, I just want to. What made you become an esthetician after that?
B
I fell in love with skin care during school. Like, I just, like, loved the process of facials. And I feel like at the time, like, makeup felt so intimidating to me. I mean, of course, like, the beauty industry in general is, like, competitive, I feel like. Which we can get into. Yeah. But for some reason, the skin was just, like, calling my name. Like, I've always been, like, that type of person where, like, even my dad talks about, like, when I was a kid, I was, like, touching him or, like, pulling his hair onto, like, I just like to touch people. Like, I'm very.
A
Like, even if it's gross.
B
Like, you're like, yeah, I'm like, give me a pimple to pop. Like, do you know what I mean? Like, I'm just very, like, tactile. So it just made sense to me. And, like, I literally started doing facials after school, and I have not stopped. Like, it's just for 18 years. Like, I just love skin care.
A
So you've been an esthetician for how long?
B
18 years?
A
Are you joking?
B
No. So I believe I'm old enough to even say that, but I started when I was 18. I'm 36.
A
You look great.
B
Thank you.
A
Huh.
B
Skincare. Maybe a tiny bit of Botox, because.
A
I got the filler. I got that.
B
Great. You look great.
A
So then after you. Okay. Did you go solo right away? No.
B
And I recommend people not to go solo. I had a very long journey. I started in a day spa.
A
Okay.
B
As a receptionist.
A
Okay.
B
When I had my license. So I learned, like, the whole back end of, like, how a spa is run. And then maybe like, six months into working at the day spa, they finally, like, let me into the treatment room. I was there for, like, two years. Then I got a job and in a medical spa. So I was like, a part time medical assistant and part time esthetician. So.
A
So you learned all, like, the business stuff and how to kind of like to book appointments and just kind of how to run the back end of a business.
B
Exactly.
A
And that's really smart because I feel like a lot of people now just go to school and go straight into, like, being solo.
B
Right.
A
And it's kind of. But that's why they're not successful. Right. And they're kind of like, well, I'm not getting clients, but it's because maybe you're not knowing the back end of it. Right.
B
And I mean, running a business and being an esthetician are two totally different things.
A
Absolutely.
B
Like, I always knew that I wanted to own my own business, but I knew I needed to get experience before I could just, like, jump right into it.
A
Yeah. And that's kind of where you kind of.
B
Yeah.
A
Took all of that.
B
Yes. So it's like I learned how to book appointments, do laundry, just, like, managing clients. But, yeah, it's like, for the first five years, I was still, like, working as a receptionist and then working in the treatment room part time. But if, you know, if you're still aesthetician, you have to be. You have to be all the things. You have to do the laundry, you have to make the appointment. So it was really good experience before I went solo.
A
Yeah. So how long did you take to.
B
Go completely Five years until I went solo.
A
Okay.
B
Before. Yeah. And then did you rent somewhere? I did. I rented a room in a salon and spa. I had, like, run into. Actually got fired from my job. They didn't tell me why, but they.
A
Were just like, you got to go. Maybe you were, like, too good for them. They're just haters.
B
I think the doctor that owned the business, his wife didn't like me. I don't know why. Because she's a hater. Yeah. But anyway, it was the best thing that I ever did was like. Or it was. Best thing that ever happened to me was to get fired. Ran into an old esthetician friend who's like, I just started renting a room. I'm making a shit ton of money. There's a room next to me that's available. It was out in Burbank, California. And I wound up taking the room. I had, like, no clients, but I did have a few connections from the medical spa. So I, like, called all the people that.
A
That went over there.
B
Yeah. And they followed me.
A
So.
B
So they followed me from, like, Beverly Hills to Burbank. And I. I mean, I had clients that followed me since I was, like, 18 years old. It's, like, so crazy. And I was there for maybe about a year and a half. I got really busy. I actually hired another friend who was working in my room part time. And finally I was like, I. I was 23, but I was like, I'm opening my own spa. Like, I.
A
This is crazy. So you just got booked and busy, like, fast?
B
Yeah.
A
Wow. And then after you went and you.
B
Got a storefront, then I opened a storefront. I was, like, 23 years old. I had no idea what I was doing, but I just knew I wanted to try So I, like, got a bunch of renters and just started hustling. I was also doing. This is. Back in the day. This is like 2012, and Groupon had just started. So I did do a long stint of Groupon, which was simultaneously, like, the best and the worst thing that I ever did because it kept me really busy and it kept, like, constant cash flow. But then you were getting all sorts of different types of clientele that were just, like, bouncing around. So I always tell people now, like, do not do it. But I was doing it in, like, the Groupon heyday, when, like, you could make like $10,000 in a day.
A
Are you joking?
B
Yeah. It was crazy.
A
How many facials is that?
B
A lot.
A
I would burn myself.
B
I did. I literally did.
A
Oh, my gosh.
B
Yeah.
A
So you also had booth renters. There was that. Tell me. The experience was.
B
I mean, it was crazy and it was great. Like, at the peak, I had 13 renters.
A
Are you.
B
I know, barely. How many?
A
Four.
B
Yeah, I was gonna say. How many do you have? Four.
A
Yeah. I can't know. I'm gonna.
B
I was squeezing them in every corner. You know what I mean? Like, and I had, like, I had some nail techs, I had lash artists. We were doing spray tans. I had a couple employees as well. Like, I was just like, in hustle mode and just kind of like testing out the, like, the waters. I'm like, this is my own business. Like, I can kind of do whatever I want to do.
A
Yeah.
B
Like, let's just try it all.
A
Yeah.
B
And like, it was great until it wasn't. And it was like, I was so burned out. It was super stressful. A lot of things. Like, my personal life had changed. Like, I was getting engaged. And at the same time, the guy that I was renting, like, my entire storefront from sold it to somebody else. And the new owners wanted to be in my space. And they said, you have six months to get out or we're doubling your rent.
A
Are you joking?
B
So I said, okay, I'm leaving. No.
A
So that was kind of a way. Maybe that was just a wave, you know, it was a.
B
It was a transition. And it was like the. A really good transition. Cuz I moved into a smaller space and I took a couple people with me. I took a couple people as renters and I took a couple people as employees. And I just, like, really, like, niched down. Like, I didn't have as many people to manage. Like I said, like, I just gotten married and I was posting a lot of stuff on social Media for our honeymoon, and I was getting, like, a lot of engagement on Instagram, and I was like, wait, I should be doing this for my business.
A
Yeah.
B
So I, like, started putting energy into Instagram, and it. That just kind of took off. Like, no one in the beauty world was, like, post or, like, in the skincare world was, like, posting a lot on Instagram yet.
A
So it just kind of new to everybody.
B
It was new and it blew up.
A
Yeah, that's what I was gonna ask you, like.
B
Yeah.
A
Just because we were Instagram, wasn't that in. But, you know, back in the day, it's like Facebook.
B
Yeah.
A
And I think Twitter.
B
I think I was never a Twitter person.
A
Yeah.
B
Yeah.
A
But that's just so crazy. Do you feel like now that you're solo, how does it feel?
B
Like, well, now I'm like, yeah, now it's like I have so much, like, weight lifted off of me. Like, it's so nice to not have anyone else to manage. Like, I. I feel like I did all, like, the crazy stuff, like, when I was, like, younger in my career, and now it's like, okay, I've checked all these boxes off, and now it's nice just to be like, I manage a completely different. My business looks completely different now.
A
Yeah.
B
And I'm just seeing, like, a couple clients a month because it's like, I like to.
A
It's so crazy.
B
Yeah. Like, I'm just doing friends and family mostly.
A
Is it because of your. You have a skincare line where all kind of more like, is it skin care and product.
B
Skincare tools.
A
Yeah.
B
So, yeah, skincare tools made for estheticians.
A
And I love it. If you guys haven't tried our fucking towels, they're amazing.
B
Thank you.
A
So you transition from, like, taking clients to making that your.
B
Yeah.
A
Priority.
B
Yeah, it's been a long transition, and, like, where I'm at was the actual end goal, and I got here a lot faster than I thought. So once I started promoting the spa on Instagram, I started to grow a big esthetician following. And I'd always wanted to come out with my own product, but I never knew, like, what. And I was like, I don't want to do just, like, another cleanser or moisturizer. Like, I want to do something that's a little bit different. So I put out a cold roller, and that's what took off, like, the whole line of, like, skin care products. Like, no one was really doing cold rollers yet. I didn't invent it, but I definitely, like, made a name for it. On the Internet. And it just, like, took off. I started selling them to clients. I was selling them to other estheticians. I was selling them wholesale.
A
Yeah.
B
We started selling online. I'd also just started a podcast, so everything was just kind of like funneling out and like exploding at the same time.
A
Yeah. And then trade shows.
