Esthetician Education: Beyond Beauty School with Sarah

Summary

Skin and the City Podcast by Kasey Boone Skincare™ Episode Title: Esthetician Education: Beyond Beauty School with Sarah
Release Date: October 7, 2024

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Introduction

In this enlightening episode of the Skin and the City Podcast, host Kasey Boone welcomes Sarah Rainbold, an accomplished esthetician, acne specialist, and mentor. Their conversation delves deep into the nuances of esthetician education, the gaps within traditional beauty schools, and the essential steps for estheticians to thrive beyond obtaining their licenses.

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The Journey Beyond Beauty School

Limitations of Traditional Beauty Education

Sarah Rainbold opens the discussion by reflecting on her own experiences with esthetician school. She emphasizes that beauty schools primarily focus on equipping students with just enough knowledge to pass state board tests, often leaving graduates feeling underprepared for real-world scenarios.

"They're teaching you only what you need to know to pass the state board test. Everything else you're getting on top of this is a bonus."
— Sarah Rainbold [03:13]

Sarah likens beauty school to high school, where the core curriculum is met, but the comprehensive, college-level education that fosters specialization and deeper understanding is lacking.

The Necessity of Continued Education

Both Kasey and Sarah agree that obtaining a license is merely the first step. The true education begins post-licensure, where estheticians must invest in specialized training and business acumen to excel in their careers.

"Aesthetic school is like high school, and then beyond that, your continued education is actually the college part."
— Sarah Rainbold [03:58]

They discuss the importance of setting aside funds and time for ongoing education, allowing estheticians to explore different specialties and align themselves with specific skincare lines or business practices.

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Transitioning to Mentorship and Teaching

Sarah’s Path to Education

Sarah shares her transition from a solo esthetician to an instructor, highlighting how her mentorship program was born out of a need she identified among her students. Her dedication to filling the educational gaps left by traditional beauty schools has positioned her as a pivotal figure in the esthetician community.

"I fell in love with skin, and I love doing lash lifts. That's what I was planning on doing as a solo esthetician."
— Sarah Rainbold [11:53]

Her mentorship program offers one-on-one workshops, on-demand courses, and extended support, ensuring that new estheticians receive the guidance they need to navigate the complexities of the industry.

Building a Supportive Community

Both speakers emphasize the significance of community and support systems in the esthetician profession. Sarah’s approach to mentorship includes not only technical training but also emotional and business support, fostering a holistic environment for growth.

"The community is so important, especially for us estheticians because we are working alone technically."
— Kasey Boone [26:45]

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Building and Managing a Solo Practice

Navigating the Business Landscape

The conversation shifts to the challenges of running a solo esthetician practice. Sarah and Kasey discuss the importance of understanding business essentials such as licensing, insurance, and time management—topics rarely covered in beauty schools.

"Everything they tell you when you walk in the door is to get you in the door. Right, right."
— Sarah Rainbold [04:03]

Sarah outlines her own business structure, balancing client sessions with mentorship and course development, while also managing personal responsibilities like motherhood. This balance underscores the multifaceted nature of running a successful esthetician business.

The Role of Systems and Structure

Both agree that implementing efficient systems is crucial for managing the various aspects of a business. From scheduling posts on social media to automating booking processes, having robust systems in place can alleviate stress and streamline operations.

"Systems are your best friend."
— Kasey Boone [28:25]

Sarah elaborates on how systems help her manage her content creation without letting it drain her energy, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

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Leveraging Social Media and Community Building

Social Media as a Business Tool

Sarah emphasizes the pivotal role of social media in building a clientele and establishing a personal brand. She shares her strategy of treating Instagram as her business card, utilizing it to connect with clients, showcase her expertise, and foster relationships.

"My Instagram is my business card. It is where nobody's giving out paper business cards really anymore."
— Sarah Rainbold [28:45]

She advises estheticians to engage authentically on social platforms, sharing both successes and challenges to appear relatable and trustworthy.

Creating Authentic Connections

Kasey and Sarah discuss the importance of authenticity in online interactions. By sharing real experiences, including slow months and client cancellations, estheticians can build genuine connections with their audience.

"I like to be relatable on my social media in that way because it's like, yes, we're going to talk about the good things, but we're also going to talk about the things that are just the real thing."
— Sarah Rainbold [37:46]

This authenticity not only humanizes the esthetician but also provides valuable insights and encouragement to peers facing similar challenges.

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Overcoming Challenges and Maintaining a Positive Mindset

Dealing with Imposter Syndrome and Burnout

The podcast delves into the psychological challenges estheticians face, such as imposter syndrome and burnout. Sarah shares her personal struggles and how maintaining gratitude and a positive outlook helped her overcome these hurdles.

"If you're focused on the goal, that's the other thing. You have to have a goal."
— Sarah Rainbold [34:26]

She encourages estheticians to set clear goals and remain resilient, even when external circumstances make the journey tough.

The Impact of Support Systems

Both Kasey and Sarah highlight the importance of having a support network, whether through mentorship programs, community groups, or personal relationships. These support systems provide emotional sustenance and practical advice, essential for long-term success and well-being.

"We need other people, even if it's us on a podcast or, you know, I just, I think it's important."
— Sarah Rainbold [26:45]

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Opportunities and Collaborations

Building Brand Partnerships

Sarah recounts her experience collaborating with Vergara, a booking and scheduling system. These partnerships can open doors to new opportunities, expand an esthetician's reach, and enhance their service offerings.

"I jumped on. Did not really utilize all of the things for it."
— Sarah Rainbold [39:28]

She advises estheticians to embrace collaborations, even when they feel unprepared, as these can lead to significant professional growth and unexpected opportunities.

Encouraging Initiative and Proactivity

Kasey and Sarah encourage estheticians to proactively seek out partnerships and Mentorship opportunities. By reaching out to brands and other professionals, estheticians can create mutually beneficial relationships that propel their careers forward.

"You can shoot your shot...If they say yes, then it can change."
— Sarah Rainbold [42:34]

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Conclusion

This episode of Skin and the City Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of the esthetician profession beyond the confines of beauty school. Through candid discussions and valuable insights, Kasey Boone and Sarah Rainbold provide listeners with the knowledge and inspiration needed to navigate the complexities of the industry, build successful practices, and foster supportive communities.

