I'm interested to know how many of you are in private practice or work for someone else? If you are in private practice is this a better option than working at a salon or spa? What advice would you give someone who goes into private practice?

It's really a personal choice, and you are never really limited in your career..

If you are going to start a private practice then you need to have at least 3,000 or more for start up costs( if you are in with a doctor, if you are not you will need much more for rent and other things)..each state has mandatory guidelines for what you absolutely must have and supply to your patients, so check your state guidelines..

also, you may need additional licenses...such as an occupational license..so look into that as well.

building up a clientel is also another factor.so make sure you advertise well.. and network.

the pros for starting a private practice.is the simple fact that you are your own boss..you set your own schedule.you can take as long as you feel with each client, and you are getting the full percentage of your money.. if you work on the same premise as a doctor, then you can accept PIP...which is great too...although...check with the state on that as well..

Working in a spa setting is great when you are starting out because usually the spa has supplies, so you won't have to buy all of them on your own.. you also have a unlimited clientel..and you have a great setting with all the preliminaries already taken care of. spas are also great experience...and you can even choose to travel.and work in exotic locals.. I would choose either a day spa.or a vacation spa.. if there is a salon located in the spa, you have to make sure that your room is well away from all the noise of a salon. that can be a problem.