Brand Minimum$
Esthetics started with a focal point of treating skin with high end skincare brands- pricey apothecary.
Estheticians prepare topical ingredients for treatment purposes. We are only as good as what we can get our hands on.
The ingredients, products and brands I use in my treatment room all serve a purpose. A variety of topicals are utilized through a process of trial and error; intentional and accidental experience and outcome ensue. This is the method in which estheticians develop apothecary skill.
That said, we are and have always been, very limited in the products we can actually get our hands on.
There are Minimums.
Most brands have required minimums, many in the thousands$$$. BUT even before we buy into these minimums, first, we must be of the right pedigree.
The visuals and esthetic of our websites have to sit right with these brands. Our pricing and our service menus are critiqued and it’s not unusual for brands to request modification to the two. We are expected to provide images of our studios, inside and outside, not to mention images of ourselves. They require our address to scout out the area in which we serve. I imagine this is to look into the surrounding demographics, because there is a preference as to where they want and don’t want their products to be.
I’ve never been asked about my years of experience, my skillset, training or accreditations, not once, ever.
My image, my look, and the socioeconomic structure of my hood have always been the deciding factors as to whether I was favorable to a brand or not.
Additionally, we’re asked to reveal all lines that we are currently using, as brands want to be amongst similar price points and clean beauty only wants to be paired with other clean beauty brands.
We are required to purchase a minimum amount, many times in the thousands. Not to mention, a required minimum of skus and a required minimum per sku. Oh, and if you’re an esthetician like myself, self-employed, a one-man shop, tough shit. The buy in amount is the same as it would be for a 20-man spa, no exceptions. One general rule for all.
So much for a woman in small-business having the support of a female dominated industry.
Where’s the inclusivity that these beauty brands preach? because I’m not feeling it.
Not all skincare brands operate this way, however, most do. Most.
In summary, I challenge my colleagues to Negotiate with brands. It doesn’t work a lot of the time. But when they do decide to make an exception, it’s a small win moving forward.