B
Yeah. So I started doing trade shows actually after Covid in like, 2021. And that was just so good to, like, meet people in person and, like, get our products in estheticians hands. I just love, like a in person interaction.
A
Exactly. Because, you know, you can kind of explain the product better and you can kind of even get to know the esthetician.
B
Exactly.
A
And kind of just feel the energy from the other estheticians.
B
Exactly. Or like, I, you know, I've met a lot of people that, like, I've built into my community. Like, maybe we've been dming for a long time.
A
Yeah.
B
And then we finally meet in person.
A
So I feel like trade shows are. It could be a hit or miss. As in, like, if you're. Obviously, if a person's an esthetician, they should go and actually experience 100. But I feel like my first year I went. And I'm only saying this because I overspent.
B
Everybody overspends.
A
I was.
B
It's a thing.
A
I was like, hold on.
B
I know.
A
Next time. No, now that I just went this year. But I made a list because all the other years that I went, I was just overspending on stuff that I didn't need. And I was just overspending and overspending. I kind of learned throughout the years. Okay. Maybe I just. Just need to calm the down.
B
Yeah. You know? Well, I mean, you're like a kid in a candy shop, Right? Literally. Especially, like, if you've never been before.
A
Yes.
B
It's like, it's so much fun. But yeah, be careful of overspending at a trade show.
A
Yes. Because my first year, I think I spent. I'm not joking. I think I spent like, roughly $5,000. Yeah.
B
I wouldn't be surprised.
A
I know. And I walked out crying.
B
Yeah. Just like with your bed, like, full of products.
A
Yes. I walked out.
B
I was like, oh, my God.
A
And then I look back at the products. I'm like, I got the same product, just two different brands. And I was like, this is a long time. But now I'm just. Yeah, yeah, I'm just a lot different now. But thank. Thankfully, this year I was. I went in and I kind of more filmed for the podcast and spending.
B
Did you go to. You went to Vegas, right? Did you go to. Have you been to any of the other shows?
A
No, but I want to go to New York.
B
Have you been.
A
You haven't gone?
B
No, I haven't been to New York.
A
So where have you been to?
B
I've had shows or I've done shows in Vegas and. And in Long beach. So in 2020, I was supposed to do, like, basically, like, a tour and go to, like, I think with, like, Philly and Dallas. So I'm considering going this, like, next year. We'll see.
A
Yeah, we'll see. It's a lot of work, but New York.
B
Oh, I heard there's a lot of work.
A
Shout out to Renee Skim. He tells me all the time. They be going everywhere.
B
I know.
A
Down studios. You know who you are. That's everywhere ever.
B
I know.
A
Yeah.
B
I'm tired just thinking about it.
A
And it's three days.
B
Yeah.
A
All day.
B
All day. And you have to, like. So then you're like, shipping, like, I. We have to, like, ship all of our product and set everything up. So then three days turns into, like, five days because they're set up and breakdown. It's wild, but it's so much fun.
A
That's another side. I just want to know, like, now that you have your own skincare brand and you're only taking a couple clients a month, like, how do you do? Is it more like you can live off the skincare brand? Let's get into the. Yes, the money.
B
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. So, I mean, I have multiple sources. Like, I have different, like, streams of income, Right?
A
Yeah.
B
So I would say I'm making very minimal money when it comes to the facials anymore. Like, I. I got to a point where I didn't want to be, like, reliant on them anymore. I felt like I. After doing this for, like, 15 to 18 years, I was like. I felt trapped in the treatment room. I was, like, in there 10 hours a day, and I was like, I don't want to just rely on facials to make my money. So that's when I started selling the cold rollers. So I make a pro. I make profit from everything that, like, all my tools that I sell.
A
Yeah.
B
I have, like, an Amazon shop that I make some money from. I make some money from, like, podcast ads. I'm making money from brand, like, deals and sponsorships.
A
Yeah. And I think that's the best brands and sponsors. It depends.
B
It depends. It depends.
A
It depends.
B
And it ranges. It can range anywhere from where, you know, a company's offering you a hundred dollars to a company's offering you a thousand dollars for the same amount of work. Or sometimes, you know, you're making more money with less work.
A
Oh, yeah.
B
And it's wild.
A
And then, you know what? Some of them, they reach out to us all the time. Then I'm like, no, I don't want to do it, because sometimes the money is so good, but I'm like, I don't support that brand. I know it's kind of like, oh, that's a really good number, but I can't do it.
B
I. Yeah. I mean, I've had to turn down some, like, pretty big numbers as well, because I just. I could just tell, like, the relationship.
A
Yes.
B
With the company, like, wasn't going to be a healthy one.
A
Yes.
B
And that's. But that's hard to say no to, like, a big dollar sign. But I've done it multiple times, and.
A
You see all these influencers do it, and it's like, you don't really believe in that product. But I know it's because the money was right, you know?
B
Yeah.
A
So, I mean, I feel like you're a real one for turning down me. I always tell my assistant, I'm like, yeah, we can have. They can ship us the product.
B
Yes.
A
But I'm not gonna.
B
For sure. Well, I want to always have to try the product first.
A
Yeah.
B
And then it's like, can I get behind this if I can't? Like, I'm not. I'm not talking about it.
A
Yeah.
B
Or there have been brands that I, like, love their product, but they don't want to pay me enough or they want to be. They don't understand, like, what I offer as, like, a content creator. Right. Because, like, I'm a business owner. Like, I own a brand, but then I'm also a content creator as well, so I wear a lot of different hats.
A
How for a person to be, like, a content creator? You know, how did you do it? Like, how did you. How do I word this? Like, how did you manage to, like, put in your skincare with your content? Like, how do you have the time? Because for me, for example, it's like I had to film every facial or. You know what I mean?
B
Yeah. It's a lot of work. I mean, I think it was easier when I started, like, I said, like, when I. When I moved my business and, like, Instagram was, like, still the it thing, and you could just post a picture and get, like, a thousand likes. Like, it was a different time. And that's when I really built, like, my base, but now, since I don't have clients, like, it's. It's not my full time job because I don't actually work full time anymore. But it's like a br. It's like the. Most of my work is making content. And so, like, if you're in the treatment room and you're making content, I think you need to, like, schedule separate time. You can't be, like, filming and, like, doing the facial. But, like, I did that for. So I did that for so long. But again, like, at the time, I could do like, a really quick little clip while I was doing the facial and, like, move on. Now you have to have, like, the right lighting and link everything and tag everything. It's different. It's different.
A
And then your angle, like, you have to be in this angle for 3 seconds and you have to move the camera to be on this angle because this kind of. It gets boring. If it's in the same. Yes. For the whole video.
B
Yeah. You can't. You know, it's not going to do well.
A
No, it's not. And I know people always say, well, like, how did you. Like, I just need to learn how to run social media. It's hard.
B
It's a whole separate job. It's a whole separate job. So then you have to be a business owner, you have to be an esthetician, and you have to be a content creator. Like. Yeah, I'm tired.
A
Yeah.
B
So that. And I was. That's why I had to, like, kind of, like, step back and, like, reevaluate. Like, where do I want to put, like, my time and my energy?
A
Yeah. You know those booth renters going back to that did. How do they feel when they had.
B
No, they were mad. They were upset with me because they thought that I had known that, like, there was, like, a shift in ownership.
A
Yeah.
B
And that, like, I was gonna have to move out. But I literally shared with them as soon as I knew. But, you know, what can I do? I can't take everyone with me. People were definitely, like, upset. But it did work out. Where, like, most people went off and, like, did their own thing. And there was, like, two or three people that wanted to come with me and, like, it worked out.
A
Yeah.
B
I had a similar experience during COVID as well. Like, we were shut down for so long. Couldn't do facials. They'd, like, give you the green light and then they'd shut us down again. And it was crazy. And I had to do the same thing. I had a Couple of estheticians who were employees that I wound up having to let go. And I was devastated. I was literally giving them my own money because I wanted to take care of people. Like, that's just the type of person that I am. But it got to the point where I was like, I can't, like, hold on to this part of, like, my business anymore. Like, I just bought a house. Like, I'm not going to go bankrupt to pay someone else's bills, you know? Yes.
A
Because I'm getting this advice from my. Myself. Everything you're saying is literally for me. I'm like, hold on.
B
I got you. I got you. So I had to let them go, and they weren't all happy with me, and it was really hard, but it was, like, the best thing that I ever did, like, for myself and for my business.
A
So do you recommend someone that's, like, becoming an aesthetian? They just work in a med spa first.
