5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Esthetics Training

A gentle guide for new (and future!) estheticians

Starting your journey in esthetics is exciting, inspiring, and—let’s be honest—a little overwhelming. There’s a lot to learn, from mastering extractions to memorizing ingredient lists to practicing client communication. But the growth that happens along the way? That’s where the magic is.

Here are five things I wish someone had told me during esthetic school—consider this your friendly reminder that you’re exactly where you need to be.

1. Your Confidence Will Come With Time

No one walks into esthetic school knowing how to hold a facial brush perfectly, perform a flawless massage flow, or recommend the exact serum a client needs. Skill is learned. Confidence is earned.

It comes from:

• Repetition

• Practice

• Patience with yourself. And yes—messing up sometimes.

  
  

Growth happens because you show up, not because you never make mistakes.

2. Clients Remember How You Make Them Feel

Of course, technique matters. So does product knowledge. But at the end of the day, your presence is your power.

What clients remember most:

• Your kindness

• Your listening skills

• Your calm energy

• How you made their nervous system exhale

  
  

Your hands are healing, but your energy is transformative.

3. Retail Isn’t “Selling” — It’s Supporting

A lot of students (and professionals!) feel uncomfortable with retail at first. But here’s the truth:

When you recommend a home care routine, you’re helping your client continue their skincare journey outside the treatment room.

Think of it this way:

“Would you spend an hour nurturing their skin only to send them home empty-handed?”

You’re not selling. You're guiding. And your clients want guidance—from someone they trust.

4. Your Career Can Look However You Want

The beauty of esthetics is that there is no one singular path. Some estheticians:

• Work in holistic spas

• Become acne specialists

• Focus on beauty + brows

• Open solo studios

• Become educators or trainers

• Create skincare content + digital products

  
  

If you don’t see your dream role yet… you might be the one meant to create it.

5. Take Care of Your Energy

You are holding space for others—emotionally, energetically, physically.

That requires replenishment.

Support yourself with:

• Good sleep

• Warm meals between clients

• Breathwork or grounding practices

• A gentle closing ritual at the end of the day

  
  

Your well-being is the foundation of your work. A regulated esthetician is a radiant esthetician.

A Final Note

You are at the beginning of something meaningful. Your growth will be nonlinear—and beautiful. You are learning to support others while also remembering how to support yourself.

You are becoming. And you're doing great. 💛