Notable Quotes:

• "Education is just the beginning. It's the foundation upon which you build your career."
  — Sarah Rainbold [Various Times]

• "Stay grounded. Be mindful, but lean into your community instead of getting lost in comparisons."
  — Kasey Boone [35:05]

Resources Mentioned:

• Sarah Rainbold's Platforms:

  • Instagram: @BoltBeautyLA
  • Website: boltbeautyla.com

• Kasey Boone's Platforms:

  • Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest: @CaseyBooneSkincare
  • Website: kaseyboon-skincare.com
  • Shop: spaandequipment.com (Use code: CASEYK)

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Key Takeaways:

1. Beauty School is Just the Start: Traditional beauty schools focus on passing state exams, not comprehensive education.
2. Invest in Continued Learning: Specialization and business education are crucial for career advancement.
3. Embrace Mentorship: Guided support can bridge the gap between graduation and professional success.
4. Leverage Social Media Authentically: Building genuine connections online is essential for client growth.
5. Maintain a Positive Mindset: Gratitude and resilience help overcome professional and personal challenges.
6. Seek Collaborations: Partnerships can open new doors and enhance service offerings.
7. Build a Supportive Community: Networking and support systems are vital for long-term success and well-being.

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By addressing these critical aspects, Sarah Rainbold and Kasey Boone provide a roadmap for estheticians aiming to excel beyond the basics, fostering both professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Transcript

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[Kasey Boone]

Okay, you guys, I'm super excited. I am sitting here with one of my friends. You reached out to me, like, years ago, I think so.

[Sarah Rainbold]

The funny thing is, is that this is so full circle because when I started esthetician school, I knew nothing about the industry.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

It was one of those things that I just kind of jumped into. My therapist at the time was like, you need to go to trade school. And I was like, no, I need to get a job. I don't care if you do underwater welding. Like, just go to a trade school. So it's like, oh, aesthetics. And I just picked it. And my saving grace was listening to your podcast on the Way to School every single day. Because I went to school Monday through Friday, 5 to 10pm and on the way to school, I'd turn on your podcast.

[Kasey Boone]

So funny.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And then covet, hit. And then we had like a mentorship call where we talked.

[Kasey Boone]

Yes.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And then we've just kind of been connected ever since then.

[Kasey Boone]

Right. And then you went and taught. Yeah, school.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And then you came to the school and you taught there.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah. So.

[Kasey Boone]

And now you're here and I'm here.

[Sarah Rainbold]

It's been kind of.

[Kasey Boone]

I'm happy to have you here.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Thank you.

[Kasey Boone]

I'm excited for this conversation. I think it's going to be really insightful for a lot of people because I get so many questions about school.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah, me too.

[Kasey Boone]

I know. And it's like, for me, because I've. I'm so far removed from it. Right. Like, I literally got my license when I was 18. Like, I'm 36. I've had it for 18 years. Which is like, crazy to say that I'm so far removed. Like, I. I don't remember. And, like, I feel like things have changed so much, but also not change. Like, it's kind of like both. And lots of times, you know, I've had these, like, new estheticians that are like, which school should I go to? Like, what's the best school? Like? And I'm like, I don't know. And tell me, like, share your opinion. But I'm like, I don't even know how much. I mean, of course it matters, but. But you're there to, like, get your license, and then that's when the real, like, education and, like, learning starts. Honestly. Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So I always tell people that when you go to a beauty college, you think you're going to college. It's called college.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So you think that you're going to get that experience, and a lot of times you do. But I think you leave there feeling like you've invested a lot of money and a lot of time and you don't really know as much as you thought you were going to or don't feel as prepared.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

They're teaching you only what you need to know to pass the state board test. And I try to explain that to my students all the time is, hey, everything else you're getting on top of this is a bonus because I'm an instructor that, like, actually cares about your education, but a lot of people don't have that experience. And so I try to explain it to people as going to aesthetic school is like high school school. And then beyond that, your continued education is actually the college part. So you're going to figure out what you want to specialize in, what skincare lines you're going to align yourself with, like, what kind of education you really want to invest in. And I think that a lot of people go into this thinking they're going to invest the money into going to aesthetic school, and then they're just going to have all this knowledge and they're going to be able to just go out.

[Kasey Boone]

Right. I mean, it makes sense. Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

I mean, that's. That's kind of how it's marketed, right?

[Kasey Boone]

Like, that's.

[Sarah Rainbold]

That's kind of what they tell you when you walk in the door to get you in the door.

[Kasey Boone]

Right, right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And so I think people are really surprised when they get to that 600 hours and they're like, oh, I don't know half as much as I thought.

[Kasey Boone]

I was going to.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And now what? You know, and you have that gap where you're gonna, you know, you're. There's like a month before you take your state board test and, you know, get your license, and then you're kind of like, now what?

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So the continued education is the Part that I'm like, yes, definitely invest in aesthetics school and, you know, know that is a big investment. But also have a budget and, you know, set aside some money to do some outside education. Yeah, education. So you can, you know, focus on what you really want to specialize.

[Kasey Boone]

Totally. Like, right. Don't, like, don't drop all your dough just on your schooling to get your license.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Totally.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And don't go in. I think a lot of people go in with the idea. I was laugh because I was going to aesthetic school, and I knew I was going to do lash extensions and microblading. Like, that's what I want.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah. Yeah. And now I know, but same, same. I literally got it to just, like, have on my resume, but I'm like, I'm not doing facials. That's all I do.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Exactly. And I think a lot of people kind of pigeonhole themselves because they, like, go to school and they're like, oh, this is what I'm going to school for. This is what I'm going to do.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And they focus on that, and it doesn't really give them the space to fall in love with. There's so many different career pathways.

[Kasey Boone]

There's so many.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So many different options.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

That I think that they kind of, you know, don't they do themselves a disservice by not really being open to other things.

[Kasey Boone]

Totally. I think it's like, school is a time to, like, learn and experiment and kind of, like, see what options are out there instead of pigeonholing yourself. It's like, I'm only doing lash extensions. I'm only waxing. I'm only doing facials. It's like, well, I think that's great that, like, if that's what got you to school. But what are you actually going to, like, fall in love with doing? Because, like. Like we were talking about before I hit record is that, like, so many people have, like, a perception of what it should look like to be an esthetician, a perception of what it should look like to go to school. And sometimes when we have that perception, it. It bums us out, and then we're not. We don't want to go on. Right. The. The. I don't know. Do you know any of the, like, recent numbers? Like, how many of your students do you have that are, like, still, like, working or, like, how many actually went and are working?

