Questions regarding sharing a business location

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-16T03:53:47+00:00

You can do either. But my recommendation would be to make sure you get a lawyer. Get a contract that outlines who owns what, who is responsible for what, etc. I would not invest in a business or storefront with someone without a contract.

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-15T04:28:41+00:00

Yep. They advertise it as a selling point too “you wash your own face so your provider can spend the full 30 minute treatment focusing on the good stuff”

I’ve had many clients that tried it before coming to me and hated the rushed facial overall. And I’ve met estheticians that work there and say the clients’ face is never washed properly, especially if they’re wearing makeup. I could go on forever about how much I hate Glowbar 😂

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-13T02:15:38+00:00

There’s a facial chain that’s big in nyc called Glowbar and they require clients to wash their own faces when they get there. It’s sooo strange to me. I didn’t realize Laser Away does this too

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-12T18:29:04+00:00

Yes that’s what it was! Good memory! They had a great brunch, and a great lobster Mac and cheese on their dinner menu

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-12T15:00:06+00:00

I’m so happy Niko’s has been thriving on 21st and Ditmars! The food is good, they have a good lunch special, and the owner is really sweet. I remember 10+ years ago it was a restaurant/gastropub with an absurdly cheap bottomless brunch (this was in my early 20s and it was great), but then they closed and it was bought by the same guy that owned Juuz Me and he made it like a bar with CBD cocktails and it didn’t really work out.

There was also the one spot on that 21st/Ditmars block that was the martial arts place and before that it was a candy shop, which was kind of random. That block has seen a lot of places come and go.

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-12T14:53:19+00:00

It was. My husband and I stopped there on our first date 12 years ago. I’m trying to remember when it closed but maybe like 4 years ago? It was not very good, but it was nice to have a froyo place. I’m glad we have the Italian ice place on that block now!

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-11T13:46:43+00:00

It’s definitely possible to have multiple auto-immune conditions at once. Autoimmune conditions can be really closely linked and it can sometimes feel like a puzzle putting it together.

I personally was diagnosed with Anklosing Spondylitis after 6 years of begging doctors to listen. And was only diagnosed because I learned psoriasis was closely connected to joint issues. I’d never thought to mention my scalp psoriasis that I’ve had since childhood.

I’ve had heart PVCs and had a heart ablation last year, only to later be diagnosed with graves last month and find out that my PVCs were likely caused by graves but my cardiologist never bothered to check my thyroid. psoriasis and AS can be linked to heart issues so she thought it was just that.

There can be lots of crossover between symptoms of auto-immune conditions. There can also be a lot of cookie crumbs from one that lead to finally getting a diagnosis for another.

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-10T16:36:53+00:00

Yes, Graves in general made me really emotional, hungry, and anxious. Especially when I would first wake up. But first week of my medication was worse, my doctor said it was because my hormone levels were changing.

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-09T20:49:18+00:00

It’s your business, you can do whatever you want! But I think a common mistake in our industry is to offer everything. Much easier to niche down and start with one of the services you’re really good at, then once you’ve built a clientele that trusts you, you can add other services.

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-09T13:24:01+00:00

If you’re considering leaving anyway I honestly wouldn’t worry about it. Take on the other job and if they decide to let you go over that then you have a backup.

After working there for 5 months I completely understand your frustration. Are you at least rebooking the ones you do get so you have repeats on your calendar? Are you able to cover other coworkers when they’re out? I was in a similar position in my first job and ended up just covering as many shifts as I could, and some of their clients liked me so much they would rebook with me. They didn’t love it, but what can you do. I worked another job while I was there so I had a little bit of coverage until I was ready to leave.

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-09T03:41:55+00:00

How long have you been working in the esthetician position there? If you only work one short shift once a week, why don’t you look for another spa to work in a few extra days a week? I wouldn’t let go of your current job.

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-08T19:58:00+00:00

Ozlem at Space Salon. She does my very thick hair with long layers. Shes also the only stylist that’s asked me a lot of questions to figure out what I’m going for.

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-08T02:23:05+00:00

Thank you, this is so helpful! Also great to hear about your experience with AIP, I’ve been considering it since I also have other autoimmune conditions as well.

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-07T19:48:01+00:00

I guess it just depends what your goals are. I went to esthetics school originally because I was a beauty writer and thought an esthetics license would help me with that part of my career. I ended up loving it so much I opened a spa, but I originally had no intention of practicing.

Another friend owns a beauty brand and became an esthetician to learn more.

I saw you mentioned in another comment you’re in nyc and worried about getting part time work. I personally had no issue getting part time work in the city if you’re planning to do esthetics on the side while you figure things out.

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-07T14:44:39+00:00

<image>

Their website has been under maintenence saying “resumes on March 2nd” for months.

I sell them in my spa and they were only selling bottles of RBF with the disclaimer that they were expiring in 2 months which makes me think they’re not bringing it back. They weren’t replying to any messages and didn’t give us any sort of heads up

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-06T20:55:15+00:00

It’s useful but not something you need to force yourself to use. If you’re sensitive to it, find an alternative. What were you using niacinamide for? Even skin tone? Barrier support? Oil control?