B
Or if you can. If you can, like, go work for someone. Like, I know people say that all the time, and I know there's, like, limited opportunity, but if you are willing to put in the work and the time and the energy, you can have success. But it's not overnight. No, Like, I was broke as shit while I was. While I own the spa. Like, I had a shitty, like, Honda Civic with, like, a dent on the side. And, like, my mom used to, like, laugh because she'd, like. My mom's like, my number one fan. Like, watches all my, like, social media and, like, watched, like, the rise of, like, the number one. Always, always. Right.
A
Shout out to the mom.
B
And my mom's, like, people would laugh at you if they, like, saw you driving down the. With your, like, dented, hanging. Literally, girl. But people have this, like, perception that, like, I was successful because I did have a type of success. Do you know what I mean? But I was like, I was broke as shit for a really long time. Like, seven, eight years of my career owning this lawn. Owning this lawn. It wasn't until I got rid of the renters that I started to make some income. And then, honestly, it's like when I got rid of everybody else and I just went back to, like, Casey is when I, like, I feel like I could actually just receive all the money that I was making instead of giving it away to. To all the other responsibilities that you have.
A
Yeah. And it's so true because I was. I always say this in the. Every episode, but I'm, like, owning a salon and me sitting in mine. I'M like, I've been here for, like, almost, what, five years?
B
Yeah.
A
And I'm thinking, I'm like, oh, my gosh. Like, the bills are just crazy.
B
They are.
A
The way that we live right now, we're in California.
B
I know.
A
In general.
B
Yeah.
A
Like, are. Not only do you have to think about the rent, but you got to think about all the utilities. You got to think about the electricity, the water, the WI fi, you know, everything. And it all adds up. And everyone thinks I have the perception of like. Yes. You own a salon, you have so much money.
B
Yeah.
A
You know, you have this. But where is the money going? It's going right back into the business, but not really because you're paying the fucking bills a bit.
B
Exactly. And when the AC goes out, your renters are going to be calling you, being like, girls, where's the ac? And you're, like, scrambling. Yep. So there's a lot of additional responsibility. And lots of times there's successful people out there. Right. That own, like, spas. And I had some success, but it's not for everybody. It's not for everybody. And it's so much more responsibility, like, managing the people. Even if they are renters. You think, oh, they have their own business. They're like. They're doing their own thing. Yeah. But they're still walking into your business and they're bringing their clients. Who sometimes can be.
A
Yes.
B
You can't control that because their clients.
A
Are not your clients. You don't know.
B
It's a different vibe.
A
You know what I do, though? That's why I always interview the renter. I have to get a vibe.
B
Yes.
A
Because if I can't catch a vibe with you, I can't work with you. Even though you're booth renting.
B
Totally.
A
I just. I have to see you every day.
B
Yeah.
A
I can't.
B
Yeah, you have to be front. You have to be friends. You have to at least be on a similar wavelength. And that's hard to find just in itself.
A
Yes.
B
Yeah. So.
A
And then, you know, I can have a relationship with the booth renter, but I don't know how they are outside of work and who they're going to.
B
Bring inside the shop.
A
That's going to be their.
B
Some crazy stories.
A
Stop. I need to hear one. Because I. No, let's do one really quick. Tell me a crazy.
B
So I had this. She was a friend of mine. We went to esthetician school together, and she was a waxer and she did a lot of Manzilians. So she was just doing, like, Manzillions, like, all day.
A
Huh.
B
Okay. So one day she starts telling me that, like, this couple, like, paid for her to, like. I don't know if it was, like, lock him up in the treatment room and, like, like, swinger style. Like, not, like they weren't having sex, but she was definitely, like. I don't know if he had, like, nipple rings and she wanted to, like, hang. He wanted to, like, hang water bottles, like, after he got wax. It was, like, a whole scenario. And she's telling me this, and I'm like, okay, wait, you're doing this, like, in my. Like, she's telling me as a friend, but I'm like, wait, you're doing this, like, in my spa?
A
Like, you're her friend. Friend, conversation. But again, your boss instinct is coming in, like, what the.
B
And I'm like, what if, like, something. What if someone finds out? Like, what if I. You know.
A
Yeah.
B
I just start, like, spiraling.
A
But you're not showing this, are you, to her?
B
No, no, no. I'm just listening as a friend.
A
But your head is like, yeah.
B
And then I was like, wait, did this already happen? And she's like, yeah, and he's gonna pay me to do it again.
A
Wait, so what did he heal?
B
Like, it was some, like, weird, like, fetish, like, bondage type, like, after he gets waxed. Because I think, you know, some people are into pain, right? So I think it was like he was getting his full body wax, and then she was gonna, like, tie him up and, like, hang water bottles off his nipple. Parasites.
A
Oh, my gosh. Lord Jesus.
B
Am I going too far?
A
No, I have worse.
B
Okay.
A
But that.
B
That's just one. That was weird.
A
That was a weird one. That's like.
B
Yeah. I mean, and she was, like, a great friend and a great renter for, like, many, many years, but it did get to the point where I'm like, this is feeling like it's crossing a line personally and professionally, and I just don't feel, like, safe. Like, why didn't you ask me if you could do this?
A
But, yeah, but it's kind of like she's a booth runner, so it's kind of like it's a timeline, but to them, it's like, hey, yeah, I could do everything. I'm giving you the money.
B
She's like, this is my own room. This is my business.
A
Yeah.
B
And technically, yeah. But at the end of the day, like, it's my name on the front of the building.
A
Yeah.
B
So that was just, like, a very long. I mean, it took me A long time to, like, get rid of all the renters. But I have all sorts of crazy stuff like that, you know.
A
How did you kind of like. For me, I'm cool with all of them. All my booth renters are the best. But it's kind of hard. It's like, no, I'm not your boss, but it's kind of like you're really in a friendship.
B
Yeah.
A
And then sometimes a friendship is kind of like, okay, well, I'm going to be lay on my rent. You're my friend.
B
Yes. You know, you still have to have, like, enough. Some, like, an authority presence with them. And that's where the line gets blurry.
A
Yeah.
B
Yeah. I mean, I always had them sign a contract, even if it was a friend. Oh, yeah. And I was just very clear, like, hey, rent is due on Friday. And like, you know, once in a while, if you need help, like, let me know. But this can't be, like, a regular occurrence. But again, like, that's where the lines get blurry. That's why people have gotten mad at me over the years for many different things. And that's, like, a hard position to be in, you know?
A
Yeah.
B
Because I never wanted to hurt anybody. But unfortunately, people have their own perspective. And you're going to, like, hurt or disappoint people.
A
Yeah.
B
Because at the end of the day, like, I had to take care of myself and my business first. It's hard.
A
I know I had someone quit on me because I didn't ask how they were doing mentally. And I'm like, when they're at work, and it's kind of like, I'm your friend outside of work, but, like, when you come inside my salon, you need to kind of be like, you gotta fake it till you make it.
B
Yeah.
A
Because then if you feel. If you have. I'm all about energy. So if you have. If you're like, just having a resting face when a client comes in.
B
Right.
A
And then you're just sitting there, Here, I'll just check you in. I'm gonna get that vibe that's like, oh, no, no, no, no. You know what I mean? And it's kind of like this person told me, like, I'm gonna quit because he didn't ask me how I was feeling this day. And it hurt my feelings because you're my friend, and I'm like, you're like.
B
I'm busy running a business.
A
Yes.
B
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't want you paycheck.
A
Hold on. You know, and it kind of Just. It was. It's just hard.
B
It is hard.
A
And that's the stuff that. Behind the scenes of, like, owning a business and owning an actual salon, where it's like, you have other renters. Yes. They're renting from you, but you just. It's just hard.
B
It's messy. And then it's like, sometimes they show up in their sweatpants, and you're like, that's not the aesthetic of the spa. It's just not. But how can you tell them? Because they're renting from you.
A
Yeah.
B
Like, that was one of my issues, too. I was like, girl, not the sweatpants again. Like. And, like, look, it's. Unless they're really cute sweatpants.
A
Okay.
B
Like, no judgment if that's what you're wearing.
A
But then. So you let them wear whatever. You let them do everything they wanted. I mean, or when they signed a contract, did you have something?
B
Yeah, like, I had some, like, loose guidelines, you know? But people definitely push the limits because, again, they have their own perception of what those rules are.
A
Yeah.
B
And it's hard. And I was just like, I'm tired. I can't do this anymore. But I did it for 10, 12 years.
A
And it's just so crazy that. And it's so true that you do make more income being solo than owning.
B
Yeah. Most of the time. Unless. Yeah, unless you're, like. You have to be, like, bawling on every. And everyone else is bawling.
A
So. So tell me how you feel about, like, hourly. Like, if you'd say you hire a whole team. Team. And it's like, you pay them hourly, and then you're.
B
Then you have even more responsibility.
A
Yeah.