[Sarah Rainbold]

So I. I don't have any actual numbers, but I know from my experience that a lot of people go into this. I think that since COVID there The number has grown in the amount of people that are going solo. And I don't know if that's because there are a lot more like of the solo salon, Phoenix salons where you can like rent out your own room. And it's making it a little more easy. A little easier and a little more convenient. Convenient.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

But they're kind of going in like I'm going solo. They're not really looking to work for someone else.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And the students of mine that are trying to work for someone else are hitting a wall.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

They're doing lots of interviews.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

They're more than qualified with their continued education, all these things. And people aren't really hiring right now. I know it's kind of a weird time in the industry.

[Kasey Boone]

It is. What do you. What do you think it is? Like, I could give my opinion, but what do you think?

[Sarah Rainbold]

I don't know. I think. Well, I think it kind of goes both ways. I think that there are a lot more people that are going solo.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And so that is kind of forcing the larger businesses to kind of struggle a little bit.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And also there are people who are trying to work and be an employee and not really getting anywhere and there aren't available. So then they're forced to go solo. You know, so it's like.

[Kasey Boone]

Right. Or they're forced to. Like I've talked to. I've, you know, I've done a couple mentorship calls recently and they're. These girls are getting forced into working for like a chain that they don't really want to. But at the same time, I think that's a great place to start to continue your education. Like that is hands on in the treatment room pay. You're getting paid to learn.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yes. And a lot of times they'll pay.

[Kasey Boone]

For your continued education.

[Sarah Rainbold]

My students all the time. Is the best thing you could do is go work for someone else.

[Kasey Boone]

Yes.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Because the majority of the time, like places like Hand in Stone.

[Kasey Boone]

Yes.

[Sarah Rainbold]

They will pay for you to become a dermalogic expert. I know not a lot of people align themselves to dermalogica or totally. You know, but. But the education alone is gold. Yes.

[Kasey Boone]

Gold.

[Sarah Rainbold]

If you can find someone. I, you know, I have a couple of students right now who they're. They found this amazing woman to work for and she is paying for their hydrafacial.

[Kasey Boone]

That's amazing.

[Sarah Rainbold]

You know, like training and so it's. If you can find that. That is.

[Kasey Boone]

I know it's few and far between. Between. But there are opportunities and I Think, unfortunately, like, the Internet has brought the beauty industry and estheticians specifically, like, it's helped us grow our businesses. But there's also the flip side where it's, like, over glamorized our jobs and made it look easy. And then people are going on their line saying that they're booked when maybe they're not. Right. It's just like an illusion. And I think that's also kind of trended the. The solo esthetician, which, again, like, I. I get it. Like, I work solo now. That's, like, kind of how I started my business. But I also worked five years, like, for other people. And in those five years, I was never full time in the treatment room. I was always doing reception, I was doing laundry, I was. I was helping with tattoo removal. Like, I was doing whatever I could to just get that experience. And I think, like, if you have enough drive, like, you will find the experience. Don't just skip to what you think is the good part and go solo.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Totally. And I think. I think with social media, everything has been glamorized. You know, I think it's been to the point where it's like, oh, you know, we were talking about it earlier, like, it should be easy for me to just do this one thing and then go viral and kind of, you know.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And. And I did the same thing.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

You know, it was Covid, and I was. Didn't really know what to do. I was a single mom of three kids, and I was trying to just find a job, and I found this amazing woman to work for who had been in the industry for 20 years. And she was so generous with her time. She was so generous with her knowledge. She taught me so much about acne, and she had her own skincare line. And I learned everything I know about running a business from her.

[Kasey Boone]

Amazing.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Because she was so generous.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And I find that that is a very. It is not a typical thing.

[Kasey Boone]

No, it's not. It's not common.

[Sarah Rainbold]

No, it's not common. I think there. A lot of people are very protective of their businesses. Rightfully so. I mean, you've worked really hard to get there, but I think it's really difficult to find people like us who are not gatekeepers and who are very into education and into helping other estheticians grow, and especially, like, the younger ones and, you know, the newer ones of, like, let me. Let me hold your hand through this.

[Kasey Boone]

Right, right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Which is, you know, the part that I love about being a mentor is, like, coming alongside them and guiding them and letting them make their own choices and decisions and. And, you know, just kind of following along with them. But it's really, really difficult to find.

[Kasey Boone]

That, because it is.

[Sarah Rainbold]

People are very, very protective of what they've built.

[Kasey Boone]

They're protective or they're trying. A lot of people, unfortunately, with this side, there's the other side of the business where, like, they're trying to sell you something.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yes.

[Kasey Boone]

You know, and, like, of course, like, I charge for things that I'm offering, but I try and do it in a reasonable manner, and I actually want to help. But sometimes you don't know people's intention until you're. You've spent the money or you're in it. So I just, you know, I just tell people, like, you know, be wary, like, do your education. But. Okay, speaking of education, we just, like, jumped right into things. But can you tell everyone, like, who you are, like, how long you've been an esthetician and what you're doing right now?

[Sarah Rainbold]

So I'm Sarah Rainbold. I am an acne specialist and lash lift artist on the west side of Los Angeles. I started five years ago and have grown a successful business in the last four. Two years ago, I was given the opportunity to become an instructor at a beauty college here in Los Angeles. And it changed the trajectory of my career, my life. I went into this, like, I mean, in school, I fell in love with skin, and I was. And I love doing lash lifts. And so that's kind of what I was always planning on doing as a solo esthetician. And like I said, I started working for the amazing esthetician that I worked for during, you know, right out of school. And while I was working for her, I was building up my solo practice at the same time I was doing both. Not really thinking that teaching was an option or not really considering that as a career pathway for me.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah, I wasn't in the. On your radar? No.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And I have a lot of business experience. I had, you know, multiple. I had a production company with my ex husband, and, you know, a lot of business experience. So I knew that my business could be successful, you know, operationally.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah. You had a blueprint because you've done it before.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yes, exactly.

[Kasey Boone]

So.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So teaching was just kind of something that fell into my lap. And I went in, and I'm one of those people that if I see a need, I fill it. And so I went in there and I had this class who had been struggling with the teachers that they had had for a little while, and they were just craving Knowledge. And they were just begging for time.

[Kasey Boone]

Attention, please teach us.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And they were doing a lot of continued education outside of the school for things that they should have been doing being taught like in the classroom at the school. And so I just jumped in with both feet and started creating lessons and lectures and it just kind of snowballed from there. And I absolutely love, love it. And you know, I love teaching, I love mentoring, I love being a part of just that environment, the teaching environment. And so at the beginning of January or at the beginning of the year, in January, Vergara, the booking system, reached out to me and offered me an opportunity to create my own mentorship program.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

They fully funded and supported and, and created with me. And so I have a mentorship program on my own where I have one on one skills workshops and I have on demand courses now and I have in like 6 month and 12 month mentorship program.

