If you’re listening the day this drops — this is your LAST CHANCE to join the Booked Solid Framework + New Year Accelerator Bootcamp at its lowest rate ever. Link to enroll!
Feeling like clients look at your menu but don’t actually book? 😩
They might be confused — not uninterested. And confused clients… don’t book.
This week on Marketing Monday, we’re talking about why your service menu might be overwhelming people — and how to fix it fast.
✨ Why “Decision Fatigue” Is Killing Your Bookings
Too many similar options, confusing service names, or trying to list every single thing you offer? It’s overwhelming for clients. Simplifying = more bookings.
✨ 3 Quick Fixes for Your Service Menu
Feature your top 2–3 services — Pick your money-makers and make them the stars.
Add a clear “New Client” starter option — Help first-timers know exactly where to begin.
Use benefit-driven language — No more science terms. Say what it is and what it helps with.
✨ Pro Tip:
If your client wouldn’t know what "transepidermal water loss" means… don’t list it. Keep your descriptions simple, clear, and client-focused.
Look at your menu today and ask:
“Is this easy for someone brand new to understand?”
“Is there one intro service they can start with?”
“Can I delete or rename anything to make this easier to navigate?”
Clear menus = confident bookings.
🎧 Listen to this week’s Marketing Monday episode on Estheticians in Business – The Podcast for the full breakdown.
Let’s simplify your services, your systems, and your marketing — so you can walk into 2026 fully booked and fully confident. Link in the show notes!
Links Mentioned:
In this episode of Estheticians in Business, Allyson walks you through how to actually prepare for 2026 with a real, simple plan instead of just hoping next year will magically be better.
You will learn what to focus on, what to stop doing, and how to create a practical roadmap that takes you from “I am doing all the things” to “I know exactly what to work on next.”
Allyson also shares details about the New Year Accelerator Bootcamp and how it pairs with the Booked Solid Bundle so you can walk into 2026 with structure, strategy, and support.
Why nothing changes on January 1 unless you change how you are running your business
The common pattern of saying “next year will be my year” then repeating the same marketing and habits
Why feeling stuck or behind usually means you need structure, not more hustle
How relying on motivation instead of direction keeps you overwhelmed
The difference between reacting to your business and planning for your business
Real life examples:
Posting randomly between clients
Only marketing when your books are empty
Throwing together last minute promotions
Saying yes to every client without a clear goal
A true plan does not have to be complex or fancy. It needs a few key pieces:
A clear income goal
How much you want to make in 2026
How many clients and services that actually requires
A simple visibility strategy
Where you are showing up
Why you are there
How often you will show up
A retention system
How you are getting clients to rebook
Why rebooking and retention are your real “bread and butter”
A seasonal marketing calendar
Planning promos and themes in advance instead of scrambling
Choosing which holidays or seasons you actually want to market around
Personal boundaries and CEO routines
Setting work hours, response times, and energy limits
Why a burnt out esthetician cannot show up as a confident CEO
What the 4 week live bootcamp covers:
Week 1: Reset and RefocusClean up what is not working, get clear on what you actually want, and reset your focus for 2026.
Week 2: Map Your Money MovesSet your income goal, break it into monthly targets, and map out the services and pricing that will support it.
Week 3: Marketing and MomentumBuild your quarter one marketing plan, seasonal promos, and simple visibility strategy.
Week 4: Systems and ConfidencePut your systems in place so you enter the new year feeling organized, grounded, and confident.
Who it is for:
Non students:You can join with the Booked Solid Bundle + New Year Accelerator combo, so you get the full framework and the live bootcamp together.
Current students:You can join the New Year Accelerator only, since you already have the bundle.
Spots are capped at 12 so it stays intimate and hands on. Each person also gets one private coaching call included.
Allyson gives you five things you can start on right now:
Write down your 2026 income goal
List the main services that will help you hit that goal
Figure out how many clients you need for that goal
Choose one weekly marketing habit you can stick to
Set one boundary for 2026
Your schedule
Your DM/response times
The types of clients or services you are willing to take
You do not need a perfect 20 page plan. You just need clear direction and consistent, small steps.