B
And that's what I had for a while, where it's like, I had all employees. And that's. That's even more weight to bear, in my opinion, because then you're responsible for everything. Everything in their treatment room. Their training, their protocols, their schedule, their laundry, their clients. Their clients.
A
You have to book their.
B
You're paying them all the time.
A
Every two weeks, you know?
B
Yeah, there's. It's a lot. It's a lot. And, like, I'm grateful that I had the opportunity. And I loved training the estheticians because I really did enjoy that. Like, I was trying to bring in estheticians that were, like, newly out of school and kind of, like, train them on how I work. Everything from, like, how you're greeting the client to how you're setting up the treatment room to the facial to how you're turning over the room Like, I really taught them every single precise thing that I did, and I did enjoy doing that. But then the day people still want to do their own thing.
A
Yeah.
B
Yeah.
A
They kind of just. And that's what I'm saying. The Internet.
B
The Internet.
A
The Internet is very. You know, she's doing it, so let me do it. Casey's doing her own skincare line, so let me do my other products. Let me try to be like her. It's kind of like it's so hard because it's. You're trying to be someone else, but it's really like you're not going to get anywhere.
B
Yeah.
A
Trying to be like this person.
B
Yeah.
A
Trying to. Oh, she owns a salon, so let me go open up a salon. Yeah.
B
And that's what's hard about the Internet, you know? Like, I'm grateful that it wasn't. The Internet wasn't really a thing when I started.
A
Yes, absolutely.
B
I also feel like I've paved the way in many places, and I think, again, people have a perception that it looks glamorous like, that I'm sitting in this chair with you having this conversation. But, like, it didn't happen overnight, and people don't realize, like, the tears and blood and sweat and stress and the sleepless nights and the working 247 and worrying at the worry, the stress, the anxiety. And, like, I love this job, and I love this career, and, like, I don't have any regrets. But don't compare yourself to people on the Internet. Like, just don't. And, like, you can't strive to be somebody else. You need to strive to be, like, the best version of yourself. And, like, what do you really want to do? Do you really want to take care of people, or do you really just want to be popular on social media? Yes.
A
Can we make that a short clip? Did you hear that? Because that's period. That's on.
B
And, like, I've been talking to so many estheticians, like, on my own podcast, and, like, mentoring people and everyone. Like, I feel like there's, like, a sickness in the beauty industry. And, like, again, I love it. It has changed my life, but there's a sickness. And I. For a while, I thought, like, I'll be, like, a bright, shiny light, and, like, stop it.
A
But you can't then. It's brutal.
B
It's brutal.
A
Yeah.
B
And, like, we can be a bunch of catty. Like, do you know what I mean?
A
Yes.
B
And I've gotten sucked into it, and I see these, like, younger estheticians getting sucked into it because they're like idolizing and the big.
A
They're getting a big head because they're idolizing the person that they trying to be. And then, you know, but then they're.
B
Doing all the things that they think they should be doing and they're not making the money and they're not feeling good about themselves and then they're not even paying attention to their clients. Like, I have so many people that I've mentored that are like, well, I want to be doing this and I want to be doing that. I'm like, well, how many clients are you seeing? And they're like, you know, 30. And I'm like, that's amazing. Take care of them. Like, focus on them. But we're so caught up in like the glitz, in the glamor of like a 10 second reel on Instagram instead of like doing the actual job, which is a beautiful job of like making people feel good and look better.
A
Absolutely.
B
Yeah.
A
I haven't. I barely started post. I stopped posting in July. Did you.
B
You're just like, well, you're focused.
A
I was focused on my clients. I was focused on like, okay. I stopped recording myself for a long time because I was one, I was really pregnant and I was just nauseous as not gonna let that. But.
B
But you were living your real life.
A
Yes.
B
You were living your real life.
A
Yeah.
B
And that's what's so important, is to like live your real life. I got to a point where I was like posting every day and I was like, I don't want to do this anymore.
A
Yes.
B
Where it was like 247 and now I post when I feel like it.
A
Yeah.
B
And it's.
A
If this is a crew, I'm just gonna post it. Your opinions, that's what you're saying, right?
B
Yes.
A
Yeah.
B
Yeah.
A
Because I would always, I would always, always say, get everyone's opinion. How does this look before I post it? Does this look good? And I was just like, you know what? Then? Yeah, like, I'm just post. I'm gonna post it because it's cute in my eyes, you know?
B
Like, I love to create content. Like, I'm always taking pictures and videos, whether it's for work or like my personal life. And I just love to share. Like, if you go to my personal account, I'm sharing all the time there too.
A
Yeah.
B
And that's all I want to do now. Like, I just want to share interesting content. But I'm not here to, like, make some huge impression.
A
Yeah.
B
I'm not here to like, impress anybody. Like, I just want to share. That's it.
A
Yeah. Yeah. And you know, this time now I feel like just I said this in my last one. No. A couple episodes ago and it, it was so true. And someone stated to like the, the times that we post when we're saying, oh, like all the rules of us doing facials and stuff, that people are thinking that we're completely booked.
B
Right.
A
And it's reality. It's like. No, we have like two clients that day. Okay.
B
That's how I got it is that's.
A
How I got to make this video. Because I had a five hour gap.
B
Yes.
A
For real.
B
No, not because. Totally.
A
You know what I mean?
B
Yes.
A
Because I don't have time. Just me.
B
Right. And like, if people don't follow me super closely, they might think that I'm like a booked and busy esthetician because of like I'm posting regular facial content. But little do you know, it's like a couple esthetician friends, a couple family members that I'm giving facial to every month.
A
Me.
B
And I'm not doing it to be deceptive.
A
Yeah.
B
I'm just sharing.
A
Yeah. That's why I'm just like, you know what I take, what I really helped me is now taking days, like my off days upon 10 days. Because now I can't, like, if I have a full book day, I'm not going to post anything.
B
I love that.
A
And then what? I'll take my time posting the video, editing the video, taking, filming the video the day that I'm off because I know I'll have more time. Now I have. I have to think of my before. You know, Covet time was my prime year for a lot of people. It was for a lot of people closed on businesses. But for me it was like it just took off. Because at the time I didn't really want it. I didn't really know what I was doing. I didn't know if I wanted to do wax. I didn't know if I wanted to do faces.
B
You were exploring.
A
Yeah. I didn't know if I wanted to just do brows. I didn't know what the hell I wanted to do. So I was doing so much but not knowing the niche of what I really want.
B
But that's okay. But it sounds like you figured it out.
A
Yeah, I figured it out, but it took me a long time. But I do. I was trying. I see all these and I'm not even. That was. That used to be me. I was trying to get income from doing all these things.
B
Yeah.
A
But A real person that makes actual money is focusing and putting their 100% into their one thing. Yes.
B
Into their work.
A
Yeah.
B
Not what they're posting.
A
Yes.
B
Yes.
A
And for me, like I was doing eyebrows and then after eyebrows I would just do. I was doing nails at one point.
B
Okay, so. So you really did everything.
A
Yeah, I tried doing everything because I was like, I don't know what I wanted to do.
B
Yeah. And you're seeing. Right. And then you're being fed all this information online.
A
Yes.
B
Like, I want to do that. I want to do that.
A
And then the income was coming, so I was like, oh my God, I like this fast money.
B
Right.
A
But then that turned into like, what the hell do I want to do and what's going to make me the money?
B
Yeah.
A
Let's talk about Target Skincare.
B
Okay.
A
Because you're the queen. Let's.
B
I mean, I don't know. I feel like I honestly don't have that much opinion of an opinion because I don't actually want to be a hater or I'm not a hater if it's something that I'm not interested in. I just don't give it any energy. Like, I feel like I see a lot of people on the Internet that want to like complain about the skincare brands. It's okay if you do. Like, there's no judgment.
A
Yeah.
B
It's just not like something I want to put my energy into.
A
Yeah.
B
Like I don't think like it depending on your budget. Right. Like there's going to be a lot of people that go to Target. But if you wanted something like even semi decent for your skin, find an esthetician who can recommend something for you. Instead of like cherry picking stuff that's not going to be good for your skin and then throwing it in the trash or it sits in your cabinet the rest of your frickin life. Do you know what I mean?
A
Oh, yeah.
B
But like, I, I feel like at this point in my life and my career, like I don't have time to talk shit and judge Target Skin Care. I'm just not going to buy it.
A
Can I just tell you that I'm not even going to front. I've had some clients. Oh, sorry. I've had some clients that will not buy.
B
Yeah.
A
Products from Esthetician. I know, products for me products. But they love Sephora.
B
So for love Sephora.
A
Sephora is like, oh, I'll buy this brand, I'll buy this brand. I'll buy this.
B
And it's the same price.
A
It's the same price.