[Kasey Boone]

Okay, so you're locking people in for like, are you seeing them once a month? Once I see them once a month. Okay.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Connect once a week. And I also have, I use an app where there's kind of a community, like an online community.

[Kasey Boone]

Okay.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Too.

[Kasey Boone]

Is this people like you're seeing them in person?

[Sarah Rainbold]

Sometimes it's. It's in person or remote. So Vergara has this amazing kind of zoom technology where you can do a remote class and then it takes the recording and it sends them the entire.

[Kasey Boone]

That's amazing.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Which is incredible. Love that. That makes it really easy if they're not in person. I prefer to do it in person. But I mean some people. I had people from all over the country.

[Kasey Boone]

You do. Okay. So it's not like just la, not just locals.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So like, you know, I'll have a model. They'll have a model. Like we set it up so that way, you know, if we're doing extractions, like I can watch them, they can watch me and it can, you know, love that. Yeah, that's.

[Kasey Boone]

I mean, that's the best way.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Totally. And I mean, I think a lot of it is people really want to be in person.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So sometimes people will travel for classes like.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And so just having that one on one. I mean it's. Extractions is kind of my biggest in person skills workshop that I do.

[Kasey Boone]

Okay. That was my next question is like, what, what are you teaching? And what's the most popular?

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah. So I have one called Social skin Care. So it's basically, you know, how to grow your Instagram and how to brand yourself.

[Kasey Boone]

Okay.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And it has, you know, Tips on photography. I was a wedding and family photographer for 10 years before I became an esthetician. So I.

[Kasey Boone]

Funny how like all these things just kind of fall into place. Right. Like you've owned a business before, you're a photographer. Like all these things have helped career pathways. Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Like we. I think everybody just kind of thinks it's just one way to do it. Or you can do.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Facials or just waxing or. And it's like I've had so many different job descriptions. At one point when I was building my business, I was not making enough money and I needed to put food on the table. So I was doing admin for two other estheticians going in and I was doing shipping and packaging. And it goes along with what you're saying earlier.

[Kasey Boone]

Like, totally.

[Sarah Rainbold]

If you are willing to put in the work, you will build something.

[Kasey Boone]

Yes.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Amazing.

[Kasey Boone]

Yes.

[Sarah Rainbold]

You just have to be willing to not start at 100. You have to start. Work your way.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah. Like, you have to be willing. Like, are you okay with scrubbing the toilet?

[Sarah Rainbold]

Exactly.

[Kasey Boone]

Because actually when you're a business owner, you're going to be scrubbing the toilet.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Exactly. And I did, you know, I still do.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah, I'm like, I still do.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And then I kind of pivoted with my photography. You know, I had a friend who was like, oh, hey, you have done photography. Will you take some photos of me for my website? Yeah, sure. And then it kind of. Now I, I also do content branding on the side.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah. So it's, it's one of those things that, you know, there are so many opportunities.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah. Get creative, lean into your skills that you already have. Yeah, right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah. So social skin care. And then I do one on time management in the treatment room because that's really important. Especially if you are working at a place where you only have 15, you know, and you're trying to, you know, manage your time. That's not. That was a lecture or a lesson that I created on my own when I was teaching because I was like, look, you know, you guys are taking two or three hours to do these facials. Like we gotta, you know, and so I have that. But I mean, my most popular one is my extraction course. People come in and they do the one on one hands on extractions. We talk about prepping the skin, we talk about doing the actual extractions, we talk about all the post. And so. And that's what I love.

[Kasey Boone]

I'm an acne expert, so I mean. Yeah, yeah, I love it. And it's especially with Extractions. It's like you need to see the type of skin and the type of extraction you're doing to really understand and teach that. But once you see it, it becomes very clear.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Totally. Yeah. And I mean, it's all about experience and kind of, you know, getting your hands on enough people.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah, it is.

[Sarah Rainbold]

That's the benefit of, you know, the school that I was working at, we had a working spa. And so it was like there were people, you know, of all ages of different skin types and all that you could bring them to the friends and family in. And it's. There's a benefit to being able to get your hands.

[Kasey Boone]

Hands on is just. Yeah, I mean, that's our job is literally hands on.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Totally. Yeah. Yeah. And so. And then beyond that, I. Next month, I'm launching an on demand course called Beyond Beauty School, which is what kind of all the things that we're talking about right now. And it has basically. Essentially everything that you didn't learn in school, everything that I taught my students that I. Once I started taking on students from other schools and other cities and other states, I started to realize that there was a gap in the education and there was like a huge need for, you know, what are you doing for insurance? Like, you have insurance? Oh, I didn't know I was supposed to have insurance. You know, all of the things that, you know. What's an establishment license? Most people don't even know what an establishment license is or what the requirements are. You know, so really kind of laying it all out of. Yes. When you're in school, here is the education for you to pass your state board test. And then beyond that, beyond beauty school, school, here are all of the additional things that you need to know.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

As far as, you know, business, not necessarily technical skills, because you're going to do continued education with whatever skincare line or whatever specialty.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

But as far as business and as far as getting your hands on the information you need in order to be a successful esthetician, whether you're going solo or you're working for someone else, essentially, you need to know. You need to know the business stuff.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah, but they're not going to teach you that in school.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Exactly.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah. It's like when I got out of school again, years later, I still didn't even know, like, exactly. I didn't even understand what, like, renting was. And like, what does that, like, entail?

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah. So, yeah, so we talk about all of that. We talk about all of the things that come up after you graduate that you Go, wait a second. And a lot of people don't. I mean, some people connect with their instructors, and that's amazing. But a lot of, in my experience, a lot of people that I've spoken with, they've said, oh, like, I wasn't close to my instructor. They weren't really helpful, you know, and so they don't have anybody to go to. And once you leave school, you're done. Like, it's like there's just kind of this drop off. I've noticed. Which is why I really love my mentorship program because we start as soon as you graduate.

[Kasey Boone]

Okay.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And so I carry you through that 6 month, 12 month kind of gap in between, you know, for that first year after school, because there's a huge drop off after where you've. Your hand has been held this entire time and everybody's told you, this is the next step. And then you get to 300 hours, and then now you're this. And then you're. Okay, you're this many hours. Now you're gonna apply for your state board, right? Or, you know, your license. And okay, now you have your license and it's like, people get their license and then they go, well, now what?

