L+A Medical and Wellness Contributor, Dr. Krystal Briglia, offers skincare professionals a 6-Point Guide to Entering the Business World.
Starting your own business is a brave and exciting move—but it’s also one that requires thoughtful planning and self-discovery. Whether you’re fresh out of school or have years of experience in someone else’s spa, taking the leap into entrepreneurship brings new challenges and opportunities. Here’s a supportive guide to help you with a starting point to build your business on solid ground—from vision to equipment, and from education to community.
Dr. Briglia’s 6-Point Guide To Entering The Business World
1. Find Your “Why” – Your Inner Compass
The decision to go out on your own isn’t one to take lightly. It’s thrilling, yes—but also unpredictable and, at times, overwhelming. That’s why the very first step should be identifying your “why.”
Your “why” is the personal mission that drives your decision to create your own business. It’s the passion behind your pursuit—the reason you’ll keep showing up even when things get tough. Maybe you want to offer more personalized care than you could in a high-volume spa. Maybe it’s about creative freedom, flexible hours, or proving to yourself that you can build something from the ground up.
When you’re up late juggling paperwork, dealing with no-shows, or feeling imposter syndrome creep in, your “why” is what will remind you why it’s all worth it. Write it down. Post it somewhere visible. Let it guide every decision you make.
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2. Clarify Your Vision – Define Your Purpose and Clients
Once your “why” is clear, it’s time to define what you’re building and who it’s for. Think deeply about the kind of business you want to run. What values are important to you? Are you passionate about acne treatments, anti-aging, holistic skincare, or something else entirely?
Identify the clients you feel most called to serve. Are they busy professionals? Teens struggling with confidence? Brides preparing for their big day? The more specific you can be about your ideal clientele, the easier it will be to design services and messaging that resonate.
Next, articulate your mission and vision. Your mission is what you’re here to do—your purpose. Your vision is the long-term dream you’re working toward. These statements don’t just help with branding; they serve as a compass for growth and decision-making.
Dr. Krystal Briglia, L+A Medical + Wellness Contributor
Dr. Krystal Briglia of Triada Integrative Medicine + Wellness is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in aesthetic dermatology, integrative medicine, and wellness. She has an extensive and diverse background in healthcare, with over a decade of experience working in emergency, critical care, trauma, aesthetics, healthcare administration, and healthcare education. Krystal holds multiple board certifications, including family practice, emergency, and critical care. Her educational background includes two undergraduate degrees, a degree in health sciences, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Delaware. She holds three graduate-level degrees, including a master’s degree in nursing leadership, a master’s degree in business administration, and completed her nurse practitioner education at the University of Massachusetts. In 2016, Krystal completed her clinical doctorate in nursing practice. Dr. Briglia is an entrepreneur and specializes in organizational process improvement. She is a Lean Six Sigma master black belt, a certified Six Sigma champion, and a certified Kaizen facilitator. She also has a passion for education and spent 6 years teaching health profession graduate-level courses. During that time, she held a lead faculty position and helped the university develop a family nurse practitioner program from inception to credentialing and first graduates. Read Full Bio
3. Assess Your Finances – Build a Realistic Startup Plan
Passion and vision are crucial—but so is a realistic understanding of your financial situation. Starting your own business will require an initial investment, and that amount can vary depending on your location, service offerings, and equipment needs.
Start by listing out all potential expenses: treatment room rental or build-out, business licenses, insurance, skincare products, marketing, website setup, and equipment. Be honest about what you can afford now and what might need to wait.
If your available funds don’t cover everything you need, explore financing options such as small business loans, grants for women-owned businesses, or even crowdfunding if your community is behind your mission. Explore out-of-the-box ideas that allow you to start, even if it’s smaller than you initially imagined, and options that support scaling as you grow. A budget is not a roadblock—it empowers you to make smart, sustainable decisions.
4. Define Your Niche + Budget = Smart Equipment Investment
With your budget and target clientele in mind, it’s time to develop your niche and choose equipment that matches. If your passion is acne treatment, you may not need a high-end laser right away. If your clients are looking for luxury, you might prioritize equipment that elevates the spa experience.
The esthetics equipment world is vast and often overwhelming. There are countless devices, technologies, and brands—each with different capabilities, pricing, and marketing promises. The best approach is a scientific one: do your research. Understand the mechanism behind the treatment, how it works, what results to expect, and what maintenance or certifications are required. Choose equipment that will deliver noticeable results to your target clients, fit within your budget, and provide a strong return on investment (ROI). You don’t need the most expensive tools—you need the most effective ones for your goals. Smart buying means better outcomes for your clients and a better ROI for you.
5. Never Stop Learning – The Power of Continuing Education
Even the most experienced esthetician needs to keep learning. The beauty industry is constantly evolving, with new ingredients, techniques, and technology emerging every year. To stay competitive and deliver excellent client outcomes, continuing education is a non-negotiable.
Make it a habit to invest in workshops, certifications, trade shows, and professional development. Not only does this keep your skill set sharp, but it also keeps you inspired and connected to the latest industry standards. Clients notice when their service provider is informed and innovative—and they trust you more because of it. Education allows you to establish yourself as an expert in your field and provide better outcomes for your patients.
6. Community, Mentorship & Support – You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Entrepreneurship can be incredibly rewarding—but it can also feel isolating. You’re the decision-maker, the service provider, the marketer, the bookkeeper… and sometimes, the person sweeping the floors. That’s why building a supportive community around you is essential.
Surround yourself with people who understand the journey. Join esthetician groups (both local and online), attend industry events, and don’t be afraid to reach out to potential mentors. Having someone to talk to, bounce ideas off of, or just vent to can make the journey less lonely and much more sustainable.
And don’t underestimate the value of professional resources—accountants, business coaches, and legal advisors. When you know where to go for help, you’re less likely to get stuck.
Building your own business is more than a career move—it’s an act of courage, vision, and dedication. By finding your “why,” clarifying your goals, staying financially smart, investing in the right tools, staying educated, and building a community, you’re creating something uniquely yours.
There will be challenges, but there will also be triumphs. And through it all, remember: you don’t have to do it alone.
You’ve got this!