B
I think they like the shopping experience, which, like, I get because I like to go in there, too.
A
Yeah.
B
But it's so funny. People are always like, oh, there's like, the big Sephora cell. Like, what should I buy? I'm like, no skincare.
A
Makeup.
B
Makeup, perfume. Yeah, that's it. Don't buy skincare. Yeah, but again, like, it's just, like, not my personality to, like, go and, like, talk one more time about, like, the apricot scrub. Like, just don't use it. But when it comes to, like, clients, I got to a point where I was like, if you're gonna come to me every single month and complain to me about the same. Sorry, I don't know if I can cuss or not. Then you need to at least try to incorporate, like, the cleanser that I'm recommending. The serum that I'm recommending. 1. It could be one thing at a time. Like, one every single month. Like, if you're on a budget, I'll work with you.
A
Yes.
B
But it got to the point where it's like, unless you're taking my recommendations, like, you cannot come back to me for a facial.
A
I need to be as blunt as you.
B
Yeah, I'm. I am blunt. I am.
A
Because I get a lot of people next time, and they come to me the next month and the same thing. Well, the cleanser that I'm using, I'm like, I've been told you to just get this one. I've even been given samples.
B
Right. Yeah, I used to do that, too.
A
And it's like, what the fuck is. What am I doing?
B
Yeah, I think. And I think there's like a. Like, you can kindly. And blunt. You can be kind and blunt at the same time. Do you know what I mean? Yeah, but, like, look, you know, Cindy, like, you've been doing this for a long time with me, and you're not seeing the improvements. Like, I think you need to, like, shift your perspective on the products that I'm recommending. It's the same thing. Like, if you're going to see a trainer and then you're eating McDonald's every day and you're not seeing the results.
A
Yeah. That's.
B
Your trainer might break up with you. Yeah, Like, I have definitely broken up with clients. Have you, like, have you ever fired a client?
A
I've. Yes, but not for that reason. For, like, constantly being late.
B
Yeah.
A
Constantly. Rescheduling. Yeah, rescheduling 10 minutes before having to reschedule a loyal client is really hard.
B
It's so hard.
A
But I had to put my foot down.
B
You have to.
A
Because I'm, you know, and it sucked. But I had to do that multiple times.
B
I have to.
A
And it's like, oh, I thought we were friends. And I always get those text messages. Yes, we're friends, but friends take my business seriously and take my time.
B
Exactly. Friends respect me. Exactly my time.
A
And you're not.
B
Yeah.
A
So for that reason, yes. But it's hard. I don't even know how I. In the beginning, you know, like I said, I. I took a lot of.
B
We all do.
A
To get to where I'm at.
B
Exactly.
A
You know?
B
Yes. You. You kind of have to. It's just like. It's like. Like a rite of passage, right?
A
Yeah.
B
Like, at first, you're kind of, like, doing the grunt work, and you'll take anyone who walks through the door. And then, like, you learn and you grow. It's the same thing as, like, finding friends or, like, a romantic relationship. Like, you have to go through, like, I've been through a lot of shitty boyfriends, like, to get to my husband. It's the same thing with clients. Right. You have to, like, even know the type of client that you want. And so you're going to have to experience some that are not so great to get to the ones that, like, now I have, like, a niche group of people that are my clients, and, like, I love them, you know, how do you.
A
You know, there's a lot. That's a really good topic. How do you. How do I say? Like, how do you decide your client? Like, how. How do you know the type of client?
B
Okay. So, like, I started to get really specific with the type of person that I wanted.
A
Yeah.
B
And I was. I actually based it off of one of my clients. She a female. She was about my age. I think she might have been, like, a couple years younger, but like, around my age group, which at the time I think was, like, late 20s, like, early 30s, who, like, had a good job. And then I got really specific. She was a lawyer, and I was like, I want, like, balling, like, rich lawyer clients. And then they all started, like, coming in.
A
So did you kind of like.
B
Like, I energetically was, like, trying to match that energy. I was also lucky enough that she, like, referred me a couple people as well in her friend group who were either lawyers or, like, the same kind of energy?
A
Yeah.
B
But I think if you, like, I believe in manifestation, and I believe in, like, energy. And so I'm like. If I'm, like, matching that energy Like, I will attract them and I did that. Were willing to like spend hundreds of dollars. Hundreds of. For a facial. Like at the top of my game. I don't like to normally talk about money, but like at the top of my game, I was spending, or. I'm sorry, I was charging almost 400 for a facial. Wow.
A
Wow. Did you see my face? That's amazing. That's amazing.
B
But I was taking like two hour appointments that were completely curated and custom that were getting. You're getting top of the line, everything.
A
Yes, yes.
B
And they were willing to pay it.
A
Yeah.
B
Because I. And also because I was skilled. Like, they were paying for my experience.
A
Yeah. And you know what? To a lot of people, when you say that price, they're like 400 for a facial. Do you not know how much these machines are? Okay.
B
Right.
A
The machines that you're using, the equipment that you have.
B
So expensive.
A
It's so expensive. Not just 300. I'm talking thousands.
B
Thousands.
A
Yeah. My hydro machine was a lot ridiculous.
B
I know.
A
You know, so I can just. I know that when I. A lot of people ask, I have the same regulars. I've been having these regulars. But they'll pay it. And when my prices go up and up, they'll pay it. And that's the type of clientele that.
B
Yes. They respect, like your time, your energy, your experience. Like, I wasn't charging 400 when I started at 18. Like, it took me until I was 34, you know, or 33 years old to like charge that much. So, like, you're also paying for like my knowledge.
A
Yeah.
B
Yeah.
A
And how did you kind of decide, like, how did you like, do people decide messaging, say, hey, I want to book a facial with you. And you kind of were like, no. Automatically, like, how did you kind of justify the client that you were taking just based off their.
B
It got to the point. It got to the point where it was pretty much like referrals only, like, you know, like, I had my base clientele. It's like, you know, I knew all my people that were coming on certain days and certain times. I. Sure you have the same thing. Right. It's like I had my like regular Saturday lineup and I was like looking forward to seeing all of them.
A
Yeah.
B
So it really had to be someone who was like, typically referred to me and could fit into my schedule.
A
Wow.
B
You know, and pay the. And pay the price.
A
So your facials, when you first started solo, how.
B
Okay, so here's a crazy thing. I was telling you about Groupon.
A
Yeah.
B
When I was doing Groupon. I was charging as low as like $25 for like a peel and $69 for a facial. And then by the, you know, the end of my, like, stint in the treatment room, I'm charging $400. Like I could remember driving the shitty Honda Civic with a dent charging, you know, 25 for appeal to now.
A
And how long were the facials?
B
The. I think it was like a 20 minute peel, you know, or like a 69. I think it was like 45 minutes maybe. But still. Which is like way too cheap. And remember this is also like 2013.
A
Yeah.
B
But still, that's way too cheap.
A
Yeah.
B
To ever be charging.
A
So now if someone's solo, do you recommend keeping the prices low?
B
I don't think you should be too low. I'm hoping that if you are going solo that you already have some experience and that you're kind of like somewhere in the middle. Like, do some research and see what people are charging in your area. Because that's going to vary too. Like, I live in la, so I think I was lucky that I can charge up to $400, where maybe if you're somewhere in the Midwest, you might not charge that much. Do you know what I mean?
A
Yeah.
B
But I don't know. It depends on your area and the demographic of people. I would say be somewhat competitive but also charge your worth.
A
Absolutely. Yeah. Because at first I was like, how do I go based off of like. But then I have to think of my area.
B
Yeah.
A
In the ie. This is a good area.
B
It is.
A
You know.
B
Yeah.
A
So I was like, okay, it. I have to kind of. And then I would always raise my price. Not a lot. Like, not every two weeks. That's crazy. But I would kind of like.
B
Right.
A
You know, you're like, yeah, yeah.
B
I. I say at least you're raising your prices at least once a year.
A
Absolutely.
B
And if you start to get, like, really busy and you're seeing this like, influx of money and maybe there's some clients that you are hoping you're gonna break up with, like, raise it again because that will like, cut the people who might not like, match your energy.
A
Yeah.
B
You know what I mean?
A
And those Groupon people. Anyone come to you still?
B
No, no, no. I did have a few. I finally broke up with like the very. There was a few that were great, that like, stayed with me for like a really long time.
A
Yeah.
B
Until I finally had a breakup with them.
A
How did you. How do you break up with your clients?
B
I was like a mixture of things. And then again it was crazy. Like, with COVID like, I just kind of, like, let go of everything, which, I don't know, is kind of sad. I've had all sorts of weird breakups. I'm trying to think of, like, anything. I mean, I've had people be upset with me. I'm like, I'm sorry. Like, can't see you. I've had people, like, hang up on me. I'm never, like, mean or rude. I'm typically, like, a lawyer and just kind of, like, I just give you the information with not a lot of emotion.