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah, you know, where do I.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Where do I even look to find an interview? Where do we even look for jobs? So I have kind of transformed. I always said I loved teaching in the classroom, but I really wanted to be more of a guidance counsel counselor. I really.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Which you are now.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Exactly. Like, I'm a cur, like in career stuff, you know, I. I really, I really love seeing estheticians just blossom and just.

[Kasey Boone]

Right. Like, you like the progress, you like the evolution, you like to. You like to guide them, which I think is amazing. And we need more people like you, you know? So are you only taking mentorship people right out of school or.

[Sarah Rainbold]

No, so all of my courses. So the idea is it's kind of meant for people who are just right out of school.

[Kasey Boone]

Okay.

[Sarah Rainbold]

I have people who are coming in who have been in the industry for a long time, especially with extractions. They're like, I've been struggling with this for years. No one has taught me.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

I've taken courses. I've done an online course. It's like I want to do something in person. So I have people from all different, you know, five years, 10 years or right out of school.

[Kasey Boone]

Okay.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Amazing. Some people have been. I have one mentee who. She was working as an employee for a really long time, and now she's Going solo. And she's like, I have no idea where to start.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

What kind of business license do I need?

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

What is an establishment? What are the requirements?

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Can I have a space in my home? Can I. You know, and so these. She's, you know, a lot of years in, but she's essentially starting all the way over.

[Kasey Boone]

Totally. Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Not with technical experience experience, but as far as, like, business.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So. So it's for anybody and everybody.

[Kasey Boone]

Amazing.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah.

[Kasey Boone]

Okay, so walk me through, like, a day or, like, walk me through a week, because, so you're like, you're seeing clients, you have your mentorship, like, because, you know, I've been talking to so many people, and I just. The more I realize, like, when I'm talking to successful estheticians, they're usually. Usually doing something other than just being in the treatment room. And it doesn't have to be like that, but I just feel like there's a theme here.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah.

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[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah, I think it's comes back to all those career pathways.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Like trying to make the most out of the industry and, you know, what is available to you. I think if you just want to be in the treatment room, that's great.

[Kasey Boone]

So great.

[Sarah Rainbold]

I mean, it. You don't have to do a million different things.

[Kasey Boone]

No, I have adhd, and so I.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Just kind of tend to.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

You know, be really good at multitasking and doing a lot. So, you know, I'm in my treatment room Tuesdays during the day, Thursdays and Fridays in the evenings.

[Kasey Boone]

Okay.

[Sarah Rainbold]

All day Sunday.

[Kasey Boone]

Okay.

[Sarah Rainbold]

For four days.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Booked and busy. But I always say, like, booked and busy means different for everybody. So how many. I hate saying booked and busy.

[Kasey Boone]

No, but you are. How many clients are you seeing on average, like, a day?

[Sarah Rainbold]

So I'm very mindful about not overextending.

[Kasey Boone]

Myself, which is so important.

[Sarah Rainbold]

As much as I would love to have, you know, eight clients a day.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

I'm also a mom of three.

[Kasey Boone]

Totally.

[Sarah Rainbold]

I, you know, have an amazing partner and have a relationship. And so it's like I'm trying.

[Kasey Boone]

You mean you have a life.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah, I'm trying to, you know, do two. Two different schools in two different directions. And so it's like there's, you know, I. I have to. I can't spread myself too thin, which I've been doing for a really long time.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah, me too.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And I think at the beginning, you have to kind of hustle. You have to put your, you know, your head down and just get stuff done. And now, luckily, at a place now where I can relax a little bit more. So I'm in the treatment room the four days. And then Thursday mornings are usually my days for mentorship. So I sit down and I either have meetings with people or I'm. The last few. The last couple of Thursdays, I've kind of booked in some time to film the. The On Demand course that I'm launching.

[Kasey Boone]

Great.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Next month. And so I've been, you know, filming that and doing that admin stuff gets thrown in there somewhere.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And I'm no longer teaching at the school, so I'm just doing the mentorship and I'm just doing the courses. Fridays during the day are usually in person courses as well. So like. Or in person, like, extraction.

[Kasey Boone]

How many people are you seeing, like, in a day when you're doing the extractions?

[Sarah Rainbold]

I really only do one.

[Kasey Boone]

That's perfect. Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

I mean, it's two or three hours, but I feel like it's a lot of. And it's a lot of energy also. You know, it's a lot of coordination and. And I feel like that's great. Last Friday, instead of doing a mentorship, I did a photo shoot.

[Kasey Boone]

I went out, came out to the.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Valley, did a photo shoot. So it kind of varies, but that's.

[Kasey Boone]

What keeps it, like, fun and interesting. And you feel like you can, like, have your creative juices flowing and you're interacting with different people. You're building your own community of people. And that is really, I think, something that needs to be talked about is, like, the community of people. Even with myself, like, I Went. I feel like I had to go like hide in a dark hole for a while because I had like overextended myself in the treatment room online. Like, I just way overdone it. But the community is so important, especially for us additions because we are working alone technically. Right. We're in a treatment room, typically alone with a client and we need other people, even if it's us on a podcast or, you know, I just, I think it's important.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah, I think we don't really recognize the amount of energy exchange with clients either. So we're alone in a treatment room. But sometimes people fall asleep and you can just do your thing. Yeah, it's amazing. But other times people are going to talk your ear or they're having a really bad day or you're their therapist. And, and so it's kind of dependent on the day and your emotional availability, you know, how much energy you have.

[Kasey Boone]

To get towards that.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And so, you know, spreading yourself thin is, you know, I try to have my prices set at a place where I can only have three or four clients a day.

[Kasey Boone]

And that's how it should be.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And that's how it should be. Yeah. And so I think that, you know, it's, it's a song a day, it's, it's the building that community should be uplifting and not exhausting.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So when we're talking about content, like that's another full time job. It is, it's a whole, it's a whole nother animal. And so having systems set in place are the most important thing for everything, all across the board.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And I was like, I was saying earlier, like, operationally, that's operations are my jam. Like I can do systems, I can do like, you know, it's the emotional part of it and the vulnerability part of it. You know, putting yourself out there online, you know, setting yourself up for criticism or setting yourself up for, you know, people not liking you and things like that, that's the part that emotionally drains.