Booked Solid Bundle + New Year Accelerator (Non students)
New Year Accelerator (Current students)
Estheticians in Business Facebook Group
Follow Allyson on Instagram → @estheticiansinbusiness
If you are ready to stop winging it and start walking into 2026 with a real plan:
Join the New Year Accelerator
Or grab the Bundle + Accelerator if you are not a student yet
And if this episode encouraged you, share it with another beauty pro who is tired of saying “next year will be my year” and is ready to actually build it.
👉 If you’re listening live — the Booked Solid Bundle + New Year Accelerator Bootcamp launch is officially open. Link to learn more!
This week’s quick tip is simple — but powerful: You don’t need a perfect website or a $2,000 Instagram makeover to book clients. You just need one clear line that tells people what to do next.
✨ Why Attention = Currency
You don’t need a fancy funnel — just someone’s focus. Use simple, low-friction CTAs to guide your followers to take the next step.
✨ The “One Line” Strategy
• DM me the word FACIAL and I’ll send you this week’s openings
• DM me BROWS for a free brow consult
• DM me SKIN and I’ll send you my skincare prep checklist
These quick calls to action work because they:
✔ Feel personal
✔ Start a 1:1 conversation
✔ Remove overwhelm and clicking
✔ Help you stay in control of the booking process
✨ Where to Use It:
• Inside Instagram posts
• Inside stories
• On booking flyers
• At vendor events
• In Facebook group posts
• Anywhere you want a quick DM or conversation starter
You can use these to send:
Checklists
Service menus
Booking links
Special offers
Consult invitations
✨ Pro Tip: Test just one of these this week. Put it in your story or a post and see what happens. Engagement builds trust — and trust builds bookings.
🎧 Listen in for the full breakdown and inspiration on how to implement it this week.
👉 P.S. If you’re listening live — the Booked Solid Bundle + New Year Accelerator Bootcamp launch is officially open.
Get access to 4 weeks of marketing, planning, and client growth support — linked in the show notes!
Quick Links
👉 Join the New Year Accelerator Bootcamp Waitlist (current students): Bootcamp Only – Waitlist
👉 Bundle + Bootcamp Waitlist (not a student yet): Booked Solid Bundle + Bootcamp – Waitlist
Join the Estheticians in Business Facebook Community: Link
Follow on Instagram: @estheticiansinbusiness Link
Episode Snapshot
If your business feels chaotic, your brain probably does too. In this episode, Allyson breaks down how simple systems create peace, consistency, and profit—without working 24/7. You’ll learn the 3 core systems every solo esthetician needs (Clients, Money, Marketing), how to stop running your business by memory, and how to build a weekly rhythm that actually sticks. Real talk, real examples, zero fluff.
The real cost of “no system” (missed rebooks, forgotten DMs, last-minute promos)
3 Core Systems to install now
Client System: confirmations, reminders, rebook at checkout, notes that feel personal
Money System: break-even, monthly income goal, clients needed to hit it, simple tracking
Marketing System: a weekly visibility rhythm + promo planning you can reuse
Why systems = freedom (less decision fatigue, more creativity, calmer energy clients feel)
How to start small: one new system this week, then repeat the process everywhere
CEO Hour: the weekly maintenance block that keeps everything humming
00:00–03:00 Real-life intro (mom moment!) and why systems matter
03:00–06:30 The bundle + 4-week New Year Accelerator Bootcamp (what it does for Q1)
06:30–10:45 Chaos audit: why “running by memory” keeps you stuck
10:45–15:30 Systems create rest: structure = peace (and better results)
15:30–19:45 Core System #1: Client/Rebooking Rhythm
19:45–24:30 Core System #2: Money/Profit Plan (do the math, set real targets)
24:30–30:30 Core System #3: Marketing/Visibility Flow (weekly cadence + reuseable promos)
30:30–34:00 Mindset: overwhelm is mental clutter—show up for the system
34:00–40:00 Action plan, recap, and how the Bootcamp helps you implement
Write down 3 tasks that drain you → Decide how to simplify or automate each.
Create ONE system (examples: prewritten rebooking text, client notes template, content batch folder).
Schedule a 60-minute “CEO Hour” weekly for planning, review, and follow-up (no clients, no distractions).