A
And they're like, well, she rude.
B
Yeah.
A
But it's like, no, it wasn't rude. I was. This is just. This is just business.
B
It's just business. Like, you've been late 10 times. I kept letting you know that this isn't going to work for me because I have clients before you and after you.
A
Yeah.
B
And that's it.
A
And just let them go.
B
Yeah.
A
Oh, me. I'm so.
B
It's just part of the job. It's part of the job, and I think that's what people need to be aware of, is that. That's also, like, something you're gonna have to deal with on a regular basis.
A
Yeah.
B
If you're dealing with clients.
A
Yeah. So this is a question. Do you recommend even getting into the. The salon? Like, do you even recommend someone even owning a salon? Do you recommend them?
B
I think if, like, you have the dream, like, if you have the desire, you should do it. Because since I was a little girl, that was always my dream was to own a business and, like, have a storefront. But I'm also the type of person where, like, I have to go through with it. Do you know what I mean? Like, I have to finish something to completion to know if I like it or not. So I, like, I had to have the storefront. Like, I had to do. You know what I mean?
A
Like, it was like.
B
It was just, like, in my body, in my bones. Like, I had to do it to see how it felt, and I did it. And then I was like, okay, I don't want to do it anymore. And it wasn't that easy to, like, say, I don't want to do it anymore. It was actually hard and devastating. And, like, we were talking about, it's like, well, they need. They need me. Who's going to take care of them? Where are they going to go? And I got to the point where, like, no, I have to take care of Casey. And, like, Casey doesn't want to own a big Spa anymore.
A
Yeah.
B
Like, I just want to be. I want to live my life.
A
Yeah.
B
Yeah.
A
And that's so. That's such good advice, because I'm, like, I'm in that realm right now. It's like. And, you know, I love podcasting, too.
B
Yeah.
A
And I feel like I want to just podcast, show myself online. Take a couple. To Take a couple clients here.
B
Yes.
A
And not focus on, like, the bills.
B
Like, that I have and the laundry and the. And the utilities.
A
Utilities.
B
And, like, you have to stock your bar and you have to stock everything. Yes.
A
I just want to stock up the bar of my house, not the shop.
B
Right.
A
Like, I did, sort of literally.
B
Yeah.
A
And it just. Sometimes it's like I'm in that age where, like, I started doing this when I was, like, 21, and I'm 27 now.
B
Okay.
A
And I feel like now I'm just at the age where I just kind of want to just not worry about, like, oh, my God, I have to. I have an agenda every single day.
B
Right.
A
Each do this. This. This is.
B
Well, now you're a homeowner. Now you have a baby. Like, this isn't, like, the top pri. Maybe the top priority, and you just. You're. Or, like, your priorities just, like, shift, you know? And, like, you did it, and now you know how it feels.
A
And that's like, you.
B
And that's it. And you should be proud of yourself.
A
Yes.
B
You should be. Definitely be proud of yourself. But it's like, nothing's forever.
A
Yeah.
B
But if you want to do it, I say go for it. But just, like, do the research and don't just be doing it for the glitz and the glamour of the perception of social media.
A
Absolutely.
B
Yeah.
A
How was your. I have this crazy question, but how was your experience with esthetician school?
B
Because, oh, my God, the drama.
A
The drama, the drama. Drama.
B
I mean, I think when you put, typically, a bunch of women in a room.
A
Yes.
B
There's gonna be drama. I am lucky that I was in a class. I was 18, but everybody else was a lot older. And of course, there's, like, a little bit of drama. But everyone was, like, really nice to me, and I had, like, a little cute, like, core group of, like, estheticians that, like, we all went to through school together. But I hear some crazy stories.
A
Yeah. So I know, right? Yeah.
B
And I'm like, why is this, like, high school all over again but worse?
A
Yeah. Did you feel like you actually learned, Phil?
B
No, I didn't. I didn't. I went to Marinello School of Beauty. I think. Oh, my God.
A
They closed down.
B
Yeah, they're all closed down. Exactly. Exactly. They're all closed down. Like, I. And it's crazy. I think I spent, like, again, this is like, 2008. I spent, like, $10,000 in 2008, which is so crazy. But then I had another friend that went to, like, you know, the Valley College, like, up the street and spent, like, a thousand dollars. So I'm like, do it inexpensively, if you can. Unless, you know, there's, like, a school out there that's, like, amazing and pristine, which there are some in the country. I just don't know where they are. And, like, get your license, like, pass your state board, and then that's when the real work actually starts.
A
Yeah. Because a lot of people are like, okay, I'm going to esticians. Well, I'm going to kind of learn something. And they don't learn anything. And they're like, well, I'm taking thousands of dollars outside to learn to these courses. Taking this facial course and doing this, and I'm spending double the money because I didn't learn anything at esthetician school. And I know the truth. You just don't learn anything.
B
You don't school. You're paying for your license. So do it as cheap as you can, do it as fast as you can, and that's when the real work starts. And you have to budget that in.
A
Yeah. You know, I was. I wanted to live this LA lifestyle at one point. Okay, Okay. I want. I lived in Century City.
B
Okay.
A
I was living. Trying. Trying to be an LA girl. Okay. I'm ie. Okay. No, I'm not LA girl. Okay. The parking was ridiculous. Okay. First of all, you had to go and park somewhere else. If you want to go to a grocery store, there's, like, the underground parking lots. $30 of parking. True. I couldn't do it.
B
I know.
A
I couldn't do it.
B
$30 to go to Trader Joe's.
A
That's literally what it was.
B
I know.
A
I was like, hell, no. I rented a room smaller than this room that I have a closet for $2,000.
B
Yeah.
A
Anyways, it was horrible.
B
Okay, but you did it.
A
But I did it.
B
Yeah.
A
I want. I wanted to be a makeup artist. That was my dream.
B
Same, wasn't it? All of ours.
A
It was what it is. You know, I. Fuck that. But anyways, I went to Veda. I want to go check out this.
B
Yeah.
A
$25,000 to be an esthetician.
B
But was it. Was the school beautiful?
A
Amazing.
B
Yeah. I think they do have a decent education, too, from what I hear. Yeah. But you have. So you have to spend the money and find the right school, or you're going to have to do outside education or get a job somewhere where you're actually getting paid to learn. Like, that's what I did. I was working medical spa. Like, I was also numbing tattoos for tattoo removal, but I learned so much while I was getting a paycheck.
A
That's crazy.
B
Yeah.
A
And you know what? Medical spas, I feel like you learn more because you're with a doctor, you're with the nurse. And, you know, it's kind of like, a lot of people that I know that are estheticians want to transition into nursing. So they get their estician license, and they're gonna go get their nursing license.
B
Right.
A
Trying to do the Botox and the filler. So I have a nurse that works here.
B
Okay.
A
She does Botox and filler, and she's like, I'm wants to open up her own storefront now because she's working here, and I get her the clientele. So she's like, I'm learning the back end, and it's so smart just to work, you know?
B
Yes. Learn from other people. Like, I learned how to do, like, some, like, pretty heavy peels and dermaplaning at, like, early in my career because of the medical spa. Like, I wouldn't have had the opportunity if I went solo.
A
And it's not about what you know, it's about who you know, because you're going to learn.
B
Exactly.
A
From that person.
B
Exactly.
A
And that person that you know is going to open up so many doors.
B
So many. So many. Even if they're not all good doors, you know, at least you have the opportunity.
A
Yeah. I'm like, I always tell people that I. I went to college. Didn't teach me much. I'm still going to school.
B
Okay.
A
But I met so many people being in this industry that I actually opened up so many doors for me.
B
Oh, my God. Same. It's all about. Yeah. I mean, being an esthetician, you need to network.
A
Absolutely.
B
Because if not, you're in a dark room by yourself 10 hours a day, so you have to find other ways to network. But that is, like, you gain so much knowledge and experience from that.
A
Yeah.
B
Even just conversations like this. Like, I always learn from having conversations like this.
A
Yeah. But you know what? I don't know. I. Estheticians, though, sometimes y'all, it's just like, cosmetology are fun.
B
Huh?
A
You know, they're they're side. When the. Then the trade shows are lit, they're just amazing. It's just. You go. It's a party esthetician side. It's just resting.
B
Yeah.
A
You know, it does just attract a.
B
Certain type of person.
A
It's intimidating. You know, it's like.
B
It can be very clicky.
A
Yes. It's like, this person knows that this person is just like. Like, you know, And I'm like, we.
B
Need to break that.
A
That. Yeah.
B
I'm over that.