[Kasey Boone]

Me and takes a lot out of me.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So I have to be really careful to have the system set in place. So that way, you know, especially like scheduling my posts or, you know, not really, or just posting without overthinking it because otherwise I'm going to be hypercritical and then it's going to suck all the energy out and it just takes all the fun out of it.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah. It's not worth it. Yeah, yeah, no.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And then I just don't do it at all.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Which is not really helpful. So systems Are your best friend.

[Kasey Boone]

Totally. How much help do you feel like social media has given you as far as, like, building your clientele, finding people to mentor? Like, how much has that played a role?

[Sarah Rainbold]

My biggest thing my students will tell you, I say this all the time. My Instagram is my business card.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And that is what I tell everybody. It is where nobody's giving out paper business cards really anymore.

[Kasey Boone]

No.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And so when I get a referral or someone comes in, that's new, and I'm like, oh, my gosh, how did you find me? Oh, so. And so sent me your Instagram profile or. Oh, I found you on Instagram. I was searching hashtags or. You know, my entire business has been built on Instagram and word of mouth. So my Instagram is so important to me. And I mean, my email list. Because if Instagram goes away, then. And I don't have an email list and I have no way to contact these people, that gonna do.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So building an email list.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

But Instagram in general is where I connect with my clients. I notice if I don't show up on my stories, then my booking starts to dwindle.

[Kasey Boone]

It does.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And so if I show my face on there, boom. I have, you know, people connecting and people, like, they see my face and they go, oh, my gosh, I haven't seen Sarah in so long.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

You know, so I really have to make sure that I try to carve out at least one minute a day. And I'm like, you can do one minute.

[Kasey Boone]

You can do one minute.

[Sarah Rainbold]

You can Do 59 seconds a day. You can show your face. You can show what you're doing. You can. You know, you don't have to show your face. You can show something that you're doing and do a voiceover and just talk in the background.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So that way you're connecting with people because they genuinely care about you. Especially in this industry when it's very vulnerable, it's to, like, for someone to lay on your table.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah. To get naked and lay on your table exposed.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Especially if they have acne or they have skin concerns. And they. You know, most women aren't leaving and going anywhere without makeup.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So they're completely exposed and vulnerable on your table, and that's what connects them to you. So they feel very connected to you when they leave. And when they follow you on Instagram, they want to. You want to maintain that connection and can. To maintain that relationship.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Because you're not seeing them in between those four weeks.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And so you're kind of like, I follow my clients, and I, like, check in on their vacations, and, you know, like, I try to make an effort to, like, really, you know, kind of check out what they're doing. So that way, I have things to talk about with them.

[Kasey Boone]

Of course. Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And. And make them realize that I'm really invested in them, not just their money. Yes. Because I feel like a lot of times when people trust you with their skin and they trust you with their money, those are two very, like, yeah, it's huge.

[Kasey Boone]

And for some reason, I feel like this gets skipped over. It's just like, I want what's next. I want more. I want more. I'm like, if you have people that trust you, that are coming in, that are coming in and trusting you, like, give them your energy. Not all their energy. Right. Stay grounded. Like, be mindful, but, like, lean into that instead of looking at, like, what you don't have and.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Totally. And I feel like that's the same with instructors at school.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Like, I mean, it's. It's hard teaching adults.

[Kasey Boone]

I cannot even. I mean, I can't imagine.

[Sarah Rainbold]

It's. I'm not gonna lie. It's. It's a lot. And at one point, I had 20 students in my class, 20 adults. And it was a very small classroom, and there was a lot of bodies, and there were a lot of people who are neurologic, like myself. There was a lot of ADHD burnout, and I was teaching seniors. So I was there, like, at the end, and they're checked out, and they're, like, ready to leave and ready to be done.

[Kasey Boone]

Okay.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And, you know, it's like. But I had to remind myself every day, like, I'm investing in these people. I'm not just here for the pay. I was not doing it for the money.

[Kasey Boone]

For the money.

[Sarah Rainbold]

I was not doing it for the money.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah. You genuinely want to help?

[Sarah Rainbold]

I genuinely wanted to help. I mean, it was financially irresponsible for me to actually work there towards the end, because I was closing down my business on those days to work in the school.

[Kasey Boone]

Okay.

[Sarah Rainbold]

When I could have been staying open and making a lot more.

[Kasey Boone]

So that was, like, the shift for you.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah. So I was at the point where I was like, okay, like, I had this opportunity for the mentorship program, and I was like, this is incredible. Like, I can. I can make the amount of money that I need to keep my doors open and to, you know, have a sustainable business and to pay myself and to put food on the table for my Kids. And also, like, I don't have to be, you know, I can.

[Kasey Boone]

Teaching 20 adults in a classroom that's underpaying you. And you can do it on your own terms.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Exactly.

[Kasey Boone]

But it sounds like you got that experience to get you to this point. Point, yes, absolutely.

[Sarah Rainbold]

It was. It was all very serendipitous. It's all very much like, oh, the universe. Like, oh, this makes sense. Like, I would just go, oh, this is the next step. And I. And that's been kind of the running theme is I've just been hyper aware of all of the gifts that have been given to me in all this and sort of focusing because it's been hard. I mean, like, yeah, it's hard. It's been hard from beginning. Like, going back to school in your 30s is scary. I can't imagine going back as a single mom. And, like, I was momming all day, and then I was in school from 5 to 10 at night, and I did it for six months straight, and I, like, never. I think I missed two days. And then the world shut down, and then all these things were happening. It was like, I could have been so discouraged, and I could have just given up, and I could have just. And I was like, no, this is my purpose. This is what I want to do. This is what I love to do. And I just did whatever I could to just be grateful for everything that was given to us all.

[Kasey Boone]

And that's so key. It really is a huge difference. Like, it. It. Wherever you direct your energy, are you going in a positive way or a negative way? Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And it was very. It would have been very easy for.

[Kasey Boone]

Me to just be like, you had everything against you, really. Right. Single mom, like, going back to school in your 30s. Like, yeah, tech. Like, right. If you wrote it on paper.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yes. And people are always just like, oh, my gosh, I don't know how you did it. And I'm like, honestly, like, it was just gratitude. I was just grateful for every single thing. And I was like, if I. There was an opportunity instead of being like. Like I said, I did admin for other estheticians. Like, I run my own business for years. I could have been like, that's so beneath me. You know, I could have been like, oh, that's not. And I just saw it as a place of, like, building the foundation.

[Kasey Boone]

Opportunity, community, experience.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yes, the experience. That's all I was doing was like, I'm just trying to get the experience. And, you know, there are going to be days when you have to work for Free and that there are.