Rebooking Script/Template (use at checkout—stop “I’ll text you” follow-ups)
Simple Revenue Math: Monthly goal ÷ Avg. ticket = # of clients needed
Promo Folder: Save copy, emails, and graphics in Google Drive to reuse next year
New Year Accelerator Bootcamp (current students): Bootcamp Only – Waitlist
Booked Solid Bundle + Bootcamp (not a student yet): Bundle + Bootcamp – Waitlist
Join the Estheticians in Business Facebook Community: Link
Follow on Instagram: @estheticiansinbusiness Link
In today’s Marketing Monday, Allyson breaks down the easiest way to stay consistent online when you’re overwhelmed, busy, or staring at your screen wondering, “What do I even post?”
Especially during the holidays — when big brands are flooding timelines and your mental load is high — the goal is simplicity, not perfection.
Inside this episode:
Visibility > perfection
You don’t need to be a content queen to stay top‑of‑mind
Simple rotation = sustainable content
1. Before + After Transformations
Brows, lashes, facials, nails, contouring — keep the caption short:
• “My fave brow shape lately”
• “Comment brows if you love this”
2. Behind the Scenes
Show your space, setup, skincare, goodie bags, cleaning, anything:
• “Here’s a peek before my 2pm facial”
3. Booking Reminder + FAQ
Educate + nudge in one post:
• “Spots open this week — reminder: don’t tweeze before a wax”
• Works as a reel, carousel, or story
Use simple CTAs that bring clients directly into your DMs:
“DM me the word FACIAL and I’ll send you this week’s openings”
“Text me BROWS and I’ll send you a brow consult checklist”
These work because they:
✔ Feel personal
✔ Remove friction
✔ Start conversations that convert
You don’t need trending audio, a Canva marathon, or perfect captions.
Just rotate these three things when you’re overwhelmed — and stay consistent even during busy seasons.
Link in show notes.
💪 Join the Waitlists:
✨ Booked Solid Bundle + Bootcamp Waitlist — For new or not-yet-students who want both the framework and live experience→ Join the Bundle + Bootcamp Waitlist
💻 Free Training:How to Get Fully Booked Without Losing Your Mind→ Watch the Free Class
💬 Episode Summary:
This week’s episode is for every solo esthetician who’s ever looked at their books, their life, or their reflection and thought — “Am I even good enough for this?”
Confidence can feel like the hardest thing to hold onto when business is slow, clients cancel, or you’re juggling everything at once. But the truth is — confidence doesn’t show up after success. It grows through clarity, small actions, and showing up even when it’s hard.
In this heartfelt episode, Allyson shares her own experiences of losing and rebuilding confidence in business and in life — and the real, tangible steps you can take to start believing in yourself again.
You’ll also get a peek into her upcoming New Year Accelerator Bootcamp — a 4-week live experience designed to help estheticians rebuild their foundation, reset their systems, and walk into 2026 confident, organized, and fully booked.
✨ The truth about what confidence really looks like (it’s steady, not loud)
✨ The connection between confidence and clarity — in your pricing, systems, and mindset
✨ Simple daily habits that help you rebuild belief in yourself
✨ The power of tracking small wins and creating your own “proof list”
✨ How to protect your energy and rebuild from burnout
✨ Why discipline often shows up before confidence does
✨ The spiritual and emotional side of confidence — remembering your why and who you’re doing it for
Confidence isn’t something you “find” — it’s something you build through consistent action.
When business feels slow, focus on evidence: your rebooks, your reviews, your progress.
Clarity creates confidence — when you know your systems, your next steps, and your purpose.
Keep the promises you make to yourself. Every small follow-through matters.
The most confident estheticians aren’t the loudest — they’re the most clear.
Confidence doesn’t come after success.
It comes from clarity, consistency, and showing up — even when it feels hard.
You’re already becoming the version of you who’s calm, confident, and fully booked — you’re just learning how to meet her. 💕
💪 Join the Waitlists:
✨ Booked Solid Bundle + Bootcamp Waitlist — For new or not-yet-students who want both the framework and live experience
→ Join the Bundle + Bootcamp Waitlist
💻 Free Training:
How to Get Fully Booked Without Losing Your Mind
→ Watch the Free Class
💬 Stay Connected:
Join the Estheticians in Business Facebook Community → [Link]
Follow Allyson on Instagram → @estheticiansinbusiness
In this episode, Allyson shares her go-to strategy for getting more visibility without the stress of hosting your own events: borrowing someone else’s audience.