A
Yeah. And I'm like. Like, I. I went to the Vegas tradition. I'm not gonna say who it was, but I was so intimidated by this person.
B
Okay. You have to tell me after. Yeah.
A
I had to tell you who was. And I was like, no, I'm not going up to you. I cannot go up to you. I can't say who. Who I am because it was just like. And I would go to the car.
B
You can't sit with us.
A
Yeah. And I go to the cosmetology side, and I know a lot of people. I'm like, yes. Like, I know. So it was just so fun.
B
Yeah.
A
You know, and I feel like that it goes back into, like, you need to network. You need to be out there. You need to be nice.
B
Yes. And, like, with healthy, like, other people. Not. Not the mean girls.
A
Yeah. Not the mean girls.
B
Not the mean girls. Don't glamorize them.
A
Yeah. And it's just this industry. Every. This whole beauty industry is just so oversaturated.
B
There's a lot of people. Yeah.
A
And everyone's trying to do what other people are doing.
B
Yeah.
A
And I think it's just kind of like, fuck, I don't know.
B
I know. I mean, I'm tired of it, to be quite honest. I am.
A
This era is fucking sucks. I want to go back into the.
B
Right. No more social media.
A
Yes.
B
Yeah.
A
How was it those times? How did you even.
B
Like, I feel like I just, like, put blinders on, because if I, like, gave everyone attention who's, like, taken one of my ideas or, like, copied me, like, I would just be, like, like, under the blankets, like, crying. You know what I mean? But, like, keep copying because I'll keep coming up with new ideas. Okay.
A
And. And she's a blueprint. I'm sorry. The ice clothes was her first ever. You know what? You know, it was you first. In my head.
B
Okay.
A
The towels, they were.
B
Yeah. No one's done it. No one did it before me.
A
And I love those.
B
Thank you.
A
And I never seen them before.
B
No.
A
And when you came out with them, now I see a whole shitload.
B
People like to use clouds now, too, in the brushes, but it's just. It's just that's the way of the world. Like, I didn't invent a towel. I didn't invent fan brushes. You know what I mean? Like, there's actually no, like, original ideas in the world. I just happen to do something that was, like, a little bit different, and I have a large platform, and then I try. I do my best to take it as, like, a compliment, but it is hard, you know? And I could, like, go after all those people and file lawsuits, but, like, what a way. What a waste of time. So I'll just come out with another new product that no one's done yet.
A
Yeah.
B
Which I'm doing when it.
A
When. When are we expecting?
B
Spring 2025.
A
Oh, my gosh.
B
Yeah. So I'm really excited about this one. And I'm not gonna lie. I decided, like, I am going to just, like, make it a big deal. Do you know what I mean?
A
Like, I made it big.
B
I make it a big deal. Like, I made the towels a big deal and the cold rollers by making this an even bigger deal.
A
Now can I tell you, I found out about you from the towels.
B
Okay.
A
And I just. After that, I was like, oh, my gosh. Like, this whole line is amazing.
B
Thank you.
A
You know, the roller, I just see me making a video, and she's in there with her little headband and just rolling her face.
B
Yeah.
A
And then, you know, also your aesthetic, too. Just your vibe. Your. Like, I could just go in your room and I could just. I know that. The energy. I'll know. I'll fall asleep, you know, and you.
B
Have to come in for a facial. Yeah.
A
I'll just knock out. I'll be snoring. Your vibe is just like. And then you go to my vibe, and it's like. But it's because, you know, my clients are not. They don't like silent appointments.
B
Right.
A
You know, they like, totally. They like the Cheeseman. They like the talking. They like me. You know, they like therapy.
B
Yeah. I mean, I have some clients like that where it's like, we will talk for two hours straight and they need more time. But then some of them are, like, snoring, so.
A
Yeah. And I feel like the way you're vibe, and that's what drew me to you. And it's just like, your aesthetic and your vibe and just, like, overall, like, your little short clips videos are just so cute and I was just like, you make it big deal.
B
Okay, I'm making it a big deal.
A
Spring 2025. We don't know what it is, but it's coming.
B
You'll come to the party.
A
Oh, my. We're having. There's a party. Oh. Oh, there's gonna be a party. Did you have any other party launch parties for anything else?
B
No, because. No. I mean, the cold rollers, like, was my first thing, and I didn't know it was gonna explode. And then the towels, I just didn't. I don't know. I didn't. You know, I made a big deal about them. I mean, the towels, to be quite honest, like, changed my life and changed my career. That's why I can sit here and be like, I don't have to work full time.
A
Yeah.
B
Is because those towels literally changed my life. Like, as many people. You know, I could complain that, like, as so many people have, like, emulated some of the things that I've done, they have changed my life. They are like my bread and butter. They. I believe that they have, like, changed the industry standard and they've changed, like, my career, my business, and, like, I'm so grateful for that. And I just want to keep producing content and products that are actually going to be beneficial to the esthetician. Like, that's always my goal. It's not how many followers, it's not even really how much money. I'm just. I really do enjoy it. I love it. And I really do want to help people and just come up with, like, cool things that haven't been done before.
A
Yeah. So that's what we see from you. We see the content, right?
B
Yeah.
A
Your products.
B
Yeah.
A
So you think in the future you're just going to be completely done with taking even the month clients every now and then and just focus completely on your product line. Is that what we're.
B
I mean, I. I think I'll always have a treatment room. And I feel like if I'm not touching a couple faces, even a month, I'm kind of sad. Like, I need. I like to be in it.
A
Yeah.
B
And that's where I get, like, a lot of my, like, creative ideas. But I'm not sure. Honestly, I'm not sure what the future holds. I feel like there's been other things that have been calling me and, like, I'm ready to kind of dive into.
A
That, which is something different.
B
Yeah.
A
Oh, shoot.
B
But I'm not. I'm not going anywhere.
A
Yeah.
B
I'm just using the extra free time that I have to put into, like, a new creative venture. But I'm not going anywhere.
A
She's not going anywhere.
B
Going anywhere. Not yet.
A
So your product line is something that we have spring 2025 coming.
B
Yeah. New product. 2025.
A
Okay.
B
It's coming. But yeah, I mean, you can check out all my products. Cold rollers, fan brushes, cowls.
A
The best. I also have your fan brush.
B
So you do. I brought you some more today too.
A
I. The best.
B
They are. They are.
A
So do we have anything else to see in the future from you?
B
I don't know. I mean, the new product and then, you know, like I was saying with this, like, new venture, like, I've been singing.
A
I'm trying to get her to say it low key, but not, I'll tell you.
B
Well, because I want to start sharing. I'm just, like, terrified. But I've been singing and writing music. So what you think is, what else can you do? Can dance to, you know.
A
My God.
B
Yeah. So it's something I, you know, I told, like, in the beginning. I told you, like, I was a dancer. That's how I got into this career. And the music's been calling me and I feel like I have to, like, I have to try.
A
So, like, what kind of like, what is it like?
B
I'm not sure yet. Like, I'm. I'm a dance music lover, but I also, like, love R B, so I kind of maybe want to, like, fuse them together, but I'm kind of just like on this journey right now and I don't know where it's going to lead me.
A
Yeah.
B
Yeah.
A
If it's like more. Is it more like maybe like saying I could see. Oh, my God, this is so cute. I could see your vibe in a coffee shop. Just like, then you're starting off there.
B
And then you're just slowly so working my way up.
A
Yes.
B
Yeah, that's. That's the goal. Like, I'll. I need to start singing somewhere in public. I'm down for a coffee shop.
A
Do you have anything out right now that we can listen to?
B
I mean, only like, like my esthetician, like, affirmations and like my meditation. But that's not me singing. I'm. I'm like, speaking.
A
Did everyone. Anyone know that you sing?
B
Not really. But it's funny that I've been slowly telling people and no one seems, like, surprised.
A
Yeah, I'm surprised you're surprised. So surprised.
B
Not like surprised, but I mean, like, people are like, oh, that.
A
Like, like, I didn't know you had that many talents. Like, that's what I'm saying. My only.
B
We'll see. Tell me once the music comes out if it's good or not.
A
I'm gonna be like, listen, this is great. Start. No, I'm just kidding.
B
I'm really like, yeah, it's not gonna be fired. I don't know. I don't know.
A
No, I could totally see.
B
We'll see. I mean, I was singing in the car all the way here.
A
See, that's the time that you had to put, like, a little tripod and just saying I did. Oh, the content never stops.
B
It never stops. It's just gonna be me singing. Now that's with a towel.
A
Put on your bio neg.
B
Okay. If you are an OG Glow skincare, Casey Boone fan, then you will know that I did come out with a cold roller music video in, like, 2018.
A
Are you serious?
B
Yes.