[Kasey Boone]

I work for free all the time.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah. You know, and it's like, but if you're building something and you're focused on the goal, that's the other thing. Like, the biggest thing is you have to have a goal. You can't just go into this blindly and be like, oh, you know what? I think maybe I'm going to do this or maybe I'm do that. Like, even if you don't reach that goal, even if that goal changes and eventually down the line you're like, you know what?

[Kasey Boone]

This doesn't fit me anymore.

[Sarah Rainbold]

You need to have something that you're working towards. Otherwise it's just, you're just kind of floating around and hoping that something is.

[Kasey Boone]

Going to stay right and not what I would say is not what someone else is working for. Like, what do you want?

[Sarah Rainbold]

Exactly.

[Kasey Boone]

Now what you see someone else doing?

[Sarah Rainbold]

Exactly.

[Kasey Boone]

What do you really want to do on social media? No, what you see on social media.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah.

[Kasey Boone]

Let that be an inspiration, but don't get sucked into it.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Totally.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And I think that the comparison is, it's, it chokes out the gratitude.

[Kasey Boone]

Right? I know because I've been talking with these people and it's just like, wait, hold on. You have so much like to be grateful for and instead you're just like hyper focusing on the negativity that you're being poisoned with through social media.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah.

[Kasey Boone]

Because it is, it's poison if you're just doom scrolling esthetician content comparing yourself. Like, it's not healthy.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And I probably drive my students and my mentees nuts because I'm constantly. They'll come to me and they'll be like, oh, like this happened and this is terrible. And like, I totally hear you. I'm validating your feelings. I'm not, not being dismissive of you at all. Like, this sucks. But also like, look at. You know, there was one student that came to me and was saying that she had to start all the way over and she was so frustrated. And I said, but you're not starting from zero. You're not starting from the same place. You're starting from a place of experience. You're not starting from where you were when you were in school.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So let's put a positive spin on this and like, let it propel you into the direction that you need, that you're trying to go towards your goals. Like, we're not like, yes, definitely. It's like, it's crappy. Like, that sucks.

[Kasey Boone]

Like, of course there's things Bad about it. Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

But, like, don't. Life is hard sometimes, you know?

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Just trying to maintain that, you know, positivity and that gratitude.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah. And mindset. Mindset.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah. And that's. And it's easy. And I know a lot of people are gonna hear this and be like, oh, it's easy for her to say, but you. But I've done the work. I've done the work and you've done the work. And I've.

[Kasey Boone]

It is easy for you to say because you did all the work that none of us saw. Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And therapy.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah, right. And therapy. I feel that therapy. Yeah, same thing. It's like people can judge because they see something that they want and they're like, oh, she's making it look so easy. But yeah, yeah, we're. We're making it look easy because it wasn't.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And everybody makes it look easy. That's what social media is.

[Kasey Boone]

Exactly right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And that's why, you know, the other day I posted. It was my four year anniversary for my business and I was super excited and I posted about it and everybody was like, you know, congratulations and celebrating.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And then, you know, yesterday I posted like, hey, thank you, like, for all the congratulations. That was so nice of you. I also want to share with you. And I posted a screenshot of my very first month that I had clients and the entire month is blank. There are two clients. And I explained to them, I'm like, look like I share the good and the bad stuff. I'm not here to just be like, like, oh, everything's wonderful and everything's perfect. But I also want to show you the reality was like, my first month, I had two people book, and I don't even think I was charging hardly any.

[Kasey Boone]

Probably not.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And so it was. I. I like to be relatable on my social media in that way because it's like, yes, we're going to talk about the good things, but we're also going to talk about the things that, like, just the real thing.

[Kasey Boone]

It's just real. It's just real.

[Sarah Rainbold]

There's so many students who will write me, be like, I appreciate I needed to hear this, or just friends, like other esthetician friends who have, are, you know, have been in the industry way longer than I have, will reach out and be like, I needed to hear this. Thank you for being vulnerable. Thank you for being relatable. Thank you for always saying the things that nobody else is saying. Because it's like, I'm practical enough to understand that, like, people are out there. Watch, like, looking at social media, and they're just overwhelmed by all of the good things and all the.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Like, and seeing everybody doing better than them. And the reality is like, hey, there. Some of us that are struggling, too. Like, yesterday I had three people booked, and I had two cancellations.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

You know, but that's so common. Totally. But nobody's posting that, right? They're posting.

[Kasey Boone]

Yes.

[Sarah Rainbold]

They're either posting, oh, I have seven clients today, or they're posting a whole rant about their cancellation policy, which is never.

[Kasey Boone]

Neither of those are working for me. Neither of those are working for me. Yeah. It's not. It's not to come on and rant exactly. But to share your experience. Experience.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah.

[Kasey Boone]

Can be helpful. Okay. I want to go all the way back to. You were saying that Virago reached out to you. Yeah. Were you using them? That's a scheduling system for people that don't know, so Vergaro.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah.

[Kasey Boone]

And you were using them already.

[Sarah Rainbold]

I started using them in September of 2020 when I first started. I think my. My hair stylist is one of my best friends. She was using it, and I needed a booking system, and I was like, oh, this is great.

[Kasey Boone]

Cool.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Whatever. And I jumped on. Did not really utilizing all of the things for it.

[Kasey Boone]

Right. There's so many things.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And it was. It's very, very thorough. There's, like, soap notes, there's retail, there's website, There's. There's everything, like, so much. And. But at that point, I was just kind of using it for booking purposes, and it was like, in a gift, I think it was like 30amonth or something.

[Kasey Boone]

That.

[Sarah Rainbold]

It was great. Yeah. And so I had been using. Had using them since 2020, and one of those universe weird things. They stumbled.

[Kasey Boone]

They just reached out to you.

[Sarah Rainbold]

I think maybe I tagged them in a photo or something like that, and they reached out to me, and they were like, hey, you know, we want to do an ambassadorship with you. And I was like, oh, that's. That's amazing. Like, great. Like, let's do it. And then we got on the call, and they said, actually, we're pivoting. Like, we think you'd be really great for this mentorship program that we're creating. And I'm the only esthetician. There's another brow artist, and there's a microblading artist. And, you know, so there's barbers, and, you know, so I was kind of the only esthetician that was creating her own, you know, mentorship Right. With courses and things like that. And. And they were like, here's everything. Here's our graphic designer. Yeah. And they were like, go, run. And I was like, okay, what do I do?

