The dream is possible!

Do you dream of owning your own business, calling the shots, and creating your own schedule? The dream is possible! With a license, motivation, and tips from alumni, your dream can become a reality. PB Cosmetology Education Centre graduate and successful business owner, Kim Thomas, shares her tips for creating a clientele and building a beauty business.

Meet Kim Thomas!

Kim Thomas, a 2017 graduate from PB Cosmetology Education Centre’s Skin Care Program, used her education and passion for skincare to create her own beauty business offering waxing, facials, skin and body treatments. After graduating from PB Cosmetology Education Centre, Kim began working at European Wax Center, and although she loved what she did and the clients she worked with, Kim began dreaming up a plan to start her own business. With a busy schedule raising two daughters and an entire farm of chickens, goats, and ducks, she yearned for the flexibility of setting her own schedule and appointments. When Kim heard of a space available for rent inside a salon in Hammonton, she jumped at the opportunity to partner with a friend to turn her dreams into a reality. In August of 2018, Kim and partner Nicole turned an empty space into a spa and thus Showcase Beauty and Esthetics was born.

What has resulted from having your own brand and spa space?

The biggest reward for me is flexibility. I work by appointment only so I am able to come and go as I please. This schedule gives me the flexibility to spend time with my family. It allows me to have dinner with my kids, put them to bed, and make money afterward with evening appointments.

What kept you motivated while you were building your business and searching for success in aesthetics?

I continually had to remind myself why I started doing it in the first place. For me, that was to help others feel confident in their own skin, especially my clients who struggle with acne. I believe there is no greater feeling than helping someone achieve that glow and confidence we all deserve.

When did your business begin to see success and what do you attribute that to?

When I began Showcase Beauty and Esthetics in August, I was working part-time. Utilizing social media, networking, volunteering my services, and thinking creatively has helped me successfully book clients full-time.

Social Media

My social media following is still growing, but with the help of friends and family who like, share, and comment on my posts, it has helped me reach a larger audience.

Tip: Take notice of what your followers are engaging with. Your posts should be for your audience, so it is important to recognize what they like and resonate with. I noticed that my followers really enjoyed when I started posting stories on Instagram, so I made it part of my daily social media agenda.

Network

Networking is so important when your business is in the beginning stages. I have been offered many amazing opportunities simply by networking and putting myself out there. I am constantly introducing myself and handing out business cards.

Tip: Giving discounts to brides is a great way to network and build connections. Where there’s a bride, there is a bridal party, and a bridal party means many girls needing hair and makeup services. Build a connection with the bride and she will most likely refer you to her friends.

Volunteer

When you are just starting out, volunteer your services to showcase your skills and the services that you offer. This will help to get your name out there and gain credibility in the industry. In the beginning stages of Showcase Beauty, I volunteered at a local high school fashion show in my area. I performed complimentary makeup services for all the models, handed out my service cards, and built connections with dozens of local teens. The goal was to be top of mind the next time these ladies needed their makeup professionally done.

Tip: To build connections, think outside of the box! During the fall seasons, I set up tables at various harvest festivals and craft shows. I have a farm at home, and although my baby goat has little to do with my beauty business, I would bring her to these events as a way to draw people to my table and start a conversation. My table stood out and gave people a fun way to remember me, as well!

Do you have any advice for aspiring aestheticians and business owners?

Believe in yourself even when others don’t. Always remind yourself that you are capable and that success takes time.

What can we expect from Showcase Beauty and Esthetics in the next five years? What are your goals?

I would love to redo my basement, turn it into a spa, and potentially rent rooms out to massage therapists. This is a long term goal, but I have a timeline in place and I am tackling it slowly. My advice to fellow and prospective business owners is to define short and long term goals and to set a timeline.

Do you have the same business goals and passions as Kimmy? Contact our Admissions Team today to talk more about career paths, programs, and enrollment opportunities! Call us at 1-800-336-HAIR or email admissions@pbbeautyschool.com