Starting a Beauty Business: The Realities and Rewards

If you’re thinking about starting a beauty business or have already taken the plunge but feel stuck, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of content online highlighting the glamorous side of the industry—financial freedom, flexible hours, doing what you love—but not enough about the challenges and the real work it takes to get there. In this post, I want to give you an honest look at what it’s like to run a beauty business, and offer some advice to help you move forward with confidence.

“Will I Ever Be Fully Booked?“

This is probably the question running through your mind right now, and it’s a scary one. You’ve invested your hard-earned money (or maybe borrowed it) into training, products, and setting up your business. You want this to work so badly, and the pressure is real.

First, I hear you. It is scary—especially the unknown. When I first started, I had the same fear. But here’s the truth: you can succeed, but it won’t happen overnight. You have to commit to the process.

It’s a Skill, Not a Talent

One of the most common things I hear from new students is, “What if I’m not good at [the treatment]?” Let me make this very clear—beauty treatments are not a talent. They’re a skill. Some people pick it up faster than others, but anyone can learn and improve with practice.

Actionable Step: Focus on practicing. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. Set aside time every week to work on your technique, even if you’re not getting paid for it at first. Progress will come, and so will the clients.

Are You Ready to Run a Business?

Running a beauty business is about so much more than being good at treatments. It’s about running a business. Many people shy away from this because, let’s face it, working for yourself is harder than working for someone else. There’s no 9-to-5 where you clock off and let someone else handle the admin. But, the rewards—financial freedom, flexibility, and control—are worth the hard work.

Actionable Step: You’ll need to get comfortable with all aspects of business—marketing, managing bookings, customer service, accounting, and more. Start by creating a social media presence that reflects your brand and offers value to potential clients. Then, set up a booking system that’s easy for clients to use, and follow up with automated emails to keep them engaged. You can order our Holy Grail workbook to take you through this entire process.

Overcoming Deflation and Comparison

Feeling deflated when you’re not fully booked is completely normal. You might see other people on social media looking like they’re smashing it, but remember, what you see online isn’t always the full story. Building a business takes time, and you’re laying the groundwork for long-term success.

Actionable Step: Focus on building relationships with every client who walks through your door. Treat each one as a valued customer, because they aren’t just worth one appointment—they’re worth dozens over the course of a year.

Why It’s Worth the Hard Work

Let’s be real: it’s hard work. But here’s the good news—there’s massive potential in the beauty industry. People often underestimate how lucrative this field can be. Beauty treatments can earn more than some careers people go to university for. The opportunities are endless if you’re willing to put in the time and effort.

Actionable Step: Reframe the way you see your clients. Every client has the potential to become a repeat customer, so focus on delivering a fantastic experience. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools in this industry.

Final Thoughts: Should You Go for It?

Ask yourself: are you prepared to sacrifice time and money to perfect your craft? Are you willing to learn business and marketing skills? If the answer is yes, then what are you waiting for? You can build the beauty business of your dreams.

Our mission is to support you along the way. Check out our online accredited beauty courses and our Holy Grail workbook to help you get started on your branding, marketing, and business strategy.