Salon owners? It can be disheartening when one of your top estheticians expresses interest in leaving to start their own salon. However, rather than feeling angry or betrayed, it’s important to understand the dynamics behind this decision. By examining why your estheticians leave,  you’ll be better positioned to create an environment that nurtures both their growth.  Some leave for the simplest of reasons. Look closely at challenges they face, and how you can retain the good ones.   Some who leave, don’t necessarily want to strike out on their own.

Why Estheticians Leave Salons

Many of you who work in salons eventually feel the pull to start your own businesses. There are several reasons for this. However, one of the primary motivators is the desire for greater control over your careers. You are trained professionals with unique skills. Many of you want to explore the freedom of crafting your own brand, services, and client experiences.

Additionally, the financial incentives can be compelling. As an independent business owner, an esthetician can potentially earn more.  You also gain full control over pricing, and decide how to reinvest in your own growth. While this isn’t always the case, the allure of owning a business where you set the rules can be hard to resist.

Lack of Support and Respect

One of the main reasons estheticians leave salons is due to a lack of support or respect from salon owners. Estheticians are often treated as secondary to hairstylists in the beauty industry.  This disparity in treatment can lead to feelings of under appreciation.

In some salons, you might find that you are not given the same marketing efforts or promotion as other services. This can be frustrating. Why?  Because your expertise is a key component of a salon’s success. When salon owners overlook  you, they lose valuable team members who feel unacknowledged.

By actively supporting your estheticians, providing professional development opportunities, and respecting their contribution to the salon’s overall image, you can foster a more positive and loyal team dynamic.

Marketing and Promotion Challenges

Another common reason estheticians seek independence is frustration with the salon’s marketing and promotion efforts—or lack thereof. Many salon owners focus heavily on promoting hairstyling services.  They neglect the beauty services provided by estheticians.

Marketing can make or break an esthetician’s success. If the salon is not doing its part to bring in clients for facials, skincare treatments, or waxing services, your esthetician may feel inclined to take matters into their own hands. In some cases, estheticians leave to start their own salons.  They believe they can do a better job of promoting themselves and attracting clients.

A key component in today’s marketing strategy is selling beauty products online.  Understanding how to do this helps you as an esthetician, expand sales beyond your treatment rooms.

As a salon owner, it’s essential to take a holistic approach to marketing. Highlighting the full range of services your salon offers, and putting your estheticians front and center in your promotions, can help them feel valued and increase their client base. This will ultimately benefit the entire salon.

Not All Estheticians Want to Strike Out on Their Own

While many estheticians dream of owning their own business, it’s important to note that not all estheticians have this ambition. Some prefer the stability and community that comes with working in a well-established salon. However, other’s would much rather focus on providing excellent services than dealing with the complexities of running a business.

Salon owners, you should recognize this and take the time to nurture the estheticians who prefer to stay. Offering clear growth paths, incentives for loyalty, and making them feel like an integral part of the salon’s success can prevent those valuable team members from leaving.

Here’s How to Keep the Good Ones

So, how do you keep the talented estheticians who are happy working within your salon?

1. Provide Professional Growth: Estheticians, like any other professionals, want to grow in their careers. Offering continuing education, advanced certifications, or in-house workshops can show that you are invested in their success.
2. Create a Collaborative Environment: Give your estheticians more control over how they run their services within your salon. Involving them in decisions about pricing, client interaction, and even the types of services offered can make them feel more like partners than employees.
3. Offer Competitive Compensation: Competitive pay is crucial for retaining talented estheticians. In addition to fair wages, consider offering performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing schemes to reward their hard work and success.
4. Promote Their Services Effectively: Invest in marketing your estheticians’ services with as much enthusiasm as you do for hairstyling or other popular services. Use social media, email campaigns, and in-salon promotions to make sure your clients know the value of your estheticians.
5. Foster a Respectful and Supportive Culture: A positive work culture can make all the difference in whether an esthetician feels satisfied in your salon. Ensuring respect for all team members, open communication, and addressing any concerns before they become issues can help retain your best talent.

Summing Things Up …

Estheticians are key players in the beauty industry, and many will be drawn to the idea of owning their own business at some point. Rather than feeling upset when an esthetician decides to leave and open their own salon, focus on creating a supportive environment where they feel respected and valued. By addressing the reasons why estheticians leave—lack of respect, inadequate promotion, and limited growth opportunities—you can prevent these issues from impacting your team and keep your salon thriving.

 

That’s it for this week.  As always …

Dedicated to Your Success in Business,

Juliette Samuel,

Esthetician/Author/Publisher,

Beauty Business Blueprint