Over the years, this industry has grown fast. Back in the day, it was unlikely that you’d call yourself a make-up artist or nail technician. Nowadays, it is most common to introduce yourself this way, and people do not look confused anymore when you elaborate on this profession. This article will help you understand what is needed to make a name for yourself and to be the best in your town.

 

Here are 9 things you might not know if you haven’t worked in the beauty industry before:

1. The beauty industry is a competitive industry

The number of beauty therapists, make-up artists and nail technicians is increasing by the year. Because of this, it gets harder to prove yourself and to be the best in your field.

Tip: Try to stay on top of your game and be competitive.

 

2. It’s all about marketing and word of mouth

Getting your foot in this industry takes hard work in advertising your services and products. It takes skill to understand who your target market is and how to attract them. It is therefore wise to consider doing a marketing or advertising short course to gain a better understanding of how to market your services.

Tip: Click here to find out more about marketing and advertising courses.

Professional communication and relationships can help to make your business look professional and trustworthy. Even before you meet them face-to-face, your clients will form an opinion of you and your business based on how you communicate with them via phone and e-mail.

 

3. The products that you use can say a lot about your service and professionalism.

Yes, they can be pricey, but the right products help you create better end results. They can also make the difference when it comes to how your clients’ bodies react to the products and how long the products last on your clients’ skin. (This is especially important if you’re a make-up artist.)

Make-up products

Tip: Get to know your ingredients: this way, you’ll be able source a fantastic alternative product that is a bit more affordable.

 

4. It puts physical strain on your body.

Performing massages and other treatments, while being on your feet for many hours, can sometimes be a big strain on your own body, and might make you wish that it could have been you lying on that bed getting a full body massage.

Tip: Focus on standing in the right positions while doing treatments. And if you’re going to be applying make-up for a client outside of the salon environment, for example, always make sure to take your own high chair that is both comfortable for the client and suited to your height.

 

5. The timeline of a consultation can sometimes be confusing

And at the beginning of your career, you might take longer than the professionals – who have years of experience – to complete a treatment.

Tip: Try to talk less while you are busy with your client. This might help your client to relax more and will help you to concentrate more on completing the treatment in the given time.

 

6. Working with demanding clients can be daunting

But one can always learn from these experiences. It is good to know how people apply techniques differently and to learn about what works for individual clients, so give them a little slack and maybe you can learn from them.

Tip: Stay calm. Give the clients what they want (within reason, of course). Be willing to make an exception here and there. Your clients might give you a tip at the end of a consultation if they enjoyed the experience. Learn to know your types of clients.

 

7. You need to keep up with the latest trends

Being a professional and being educated in this profession does not mean that you know everything about the latest trends. Keeping yourself up to date with what’s happening in the industry might put you ahead of your competitors.

Tip: Learn from your younger clients – they might know a thing or two about what’s in fashion. Also try to do research on the internet, for example by watching YouTube videos, and remember that the latest fashion shows overseas reveal a lot of trends before they appear in South Africa.

 

Admin

 

8. It’s important to get your admin straight

Price lists, quotations, invoices, terms and conditions documents and contracts must be accurate and professional, and your prices must be reasonable. It’s also important to keep track of your bookings.

Tip:To make sure your prices are reasonable, find out what the average prices are for similar services in the areas where you intend to work.

When it comes to bookings, set up a calendar with all your appointments. This way, you won’t miss an appointment or run late. Getting bookings is good and getting a lot of bookings is better, but try not to overbook yourself, as you might not be yourself at the end of the day, and this may affect your services.

 

9. Experience is power.

In the beginning, you may feel overwhelmed and left out when you look at how far the other make-ups artists or beauty therapists have come. If this happens, remind yourself that Rome was not built in a day. When you get to the stage where your experience is helping you, then you feel power, and that is the greatest feeling to feel when you’re in this industry.

Tip: Remember that no one can teach you experience. You have to go out there and gain it yourself. So go out there and make a difference in your town and in your industry.

 

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