Beauty Therapist as a new career... advice appreciatted!!!

[notsoold]

Sorry ...very long! But here it goes...
I trained as a Beauty Therapist up to level 3 as my children were growing up, however, although continuing to look after relatives and friends and their beauty care demands I have not worked as a Beauty Therapist ( apart from the training)
At the moment I work as a manager part time in a micro company. It is small money, £7.00 per hour but a nice set up, i work from home and fit around the family. My worry is that it won't be sustainable long term for many reasons and as a manager I can see the problems coming without the power to solve them...I reckon that I will have to leave around this time next year.
The question is should I try as a Beauty Therapist?? In this climate is there demand? Will I be able to make money?I am in Manchester area
It will cost me to set up business... I will be able to fit around my present job as there isn't conflict there and I have time.
I thought to ask for all the Mumsnetters view as I am sure will be a fair representation of wisdom! I tried enquirying within the industry,but people were...well cagey! I had the impression , they were worried I was going to steal their clients but that is not my style...

I have the support and enough money saved to do some refreshers course if I want to and considering to work from home ( I have enough room) as a mobile therapist might be difficult (to carry equipment etc)

Or should I just stick to management with my proven track and CV ?

Please help me... tia

Given the way the women in your neck of the woods attack ladies day at aintree and the like - I'd say fire up your Orange spray tin and get to work! ;)

Beauty therapy seems to be largely recession-proof as not only is it a treat, but a way of life for many!

Thanks dolomites I keep telling myself that, specially in my area...not spray tan but anti ageing and face...
But my DH always thanks a little help with the sunless tan during holidays as not to blind anyone else.
It doesn't seem to be many reports on papers and reputable websites about the small business / recession in this troubled time .
Anyone else???

I think in general beauty therapists seem to be doing ok around this area (London), so the same could be true in Manchester. As Dolomites said for some customers it is a way of life.

I think the main question needs to be 'is there demand in my area?' if you want to work there. What is the competition? How would you reach potential clients?

Can you not test the water by establishing yourself whilst still at work? Offer pamper parties or in the office sessions as a trial and see how it does? Or are there any hairdressers that have a room you could use part-time as that can help your visabilty?

Mobile beauty is a great idea, but with petrol prices/travelling time I do wonder how one actually makes money.

A friend of mine retrained as a beauty therapist and she tried to stick to the more lucrative side so pamper parties, office workers and weddings. However, she has returned to her previous career, as she was finding it difficult with 2 small DC to do beauty. But you sound like you have more flexibility.

I'd definitely give it a go, especially if you can start in a small way to see if you like and can make enough money from it.

Good luck.

I went to a naice grammar school - one of my schoolmates is making an absolutely bloody killing out of beauty therapy.

I'm "low maintenance", but even I pay someone else to do my eyebrows and wax my 'tache.

very interesting points Mrs Margo :
the competition is higher than other towns because it is more acceptable here to spend money on that kind of things.
I will make a note of your suggestions as they are valid together with dolomites.
It is stressful for my for the starting costs and the idea of starting something new after so long.
it is the fact that I could not ask people about the demand that stressed me more than anything...

Well dolomites my family are low maintenance and use me as free labour! :)

Do some mystery shopping? Call a few for "an appointment" and see how busy they are? If they are all fully booked it is likely that there is demand?

I would also think about what you can offer in terms of a USP. I am always amazed that only one not great person around here uses an online booking mechanism. The rest you have to phone up and go through the pain of trying to find an appointment when they are free and that fits you. I LOVE the idea of being able to book online. I guess it costs money to use/offer that, but it could be the sort of thing that gives you an edge over others....

Have you also tried www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/ they can be rather snipey (or I find them so) but you mind find beauticians on there...

Good luck

There is definitely a good market out there for beauty therapists - set up a mobile business to go around people's houses offering decent prices and have a look at what sites such as groupon can offer you (exposure and quick sales though make sure your pricing is right).
Go for it!

Thanks for all your ideas....I have decided to go ahead and booked my first refresher.
The online booking and the group on are excellent ideas....
Actually everything was so enlighting I will copy the answers and keep as a reference for the next year.
Daunted but excited I say thanks all for your valuable help

Thanks for all your ideas....I have decided to go ahead and booked my first refresher.
The online booking and the group on are excellent ideas....
Actually everything was so enlighting I will copy the answers and keep as a reference for the next year.
Daunted but excited I say thanks all for your valuable help

I think that with people watching their money at the moment, you could use the fact that you are mobile/work from home to keep your prices down.

I love to have beauty treatments done, but with small children and a low part time income, I feel too guilty spending money on a salon visit. However, I would feel I could justify it more if I felt I was getting a bargain by using a mobile/home therapist such as yourself.

You could think of marketing yourself to the local Mums, mention what you do at the school gates etc. You could potentially offer a very flexible service which Mums could use even whilst they have got the children at home (when they might not find it that easy to physically go out to a salon appointment). Could be a way to find a group of regular clientele.

Good luck.