Whether you’re introverted, booked solid, or just not in the mood to plan an event from scratch — this method is simple, collaborative, and totally doable this week.
✨ Why you don’t have to host your own event
Leverage other people’s audiences who already gather your ideal clients
Think: boutiques, gyms, yoga studios, coworking spaces, mom groups, local markets, and more
✨ What to say when asking to join an event
“Hi, I’m a local esthetician and I’d love to support your event! Could I set up a small table to share my services and offer a giveaway?”
✨ What to bring to your booking table
Service menu or QR code to book
Discount cards or giveaway entry
Optional: spin wheel, treat samples, or booking incentives
✨ How to follow up (so leads don’t go cold)
Use a clipboard, iPad, or QR code to collect names, emails, and phone numbers
Within 24–48 hours, send a message:
“It was so great meeting you at [event name]! You didn’t win the giveaway, but I’d love to offer you this special spot…”
✨ Why this works:
This is low-pressure, high-impact marketing
You’re getting in front of warm leads who are already showing up
It turns awkward selling into genuine connection
What you’ll learn
Why “fully booked” can feel paralyzing and how to reframe it to one more client at a time
Small service touches that quietly raise retention and referrals
How to get out of your comfort zone and collect no’s without losing steam
A simple visibility plan that focuses on what already works
Key takeaways
Micro wins compound. Fill one slot, then the next.
Little things = big loyalty. Fast replies, human follow-ups, post-care samples, warm environment, notes about their life.
Choose courage. Embarrassment from trying beats regret from quitting.
Track sources. Know where bookings come from and do more of that.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro + why this topic won the polls
03:20 One more > fully booked
08:10 The little things that boost retention
15:40 Getting out of your comfort zone
21:50 Visibility that compounds
27:50 Rapid recap + next steps
Resources
Free class: [Fully Booked Without Losing Your Mind – Webinar]
Follow Allyson: @estheticiansinbusiness
Mentioned book: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
In this milestone 50th episode, Allyson shares quick and tangible tips on how solo estheticians can turn walk-ins and foot traffic into real bookings — without being salesy or awkward. Whether you're in a suite, storefront, or just near foot traffic, this strategy helps you make the most of your current space.
✨ How to make your space walk-in friendly:
Use an A-frame chalkboard sign with your name, services & offers
Display simple flyers, brochures, or menus at front desks or suite entrances
Make sure your logo clearly shows what you do
Create a warm vibe with soft music and spa scents
✨ What to say when someone walks in:
Use simple scripts like:
“Hi, I’m Allyson, I’m the esthetician here. Do you have any skin questions I can help with?”
or
“Feel free to grab a card or ask about quick services for walk-ins!”
✨ Offer a “walk-in only” incentive:
Free brow wax with any service
$10 off a 30-minute treatment
A sample-size skincare goodie bag
Use urgency phrases like “while supplies last”
✨ Create local referral cards just for walk-ins:
“Refer a friend who lives or works nearby — you both get a free add-on!”
Add space for name, number, or a QR to book
✨ Final takeaway:
You don’t need to go viral to get booked.
Sometimes your next best client is walking right past your door.
💬 Episode Summary
When you talk to everyone, no one listens.
In this episode, Allyson breaks down how to figure out exactly who your ideal client is — and why it’s one of the most powerful things you can do for your beauty business.
Whether you’re an esthetician, lash artist, brow specialist, waxer, or makeup artist, this episode will help you stop guessing and start attracting clients who truly align with your skills, services, and personality.
If your marketing feels like it’s not clicking, this is the reset you’ve been needing.
Why “anyone with skin” isn’t a marketing plan
How to identify your ideal client through your favorite existing clients
How to uncover the motives that drive people to book with you
How to align your marketing with their values and lifestyle
The best places to actually find your ideal clients
How to use their exact words in your content
The three questions that simplify your entire marketing strategy
1️⃣ Start with who you already love working with
Your ideal client might already be sitting in your treatment chair.
Write down what your favorite clients have in common — the services they book, how they act, and how they make you feel.
2️⃣ Motives > Demographics
It’s not about age or gender. It’s about why they book with you — confidence, glow, convenience, or transformation.
