As owner of Vancouver’s Bloom Essentials Spa, Kimberly Critten landed in the industry only by a sheer determination to find a career that she would be absolutely passionate about.
Newly graduated and seeking a fulfilling, people-focused career Kimberly, together with her sister, opened Bloom Essentials in 1997. Located in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood, this spa favourite is touted as an experience that is “as relaxing and comfy as hanging out with friends”. Under Kimberly’s leadership, Bloom Essentials has grown to now employ eleven estheticians with a guest list that includes both locals and out-of-town clients.
Spa tourism is a huge market segment with exponential employment and revenue growth predictions. Simply put, the opportunities for a lucrative, rewarding spa career are endless. From local day spas to exclusive and exotic destination resorts the sky is the limit. Flexiblility with work schedules is a big part of this career, with options for part-time, full-time, flex-time or ownership.
An esthetician delivers many core treatments such as manicures, pedicures, facials and massage. Many specialize in specific areas of interest as experience and skills increase. Focus and time management are imperative, along with the ability to work efficiently through treatments while balancing each unique client relationship.
Education is the first step towards becoming a spa esthetician. Many private and public post-secondary programs exist throughout BC that provide students with the knowledge and skills to practice esthetics here.
The job is physically and emotionally demanding. Success requires the ability to connect with all walks of life. “An esthetics career requires skills far beyond pampering clients,” comments Kimberly. “It is a relationship business where you tend not only to the personal care needs of clients, but to the emotional aspects as well. In addition to their treatment, clients often view aestheticians as a source for emotional comfort, which can form the basis of lasting business relationships.”
This career embraces all types of personalities and styles, with start-up success being a matter of finding the right workplace fit. A new esthetician typically earns an hourly wage plus gratuities, often amounting to a combined average rate of between $20 to $25. Compensation increases as skills and specializations expand.
Kimberly compares the profession to running your own little business, to take as far as you want. Some spa owners, like Bloom Essentials, handle the day-to-day administrative and support duties, allowing estheticians to focus entirely on guest experiences. Others offer a more autonomous environment where estheticians handle tasks such as marketing, reception and laundry independently. Her advice for new estheticians is to find a spa to connect with, stay with it and continue training and learning to stay current and build your client list.
The intrinsic and monetary rewards are plenty for those who are committed and have a sincere desire to serve others. To Kimberly, “working in a business where the service offered is the highlight of somebody’s day” is an attitude that will take you far in this opportunity-abundant profession that shows no signs of slowing down.