A
A music video.
B
I made a music video. I made a music video. This was, like, before Tick Tock, too.
A
Are you joking?
B
Where's it? I'll find it. I'll find it. I think it might be on YouTube.
A
How's the video? Like, what are you doing?
B
I'm, like, dancing with a cold roller. It's so funny.
A
This is my spirit animal.
B
I just was like, I want to do music video. So I did.
A
Yeah. And he's just with her ice gloves.
B
Just with the cold roller.
A
Yeah. Oh, my gosh.
B
More to come.
A
Wait, did you go like this or something?
B
Of course. And then I had, like, two, and I was, like, dancing.
A
Oh, my God. See, now when this new product comes, you have to do a music video.
B
Another one.
A
And then you need to, like, maybe do a voiceover. You singing? Can I say, tell me. My dream was to sing, too.
B
Really?
A
Well, I mean, I suck, but if you go on one of my videos, I'm gonna send it to you.
B
Okay.
A
You know, do you watch Hannah Montana?
B
I did a little bit. Yeah.
A
Okay. You know her intro, that was.
B
You were singing it.
A
Yeah.
B
That's cute.
A
And the whole intro is me singing it.
B
I love that.
A
No, but you know what? It was for, like, comedy skills and. And, you know. But it didn't take off.
B
That's. Okay.
A
You know what?
B
Keep going, Keep going.
A
I sing to myself, so it's.
B
Yeah, fine. You have to start somewhere. That was me, too. I was, like, singing for myself, and then I was like, way. I think I actually want to do this.
A
Yeah.
B
And I'm, like, terrified, and I kind of want, like, cry and throw up, but I'm going to do it.
A
You're going to do great.
B
I'm going to do. Thank you.
A
You're going to do great.
B
Thank you.
A
Well, thank you so much for being my.
B
Thank you for having me.
A
You're literally the best.
B
You're so spirit animal.
A
This is literally, like, the best. We always end this podcast with a quote, though.
B
Okay.
A
So any quotes that you have in mind.
B
Oh, my God.
A
Anything that you have to share. It could be anything. It could be funny. It could be something inspiring, something that you want to put out, something that Casey, I mean, believes in.
B
Don't compare yourself. Be yourself and have fun.
A
I love that. Short, simple.
B
Yeah, that was cute, huh?
A
Marlowe, you give that round of applause. Well, thank you so much for driving out here.
B
Thank you for having me.
A
All the way from LA to Rancho. Thank you so much.
B
Worth it. Thank you.
A
Thank you. I hope to see you in the next one.
B
Yes. 100.
A
All right, thank you, guys. Bye.
Beauty with a Twist: Salon Ownership's Ups and Downs, Business Outside the Treatment Room & Content Creation Complications
Hosted by Dede | Released on November 8, 2024
In this engaging episode of Beauty with a Twist, host Dede sits down with special guest Casey Boone to delve deep into the multifaceted world of salon ownership, the challenges of managing a business beyond the treatment room, and the complexities of content creation in the beauty industry. Drawing from Casey's 18 years of experience as an esthetician, makeup artist, and entrepreneur, the conversation offers valuable insights for both aspiring and established beauty professionals.
[00:00 - 03:04]
The episode kicks off with Dede expressing her excitement about having Casey Boone on the show. Casey, a 36-year-old esthetician from Los Angeles, shares her unexpected journey from being a dancer to a makeup artist, and eventually, a skincare specialist. Her transition from applying fake eyelashes for her peers to pursuing formal training underscores her innate talent and passion for beauty.
Notable Quote:
"I've been an esthetician for 18 years... I just love skin care." – Casey Boone [02:37]
[03:04 - 05:06]
Casey's path to owning her own salon wasn't straightforward. Starting as a receptionist at a day spa, she spent several years learning the backend operations of salon management. Her hands-on experience continued as she worked part-time in a medical spa, balancing roles as a medical assistant and esthetician. This foundational period was crucial, equipping her with the necessary skills to eventually venture out independently.
Notable Quote:
"Running a business and being an esthetician are two totally different things." – Casey Boone [04:16]
[05:06 - 10:18]
After five years of accumulating experience, Casey took the leap to rent a space in Burbank, California. Despite initial setbacks, including being unexpectedly fired from her previous job, she leveraged past connections to build her client base swiftly. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone through as she rented a room, gained clients from Beverly Hills, and eventually opened her own storefront at just 23 years old.
However, rapid growth brought its own set of challenges. Navigating the demands of managing multiple renters, handling Groupon promotions, and maintaining steady cash flow became overwhelming, leading to significant burnout and major transitions in her business model.
Notable Quote:
"The best thing that ever happened to me was to get fired." – Casey Boone [05:17]
[10:18 - 19:08]
As Casey streamlined her business, she recognized the power of social media, particularly Instagram, to expand her reach. Initially experimenting with personal posts from her honeymoon, she soon realized the potential to funnel this engagement into her business. She pioneered the use of Instagram within the skincare sector, significantly boosting her brand's visibility.
However, Casey acknowledges the evolving nature of content creation. Balancing client treatments with the demands of producing high-quality content became increasingly taxing, prompting her to reassess her approach. She emphasizes the importance of scheduling dedicated time for content creation to avoid compromising service quality.
Notable Quote:
"I started putting energy into Instagram, and it just kind of took off." – Casey Boone [09:17]
[19:08 - 27:24]
Operating a salon with multiple booth renters introduced complexities in maintaining a cohesive business environment. Casey discusses the delicate balance between managing friendships and enforcing business standards. Issues such as inappropriate client interactions, dress code violations, and maintaining professional boundaries often strained relationships with renters.
The conversation highlights the emotional toll of making tough business decisions, such as letting go of renters who didn't align with her vision. Casey underscores the necessity of prioritizing business sustainability over personal relationships to ensure long-term success.
Notable Quote:
"I had to take care of myself and my business first. It's hard." – Casey Boone [27:25]
[27:24 - 48:18]
Casey provides a candid look into the financial aspects of running a salon. From initially charging as low as $25 for a peel to eventually commanding $400 for a premium facial, her pricing strategy reflects her growth and expertise. She advises estheticians to research local market rates and confidently charge their worth, emphasizing that underpricing can undermine perceived value.
Additionally, Casey discusses diversifying income streams beyond facials, such as selling skincare tools, operating an Amazon shop, securing podcast ads, and engaging in brand deals. However, she stresses the importance of aligning with brands she genuinely believes in, even if it means turning down lucrative offers.
Notable Quote:
"If you are going solo that you already have some experience and that you're kind of like somewhere in the middle. Do some research and see what people are charging in your area." – Casey Boone [47:08]
[48:18 - 56:04]
The pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, forcing Casey to adapt swiftly. With lockdowns disrupting salon operations, she had to make difficult decisions, including laying off employees and shedding certain business responsibilities. This period of transition allowed her to refine her focus, leading to a shift from managing a large salon to concentrating on her personal brand and product line.
Casey's resilience shines through as she shares how these hardships ultimately led to a more sustainable and fulfilling business model, highlighting the necessity of pivoting in the face of adversity.
Notable Quote:
"I just bought a house. I'm not going to go bankrupt to pay someone else's bills." – Casey Boone [20:17]
[56:04 - 58:17]
Reflecting on her education, Casey expresses skepticism about the true value of esthetician schools, citing her experience where much of her learning occurred on the job rather than in the classroom. She advises aspiring estheticians to seek affordable education options and emphasizes the importance of practical, hands-on experience gained through employment in reputable salons or medical spas.
Notable Quote:
"You don't learn anything when you go to esthetician school. You're paying for your license." – Casey Boone [53:44]
[58:17 - 68:44]
Looking ahead, Casey is excited about expanding her product line, with a new offering slated for Spring 2025. She discusses the success of her existing products, such as cold rollers and fan brushes, which have significantly boosted her business. Additionally, Casey reveals her budding passion for music, contemplating a venture into singing and potentially creating music content to complement her beauty brand.
Her forward-thinking approach underscores her commitment to innovation and adapting to changing market dynamics, ensuring her brand remains relevant and impactful.
Notable Quote:
"Don't compare yourself. Be yourself and have fun." – Casey Boone [68:24]
Throughout the episode, Casey Boone emphasizes the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and strategic adaptability in the beauty industry. She encourages estheticians to prioritize their passion for skincare over the allure of social media fame, advocate for fair pricing, and maintain professional boundaries to foster a sustainable business. Her journey serves as an inspiring testament to the challenges and triumphs of salon ownership, offering invaluable lessons for listeners navigating similar paths.
Final Notable Quote:
"Don't compare yourself. Be yourself and have fun." – Casey Boone [68:24]
Key Takeaways:
End of Summary