3️⃣ Align with their lifestyle
Your dream clients share your rhythm — whether that’s luxury, holistic, or high-tech.
4️⃣ Go where they are
Wellness spaces, bridal groups, Google, social media, and local events — be intentional about where you show up.
5️⃣ Speak their language
Listen to what clients actually say:
“My skin looks tired.”
“I hate shaving.”
“I just want to feel confident.”
Use those phrases in your captions and services.
6️⃣ Get specific, not exclusive
Speak clearly to one person at a time. When the right people see themselves in your message, they’ll book.
7️⃣ Refine over time
The more clarity you gain, the easier pricing, marketing, and rebooking become.
Write down your three favorite clients and figure out what they have in common.
That’s your person.
Talk directly to her this week — in your content, your offers, and your conversations.
If you can answer these three questions clearly, you’ve nailed your niche:
1️⃣ Who do I help?
2️⃣ What do I help them with?
3️⃣ How do I make their life or confidence better?
📺 Free Class: How to Get Fully Booked Without Losing Your Mind
💕 Join the Community: Estheticians in Business Facebook Group
📲 Follow on Instagram: @estheticiansinbusiness
The book: The Pumpkin Plan
Tag me on Instagram and tell me:
✨ Who’s your ideal client?
✨ What makes them amazing to work with?
I’ll share a few of my favorites this week on stories!
💌 Episode Summary:
In this quick episode of Marketing Mondays, Allyson shares how email — yes, email! — is one of the most underrated booking tools for solo estheticians.
If you’ve been relying on Instagram’s algorithm to fill your books, this episode will help you build a system that quietly runs in the background and keeps clients coming back.
Why email still works (and why it’s better than chasing the algorithm)
3 types of emails every esthetician should send
Monthly newsletters → simple, personal, and consistent
Aftercare follow-ups → increase rebooking + product sales
Birthday or reactivation emails → bring clients back who’ve gone MIA
A 5-email rebooking sequence to automatically follow up when clients don’t rebook
How to set it up in under an hour with free tools like MailerLite, Flowdesk, or Gmail templates
Why “done is better than perfect” when it comes to email marketing
“Social media scrolls by in seconds. But email sits in their inbox — waiting to be opened, clicked, and acted on.”
Write one monthly newsletter this week — even if it’s just 3 lines + your booking link.
Create one aftercare follow-up email for your most popular service.
Add client emails to a simple Google Form or your booking system.
Optional: build your 5-day rebooking sequence to run automatically.
💬 Episode Summary
Running your esthetician business part-time? This episode is for you. Allyson shares how to create full-time results in part-time hours — without burnout or guilt. Learn how to define success for your current season, focus on the tasks that actually move the needle, and build systems that keep your business running even when you’re off the clock.
Whether you’re balancing family, school, or another job, you’ll walk away with a clear plan to grow intentionally and confidently right where you are.
How to define success for your current season (and stop comparing your journey to others)
The three “needle movers” that matter most for part-time growth
Why systems are essential when you can’t work full-time hours
How to stay consistent and visible without feeling overwhelmed
What realistic growth looks like when you’re balancing business + life
Links and resources
📺 Free Class: How to Get Fully Booked Without Losing Your Mind
Fully Booked Bundle: The booked solid bundle
💕 Join the Community: Estheticians in Business Facebook Group
📲 Follow on Instagram: @estheticiansinbusiness
1️⃣ Shift Your Expectations
Your timeline isn’t behind — it’s just different. Define what success looks like right now for you: income, clients, flexibility, or peace.
2️⃣ Focus on Needle Movers
• Retention — rebook during consult, during service, and before checkout.
• Visibility — stay consistently visible where your clients are.
• Systems — automate tasks that repeat and eat your time.
3️⃣ Let Systems Work While You Rest
Your booking app, reminders, and templates should keep your business running even when you’re not.
4️⃣ Be Intentionally Present
When it’s work time, work. When it’s family time, unplug. You can’t do everything — but you can do the right things.
“Part-time doesn’t mean less serious — it means more intentional.”
“You can’t do everything, but you can do the right things.”
“If you only work part-time hours, your systems need to be working full-time.”
Redefine success for this season.
Pick 3 needle-moving tasks to focus on this week.
Set up one automation that saves you time.
