Become a good beautician, cosmetologist, podiatrist—or perhaps their employer?

To Be an Employer or an Employee?

This is a question many graduates of beauty, cosmetology, and podiatry schools ask themselves.
The path they choose depends not only on their personal decision, but on many other factors as well.What should you consider when making such a difficult decision??
One can be guided by one's personality, by the persuasion of one's parents or husband, or by harmony and stability in life.A desire to fulfill one's potential as a valuable employee who is eager to learn and work diligently, while also achieving success among colleagues and in the eyes of clients.To have what is known as “peace of mind” from bureaucracy and various inspections.
You can also be motivated by a desire to succeed, the size of your wallet, professional expertise, or even a desire to show your friends and neighbors that you’re SOMEBODY in your community.

So, how do you become that SOMEONE and achieve that SOMETHING??Is it possible to achieve success as a regular employee, or do you have to own at least one beauty salon to feel fulfilled and have that “something”??
It all depends on setting a bar for myself to clear and the goal I want to achieve—not just in the short term, but in the long run..

I've been the owner of a cosmetics and podiatry supply store for a long time, and whether I want to or not, I meet and talk with our customers.
I've heard different opinions about running your own business.The owner of a rather well-known beauty salon in one of Poland’s major cities says: “I’ve achieved a lot by running my own beauty business, but if it weren’t for the many friends who helped me along the way and my honest employees, I wouldn’t be able to say that.”...."
The next owner says, “Another employee I trained has left for a competing salon—does she think she’ll have it better there?”?- I doubt it...".
Another boss: “Once again, one of my employees is opening her own practice—and right near mine, no less—how dare she!”...".
The owner of several beauty salons says: “I think I’m going to go under—they want to earn so much that I barely have enough to live on. How am I supposed to tell them that? I don’t even know what to do with them.”...".
Another owner says, “I think I’m going to fire them all—so many things are going missing, so many expensive cosmetics are being used without being accounted for; I simply feel like I’m being taken advantage of.”.

I've also come across statements like this: “My boss makes a fortune, while we slave away in her office from dawn till dusk for minimum wage and a tiny bonus.”.
Another opinion comes from a cosmetologist who has been working at the same salon for several years: “I have a lot of professional experience and I know I’m worth more than my boss pays me, but I can’t stand up for myself, and I can’t afford to open my own salon.”...".
The nail technician says, “All my clients appreciate my work, but my boss doesn’t.”.What should I do to make sure my boss notices my dedication??"
And here’s one more quote from a cosmetologist: “I’ve been working for the same boss for 7 years, and I can’t imagine anything changing—and neither can she, for that matter. We work well together and support each other—it’s great.”.

These are certainly not the only opinions and comments regarding management and employees.
It’s certainly fair to conclude that it’s not easy for either of them.
Of course, there are also many beauty salons and podiatry clinics where everyone gets along perfectly and where there is complete harmony in the workplace.There's no need to describe these good examples, but I think some of the examples described above are worth discussing.

I'll start with the larger group, namely employees.
99% of graduates from cosmetology, beauty therapy, and podiatry schools begin their careers as employees and work under the supervision of senior staff or owners.What You Should Know as a Young Esthetician, Cosmetologist, or Podiatrist?
If you chose your career out of passion, you have nothing to worry about.Find a practice that's a good fit for you and where you'd like to work, and schedule a meeting with the owner.Before signing an employment contract, have an honest conversation with your employer and start by introducing yourself, highlighting your past achievements (even small ones), and sharing your plans for the future.
Once you start your job, follow all the instructions given by your subordinates—and especially your boss..Keep in mind that any advice regarding cosmetic or podiatric treatments can prove to be a valuable asset.Use what you've learned, first and foremost, for the benefit of your employer.Be sure to get involved in all additional and support tasks.Your commitment will certainly be recognized.
Don't expect additional pay or bonuses for going the extra mile.If your employer is able to, they will compensate you.
Remember to maintain good hygiene and cleanliness in the office and to present yourself well.Try to manage your household just as you would in your own apartment—or even better.
Attractive yet understated makeup, hairstyles, and clothing reflect an employee’s good taste and are well-received by customers.Your knowledge and confidence in what you do should be your calling card.Beautician, cosmetologist, and podiatrist are very responsible professions because they involve not only the client's beauty but also their health.
Don't expect too much from your employer.For example, that he would buy state-of-the-art equipment for treatments, or that he would send you to more and more different courses and training sessions.If you have a good relationship with your boss, you could ask her during a casual conversation if she's thought about, for example, purchasing a state-of-the-art laser or a ergonomic chair for an employee..Don't be afraid to talk, ask questions, answer, learn, and teach others.This will certainly strengthen our relationships and have a positive impact on the work environment.