[Kasey Boone]

You know?

[Sarah Rainbold]

And so then I was like, I panicked for a little bit and I cried and I was overwhelmed, and I was like, oh, my gosh, how am I. Because, you know, you don't want to let them down, and it's an amazing opportunity. And. And I just. I ran with it.

[Kasey Boone]

It's amazing. Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And it's just everything that I. I hoped it would be. It's amazing. So, so great.

[Kasey Boone]

Well, thank you for sharing because I think there's so many people who are, like, curious. It's like, how do these, like, affiliate slash ambassador or just, like, collaborations, like, how do they happen?

[Sarah Rainbold]

Totally. I think a lot of it has to do with, you know, your social media presence, obviously. I think it's also about shooting your shot, because, like I said, I don't know. I think I tagged them in a photo or something.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

I don't. I don't even know. I don't know how I got on their radar because they. There are so many other people. I see people who use Magara all the time, and I'm like, oh, why didn't they ask them? Like, that's so, you know.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Like, so. Yeah, you know, and you're like, why me?

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah, but that's great.

[Sarah Rainbold]

I used to be, like, so nervous about, you know, reaching out to brands or reaching out to people and being, you know, hey, what about this? Or what about that? And I just kind of lost that.

[Kasey Boone]

I just have kind of like, yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Like, it's no risk to me if, you know, someone reaches out to me. And, you know, a company reached out to me yesterday, and they were like, hey, we heard that you're interested in this machine. And I was like, yeah, you know, it's not really in my budget right now, but if you want to do a collaboration and, you know, I can do content for you. You can take a look at my page and see, you know.

[Kasey Boone]

Right.

[Sarah Rainbold]

The quality. I'm also a photographer, so I can do a really great. You know, and I wouldn't have done that a few years ago, and now I just do it because I'm like, hey, cool. And they were like, all right, we'll let you know.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah, great.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Okay, cool. Like, I don't. I don't. I can't afford. This isn't in my budget, so I'm not gonna buy this machine.

[Kasey Boone]

No.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So if you want to do a collaboration, great. If not, like, you just shoot your shot. You do, like, you just reach out to people. And I think that's a lot of what I mean, it's how I connected with you. You know what I mean?

[Kasey Boone]

It's like, that's why you're sitting here today.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Yeah, exactly. And it's. You have to kind of let your guard down, and. Which is, again, the vulnerability part.

[Kasey Boone]

It's scary. It's scary. But also, like, if you never hear back, what does that mean? It doesn't mean any. That doesn't mean anything about you.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And if they say no, then that's just your answer. Like, okay, cool. That's your answer. You know? But what if they say yes?

[Kasey Boone]

What if.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Then it.

[Kasey Boone]

You can.

[Sarah Rainbold]

It can change. It's like the. The opportunity with the school, you know?

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

What if I would have said no? Because I was, like, going through major imposter syndrome syndrome, and I was panicking.

[Kasey Boone]

Right. Because you were still technically a new esthetician, and you're like, now I'm gonna.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Teach working in the treatment room for two years. And I was like, who am I? And I remember listening to a podcast at the very beginning, and it was. I don't remember what podcast it was, but she was being very critical of schools hiring estheticians who didn't really have an experience in the treatment room. And. And I agree. Like, I agree. I am. I was different because I was. You know, during COVID I was working for this other woman, the other esthetician that I was working for, and I was doing seven to eight act teen acne facial.

[Kasey Boone]

Like, I so much.

[Sarah Rainbold]

I, like, jumped in with both. I like, went, yeah. You know, and so I had a lot of. I gained a lot of experience in a very short amount of time, and I had my own successful business at that point, and so I had a lot to offer people. And I think that there are people who come in as extra instructors, and they have the best intentions.

[Kasey Boone]

Totally.

[Sarah Rainbold]

They don't. You know, there are some people who are really great at just teaching out of the book.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And that's awesome. You know, like, if that's. If you love to do that, then that's. That's great. That, you know.

[Kasey Boone]

Totally.

[Sarah Rainbold]

That translates to the students. They get.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah. I think it's situational. Right. It's like, some people would have a million years experience and be a horrible teacher.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Totally. Exactly. And, you know, that happens a lot.

[Kasey Boone]

It does.

[Sarah Rainbold]

It's very. I think if I would have listened to that inner critic and I would have listened to. And I would have kind of gone the negative. I would have been like, oh, I'm not qualified. And I. And that voice of that, you know, podcast was in my ear a lot.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

First couple months, I was like, oh, like, I should not be here, you know, but it's also about showing up and showing that you care and showing that you genuinely, like, want to help and they will receive you so well. And you will, you know, students, like, just. You just want someone who's there, that wants to be there. Right. I would have said no to that. I would. I would.

[Kasey Boone]

You wouldn't be here.

[Sarah Rainbold]

I wouldn't be, you know, and. And I might still. I would. I definitely. I know I would still be successful. I would still have, of course, worked my butt off to, you know, be in a good place.

[Kasey Boone]

It would just look different, but it would look different.

[Sarah Rainbold]

And I'm doing genuinely what I absolutely love.

[Kasey Boone]

And that's the most important part. And that's what's going to let you shine. And other people will see that and gravitate towards you to continue to book your, you know, your facials and come see you as like a mentor. So congrats. Yeah. Can you share with everyone, like, where to find you on social, your website, how they can book photography, how they can book a mentorship call. All the things. All the things.

[Sarah Rainbold]

So Bolt Beauty LA is my Instagram handle. That's where you can find everything in my links. It has all of the information for my courses and my mentorship program. I'm also going to add a link once the course launches next month for the beauty school that will be on there. That is an online on demand course that you can do at your own pace, so it's not anything that you have to do in person. And so that's going to be really convenient and it's going to be really great for students and estheticians who are, you know, really needing help with the business side of things. Yeah. And, yeah, boltbeautyla.com is my website.

[Kasey Boone]

Amazing. Well, thank you so much for sharing and being vulnerable.

[Sarah Rainbold]

Thank you for having me.

[Kasey Boone]

Yeah.

[Sarah Rainbold]

This is so fun. Full circle.

[Kasey Boone]

I love it. For sure. As always, thank you guys for listening. Make sure you're following me at Casey Boone skincare on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest. And you're also following me at Skin in the City podcast on Instagram. The website is kaseyboon-skincare.com and if you want to shop all of my favorite equipment. Don't forget to go to spa and equipment.com and use code Casey K A S E Y for an extra discount. Love you guys and see you next week.