Celebrate one small win — even if it’s just rebooking one client.
Write down what success looks like for you in this current season.
Is it $3K months, 15 loyal clients, or more time with your family?
Then share your answer with me on Instagram — tag @estheticiansinbusiness so I can cheer you on!
• What to Do When You Feel Defeated After Weeks Without Clients
• How to Take Your Esthetician Business Seriously from Day One
• Marketing Systems That Save You Time (and Still Bring in Clients)
📺 Free Class: How to Get Fully Booked Without Losing Your Mind
Fully Booked Bundle: The booked solid bundle
💕 Join the Community: Estheticians in Business Facebook Group
📲 Follow on Instagram: @estheticiansinbusiness
📋 Episode Summary:
In this quick but powerful Marketing Monday, Allyson breaks down how to create a local marketing loop — a simple system that helps you stay visible in your town without relying on social media. From partnerships to referral cards, this episode shows you how to turn your local community into a consistent source of referrals, awareness, and rebookings.
If social media feels overwhelming, this is the offline strategy you’ve been missing.
Why local marketing still works — even in the digital age
How to build a marketing loop with anchor partners like salons, gyms, boutiques, etc.
Ideas for referral cards, QR menus, and leave-behinds that actually get used
How to contribute before you sell (gift baskets, samples, giveaway bundles)
A simple quarterly routine to keep your local visibility strong all year
What to track to see which partners are actually helping your business grow
A simple script you can use when reaching out to potential collaborators
You don’t have to go viral — you just need to be visible.
Identify 3 potential local partners (gyms, stylists, realtors, etc.)
Create one small branded leave-behind (referral card, QR menu, sample box)
Reach out with the script in this episode and schedule your first local marketing drop-off!
If you’ve gone weeks without clients and started to question everything — this episode is for you. Allyson gets real about what to do when business feels slow, motivation dips, and doubt starts creeping in.
She shares a personal story about getting sick, missing work, and realizing that the systems she built kept her business running even while she rested. Then, she walks you through a simple step-by-step reset to help you get back into momentum when you feel stuck.
You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and a plan to start moving the needle again — even in a dry season.
💡 What You’ll Learn
The truth about slow seasons (and why they don’t mean you’re failing)
How to do a quick 10-minute business audit to spot what’s really wrong
Ways to reconnect with clients and rebuild relationships without sounding desperate
How to rebuild your confidence and energy when motivation is low
Simple, aligned actions that reignite momentum
🔗 Links & Resources
📺 Watch the free training: How to Get Fully Booked Without Losing Your Mind → [Webinar link]
💕 Join the Facebook community: [Estheticians in Business Facebook Group]
📲 Follow on Instagram: @estheticiansinbusiness
Description:
No fancy funnels. No trending audio. No editing apps.
One of the most powerful, underrated marketing strategies?
Talking to your clients during their service.
This week on Marketing Monday, I’m breaking down how client conversations can lead to upgrades, product sales, rebooking—and an extra $1,000/month without posting a thing.
Why the easiest sales happen on the table
How to offer upgrades naturally—without sounding pushy
Verbiage to use during skin analysis, waxing, nails, and more
How free or discounted add-ons can turn into full-price bookings
The mindset shift that turns casual convos into consistent revenue
Use the Time You Already Have
→ You’re already with them for 30–90 minutes. Use that time to share solutions and support their goals.
Educate as You Go
→ “Have you ever tried dermaplaning?”
→ “This jelly mask helps reduce redness—want to try it today?”
Not Ready to Charge? Start with a Freebie
→ Offer a free or discounted upgrade to get them hooked—and let it become a repeat service.
Normalize the Add-On Conversation
→ Speak from care: “I noticed a few ingrowns—LED could really help with that. Want to add it on today?”
Small Upgrades = Big Results
→ 2 upgrades/day at $25 each = $1,000/month in extra income
→ Plus, it increases retention when clients love what they experience
🎯 Pick one add-on, product, or rebooking opportunity to talk about this week.
Bring it up naturally—during their skin analysis, nail prep, wax, or consultation.
No pressure. Just share what you see and how you can help.