When to Leave and Start Your Own Business?

• Never, if you're happy with the work environment, the pay, and your relationships at work, and if you feel fulfilled in your career and needed at work.
• Only then, when you realize that running your own business isn't just about performing treatments or managing employees, but also involves making a significant financial investment and handling organizational tasks (such as stocking up on cosmetics, cleaning supplies, equipment maintenance, etc.).) marketing and accounting management.You must be prepared to deal with officials who inspect your business.Also, consider whether you are able to keep up with your competition and, in doing so, assess the long-term future of this business..If you rush into this, your professional career could come under harsh scrutiny, not to mention the financial losses.

When to Switch to Another Employer?

• Only if you are being cheated by your employer or if the working conditions are unacceptable and the employer ignores them.
• You should also consider changing jobs if no one at your current practice cares about cleanliness, order, hygiene, and safety for clients and employees (disinfection, sterilization)..
• You might also consider changing jobs if you can't fully spread your wings at your current practice..For example, there is a lack of work tools, skincare products for treatments, or opportunities to deepen one's knowledge.

Employer, What are you doing for your company, for the practice you run, and what are you doing for your employees to ensure that both they and you are doing well??
Is money the only thing that interests you??If that's the case, you're a lousy employer and a terrible person!
Or maybe it's worth taking an interest in your subordinates?
Yes, of course—it's your employees who can make you a richer person.They can help ensure your practice maintains a positive image in the eyes of your clients.An employee can do a lot of good, but they can also bring your company down.How to Avoid the Latter?Here are a few tips.

Before you hire a new employee, have an honest conversation with him or her.Outline your expectations, the daily tasks to be performed, and the opportunities for the company's growth—and, above all, assess his or her skills..
Take me on a tour of the office and ask them to perform a treatment for you.If you're satisfied, don't hesitate to propose an employment contract.Even if the work done by a young person right out of school isn't quite as perfect, offer them a job as part of a temporary apprenticeship or simply as their first job at the national minimum wage.Over time, as the new esthetician gains experience and confidence, offer her a performance bonus.Remember, compensation policies must be transparent and reasonably simple.Always keep your promises—it's a matter of honor.

How to Compensate Employees in the Cosmetics or Podiatry Industries?
This is a rather complex topic because there are many different compensation models, such as a fixed salary with a discretionary bonus, pay per hour worked, or a percentage of the procedures performed..Certainly, each has its pros and cons, but in my opinion, hourly pay is the fairest option.Why?
During working hours, an employee does what the employer tells him to do.This involves performing treatments, cleaning, reception duties, etc..A good employee will take the initiative to ensure the quality of service, because only then will they be able to work more hours—and thus earn more money..

In addition:

• Invest in modern equipment. It is important to have high-quality equipment that is used for these procedures.It's thanks to him that you elevate the status of your practice and provide your employees with opportunities for growth.
• Focus on marketing. To ensure there's enough work for your employees, you need to take care of proper marketing as well.
• You should also make sure your office is nicely decorated to make the client's visit more pleasant.This has a positive impact on customers because they’ll be more likely to come in for treatments, which means your employees will have more work—and thus a sense of job security.
• Monitor and demand. Every subordinate must realize that they are accountable to management and must know who is the boss and who is an employee.This doesn't mean your instructions should sound like orders.It is more likely that a specific conversation and wise guidance will lead subordinates to respect their female boss.
• Be understanding in moments that call for it.Anyone can have a moment or two of weakness (not just at work).
• Don't fire a hardworking employee just because, for example, one procedure didn’t go well.Instead, talk to her and show her a way out so she doesn't make the same mistake next time.
• Don't feel sorry for someone who says they can do something but keeps failing at it.He's a lousy professional and won't do you any good—quite the opposite, in fact.Not everyone is cut out for their profession, even if it was their dream.
• Fire her immediately if you catch your subordinate stealing.Do you have doubts about whether you're using your cosmetics properly??- Don't be afraid to conduct a security check every now and then, including a search of your purse.It's best to do this as a group.
• "Trust, but verify" This proverb still seems to hold true.Check the receipts from the cash register to make sure they aren't being artificially understated.Remember that it's not just the tax office that can send someone undercover to do a job—you can do it, too..
• Show your class through your professional expertise.Teach, pay attention to details, and set high standards.
• Be prepared to answer questions—you should respond to each one in a matter-of-fact way.
• Plan meetings with your employees. Chatting over coffee or going on a bike ride together helps foster a sense of community.It's a great way to get to know each other and build a cohesive team.
• Lead by example. You're the one everyone sees and watches.You should be a positive role model, because only then will you win over the people who work for you.Be the kind of boss you'd like to have if you were an employee.
• Show appreciation for your subordinates. This isn't about a pay raise—though if you see it that way, it will certainly be welcome—but it's primarily about recognizing your subordinates' dedication.Let them know or tell them that you're happy with them, that you feel good around them.This will effectively strengthen relationships and encourage further participation.
• Organize your work time effectively. Make sure your subordinates have enough work to do and time for a short break.Don't overwork them or make them work overtime unless they want to.Mothers with children, in particular, should have regular working hours—please keep this in mind.
• Support the company's growth. Manage your profits so that they cover not only payroll but also upgrades and modern equipment for your practice.The investments are intended to attract new customers and create jobs for additional employees.
• Add additional offers. Keep up with the latest trends in your field.Did you know, for example, that nail trends are constantly changing and that foot care isn't just about pedicures??In recent years, podiatry has emerged as a specialized field focused on the care and treatment of the feet.It's worth considering hiring a podiatrist.
• Focus on training and internships. You have a talented employee who is eager to continue learning and developing her skills?Suggest that she take additional training.If possible, reimburse her for her tuition and internship.You can do this in advance by signing the appropriate loyalty agreement, or you can arrange for a gradual refund as you complete your internship or work at your practice..You can also offer a bonus on top of her salary for additional skills she has acquired on her own.
• Take care of the health of your employees and customers. Refer for periodic medical examinations.Insist on cleanliness in the office.Check the disinfection and sterilization logs for instruments.

So, quite a bit has piled up.A mountain of responsibilities for both employers and their employees.
So what should you do? Is it better to be a good employee or a responsible employer??
If you want to find fulfillment as an employee, stick to the right principles.That's when you and your employer will succeed.
When you decide to start your own business, you’ll have to face many challenges.After reading this article, you'll see for yourself that it's not enough to just have a lot of money to start your own beauty business—you also have to meet many expectations from government agencies, employees, and customers..
Investments in the company's growth are also inevitable.This is driven by the ever-growing market—whether for cosmetics, equipment, or new services.
Keeping up with new trends is also a necessity, if only to stay ahead of the competition or achieve success on your own.
So, continuous investment in the development of cosmetology and podiatry not only drives the economy but also benefits us personally.The most important thing is that these investments don't go to waste.So that one day everyone can say that their dreams have come true and that I am SOMEBODY because I’ve achieved SOMETHING—whether as an employee or as an employer.

This reflection was written by Marek Cyrulik – Lady's Nails Cosmetics

I invite you to read the following articles, which have been receiving a great deal of attention:
Fair Prices or Dumping Prices? (link)
and
Pricing for Cosmetic and Podiatric Services (link).