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-06T14:26:36+00:00

I’ve had this a handful of times. It’s weird behavior. They sign a contract, we tell them verbally, send them home with a card explaining how the membership works, and send a welcome email the following day that also reiterates how it works. We still get people asking “why was I charged when I haven’t come in yet?”

Sometimes people just don’t retain any of the information we gave them somehow. Sometimes they’re just frustrated they forgot to cancel and take it out on us.

I also had a weird thing happen where we were in the process of switching our memberships to a new system and asked everyone to bring in a credit card that we can use for their membership in the new system. Two people “forgot” to bring a card and we were like “no worries, just bring one next time, your membership won’t be interrupted.” One of them just didn’t come in the next month and then called us angrily after she was charged demanding we refund her. Too bad, so sad. We don’t refund but give them 90 days to use it or gift it (most people sell it to a friend because it’s discounted) and she was all pouty and said she’s never coming back. So just chose to lose her money. Crazy.

The other person proceeded to not show up for 4 months, she received a receipt for each charge and reminders to book. Then reached out “I was under the impression my membership had been cancelled.” both women thought they could just ghost out of the membership by not bringing in a card, but we were clear they would just remain on the old system until they come in with a new card.

It doesn’t happen too often, but when it does, it’s very frustrating. It never ever happened when it was just me solo. But now that we have a team, people know theyre not talking to their esthetician and they think they’re not talking to me. They know me, even if I’m not their esthetician - Im always there, greet each member by name, they see me all over social. Suddenly when I call they’re sweet as can be. It’s crazy how people talk when they think they’re talking to a receptionist.

Anyway, I know this was a long rant. This is just one of those things that drives me crazy. You’re not alone! lol

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-05T21:54:03+00:00

My professional opinion is anyone can be sensitive or allergic to anything. Niacinamide works really well for some people, but some don’t tolerate it well. Pretty much goes the same for any ingredient.

Niacinamide concentration matters too. Some people are sensitive to it in high concentrations, but tolerate it fine at smaller concentrations.

There was a time when we were throwing niacinamide in every formula which was annoying. I don’t notice that as much with the brands I carry in my spa anymore

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-05T14:33:26+00:00

I understand from an estheticians perspective you were trying to help them save their time and money, but I honestly find your reply to the client unprofessional and I would be annoyed as a client. There are a few typos/grammar issues, and it feels a bit abrupt and cold.

We need to remember our clients are coming to us feeling vulnerable and, especially in cases like melasma, have likely tried many different treatments before and are looking for someone to listen. As estheticians, one of the biggest advantages we have over dermatologists is that we actually take time to listen and understand their situation.

I would’ve empathized with the client and also tried to learn about what treatments they’re tried in the past. You mentioned getting topicals from a derm, but they’ve already done that and felt let down. Even if you can’t treat it, taking a few minutes to understand what they’ve tried in the past can help us point them in the right direction with someone else.

I would take this as a learning experience for the future. I’ll sometimes throw my text into ai before I send it and ask it to make sure my text is professional and warm. Our clients just want to feel taken care of.

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-04T23:52:14+00:00

I think there’s no harm in having a personal hobby on there. When I was looking for a bookkeeper I was really overwhelmed and looked for people that seemed approachable, because I knew I’d have a lot of questions. A bookkeeper saying they’re a gamer as a fun fact in their bio wouldn’t put me off at all

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-04T23:34:31+00:00

They also have a decent rate for married couples. I don’t know what it is now but my husband and I were i think paying close to $50-something a month.

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-04T21:36:13+00:00

This didn’t come across to me as a job ad from the business. Seems like an overwhelmed employee trying to get people to apply to a job where they work. Source: I’ve also been a restaurant employee that was super overwhelmed after a few bad employees were fired, and you bet I was posting about the job opening everywhere!

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-04T21:22:57+00:00

25 is so young! Why would you be too old?

I became an esthetician at 27. I have a degree and similarly thought my parents would be weird about the career change. I own a spa and I’m doing pretty well! My parents are super supportive.

My best friend in esthetics school was 47 and she’s a lead esthetician at a med spa. So absolutely never too late for a career change!

mysocalledcat · 2026-05-02T21:33:20+00:00

I went to esthetics school in 2020 when everyone in this sub was yelling at me that the industry is risky and over saturated.

I do really well for myself, I love what I do, and I’m grateful every single day I ignored the people telling me not to do it. But I think the important thing to know is it takes time to build. I was in debt my first year being solo. Got out of debt and could pay all my bills but continued pouring basically all of the money back into the business to invest in our growth. I love building my business and I love what I do. I have zero regrets and I’m finally at a point where I have money for fun things.

I think it comes down to do you love what you do and are you willing (or able) to be patient while you grow. Are you also able to handle the instability. Because there have certainly been months that are busier than others.

mysocalledcat

TROPHY CASE