If this episode gave you a confidence boost, tag me @estheticiansinbusiness or share it with another estie who needs to hear it! The simplest marketing strategy is already in your room—you just have to speak up 💬✨
Links mentioned
Free training: Fully booked without losing your mind → [Webinar link]
Join the Facebook community → [Group link]
Estheticians in Business course and bundle → [Course link]
Feeling overwhelmed by all the advice and still not sure what to do first? In this episode Allyson breaks down the true starting point for taking your business seriously. No fluff. Just the simple steps that move the needle.
How to find your breakeven and set a real income target
Why clear policies signal professionalism and protect your time
How to build a simple marketing rhythm you can stick to
The mindset shift that turns a hobby into a business
Know your numbers
Calculate your monthly breakeven for rent, bills, products
Add your desired personal income to set a clear target
Make it math, not mystery
Set and enforce policies
Clients respect what you respect
Use policies to protect your schedule and client experience
If something bothers you once badly, set a policy. If it irritates you twice, set a policy
Create a marketing rhythm
Pick one or two consistent channels you can maintain
Think systems that run even when life gets busy
Referrals, loyalty, partnerships, vendor events, weekly emails
Make the mindset shift
Treat yourself like a business owner
Ask if a choice builds a sustainable business that lasts
Hobbies spend money. Businesses make money
00:00 Welcome and why this topic matters
02:20 Honest pep talk about self doubt and caring enough to improve
05:35 What a serious business actually does
09:50 Working in pockets of time and stacking small wins
10:45 Step 1: Know your numbers with a simple example
13:25 Step 2: Policies that protect your business
17:05 How to enforce policies and keep client experience high
18:55 Step 3: Build a repeatable marketing rhythm
22:35 Step 4: The mindset shift from hoping to building
24:20 Putting it all together and real student example
26:10 Resources and ways to get support
List every monthly business expense. Total it for your breakeven
Choose one income goal for the month. Add it on top
Write or update three core policies. Publish them on your site and booking app
Pick two marketing actions you will repeat every week
“Make it mathematical, not magical. Hobbies spend money. Businesses make money.”
If this episode helped you, share it with a fellow esthetician and tag @estheticiansinbusiness so Allyson can cheer you on. 💗
Think your next 10 clients are on Instagram? They might be—but they also might be at the local farmer’s market, bridal show, or brewery pop-up this weekend.
In this week’s Marketing Monday episode, we’re talking all about vendor events and why they’re one of the most underused yet powerful tools for solo estheticians looking to build relationships, boost visibility, and collect real leads.
Why vendor events still work (even if you're not selling anything on the spot)
The difference between sales-focused booths vs. lead-generation booths
What to bring, how to show up, and what makes people actually stop at your table
How to run a simple giveaway or spin wheel that gets people excited
Real examples of offers you can use (that are low-cost for you but high-value to them)
Simple Setup
→ A small table, banner or sign, and a welcoming vibe.
(Pro tip: Skip the chair if you tend to hide behind the table.)
Can’t-Resist Offer
→ A free giveaway or spin wheel with options like “Free brow wax,” “LED add-on,” or “$10 off your first facial.”
Lead Collection System
→ Clipboards (so multiple people can sign up at once), or a Google Form with a QR code. Keep it quick and easy.
Your Presence Is the Point
→ You don’t need fancy demos or full consultations—just say:
“Hey! I’m a local esthetician. I specialize in [insert focus], and I’d love to help you with [insert common concern].”
🎯 Find one vendor event or local market happening this month. Reach out, book a spot, and make a simple plan using the tips from this episode.
If this episode gave you the confidence to finally try vendor events—tag @estheticiansinbusiness or DM me your setup plans! I’ll cheer you on and give you feedback if you need help prepping. You don’t have to do it alone 💕
Talked about links:
Listener Question:
“I’ve been solo for a year but barely making enough to cover rent and bills. I don’t know if it’s my prices, the economy, or my marketing. I need help.”
Allyson unpacks why year one can feel like survival mode and shows you how to diagnose the real issue. You will learn how to check your pricing, simplify your marketing, and build retention so your calendar and cash flow stop riding the roller coaster.
How to tell if pricing is the real problem
A simple way to run breakeven so your prices pay the bills and you
Why random posting is not marketing, and what to do instead
How to get found locally and rebook the clients you already have
Why the economy is not your ceiling, and how to pivot with purpose
A 4-step action plan you can apply this week
0:00 Welcome and today’s listener question
2:05 Year-one reality check and why “being in the red” can be normal
4:40 Pricing audit 101 and the $5 lesson
8:30 Marketing that actually moves bookings
13:20 Local visibility, partnerships, referrals, and rebooking
17:10 The economy, positioning, and communicating value
21:00 Your 4-step action plan and quick wins
Price for profit, not vibes. Know your breakeven, then add your income goal.
Consistency beats complexity. Pick one or two channels and show up there.
Retention is revenue. Rebook during consult, during service, and before checkout.
Control the controllables. Skills, outreach, offers, follow-ups, and client experience are in your hands.
If a $95 service becomes $100 and you see 10 clients a week:
$100 × 10 × 4 = $4,000 vs. $95 × 10 × 4 = $3,800.
That is about $200 more each month without adding hours.
Audit pricing
List monthly business costs to keep the doors open.
Add your monthly pay goal.
Adjust service prices so the math works on paper and in practice.
Choose 1–2 marketing plays
Local Facebook groups, referral cards, and one aligned partnership.
Build retention
Normalize rebooking. Add a simple loyalty perk. Schedule weekly follow-ups.
Work the plan
Track new clients, rebooks, and revenue weekly. Improve one small thing each week.
“Marketing is not being everywhere. It is being consistent in the right places.”
“Your clients pay for your skill, your results, and how you make them feel.”
“The economy is real, but it is not your ceiling. Pivot and position.”
Coaching-call bonus for pay-in-full students is available until October 3. Details in the episode.
Got a question for the pod? Send Allyson a DM on Instagram and it might be featured in a future episode. @estheticiansinbusiess
Description:
Referrals are still one of the most powerful ways to build a booked-out solo business—but only if your clients know how to refer you. This week on Marketing Mondays, I’m walking you through how to use referral cards and conversations that feel natural, non-cringey, and actually bring in new clients.
Whether you’re shy about asking for referrals or just need a system that doesn’t feel awkward, this episode gives you the exact wording, tools, and simple systems to make it happen.
How to casually talk about referrals without sounding salesy
Verbiage you can use at the end of every appointment
Why simple referral cards work (and what to include on them)
How to use a QR code + Google Form to track referrals
Why repetition is key—people need to hear it over and over again
Make it part of every service
→ Hand them a referral card like it’s normal: “If you have any friends like you—I’d love to meet them!”
Lower the pressure with humor
→ Try: “This is kinda awkward but I made these referral cards and I know you have friends who’d love this too.”
Use a Google Form with a QR code
→ Put it in a cute frame in your room, and say: “If anyone comes to mind, scan this and fill it out—it takes 30 seconds.”
Ask in the moment
→ If they mention a friend: “Omg, write her name down! I’ll follow up and let her know you sent her.”
Repeat it often—don’t assume they’ll remember
→ Talk about your referral program in services, stories, emails, and follow-ups.
🎯 Choose one way to bring referrals into your business this week:
✓ Create a simple referral card
✓ Print a QR code that links to a Google Form
✓ Try the new verbiage at checkout
✓ Add your referral program to your next client email
If this episode helped you feel more confident asking for referrals, tag me @estheticiansinbusiness and share it with another estie who needs it! Let’s help each other grow 💕
This week on Estheticians in Business, we’re talking about one of the most common benchmarks estheticians set for themselves: hitting a $5,000 month.
Here’s the secret — it’s not about hustling harder, saying yes to everyone, or staying late every night. It’s math. Once you know the formula, you can apply it to $5k, $10k, or even $20k+ months.
In this episode, I share:
The simple formula to calculate how many services you actually need each month
What hitting $5,000 looks like at different service price points ($75, $100, $150+)
How retail, upsells, and memberships make your income goal so much easier to reach
Why retention is your best friend (and how fewer new clients = less stress)
Real examples from students who hit and surpassed their goals with small shifts
✨ Remember: $5,000 is not magical. It’s mathematical. And once you see the numbers, it feels so much more doable.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
[Free Webinar: 3 Steps to Be Booked Without Losing Your Mind]
[Estheticians in Business Marketing Course – updated FB group + website audit lesson inside!]
Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller (for clearer copy + branding)
Tune in and let’s make the math work for your business goals.