Career in Aesthetics

The aesthetics industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. In fact, the boundaries of its reach and structure are still undefined. From baby boomers to Gen Xers, the public demand for products and services consistent with the wellness revolution has never been greater. Though spa services compete to stay “in fashion,” the industry itself is classic and timeless. The concept of wellness is not a passing trend; it is enlightenment. This means that, as the fourth largest leisure industry in the United States already, spas not only will continue to grow but will also have the staying power of cruise lines, skiing, and golf. Never has there been a better or more exciting time to enter the industry.

 

 

The wellness principle fundamental to the enlightenment is broader than aesthetics or the spa industry. It is not only driven by the public’s desire to be more vital and youthful in appearance, but also by the desire to live healthier lives. Complete wellness envelops healthy skin and appearance, exercise and fitness, stress relief, nutritious eating and education. However, no industry is better positioned to expand with the lifestyle than the spa industry, and no individuals are better positioned than aestheticians to lead that expansion.

The International Spa Association (ISPA) correctly perceives that “the spa experience is increasingly being highlighted in movies, television shows, ads and numerous articles. The attention that’s being paid to the benefits of the spa experience is helping consumers incorporate spa into their everyday lives.” Institutions around the world, whether they are governments, schools, businesses or churches, are increasingly promoting the concept of personal wellness to increase productivity among their members and to meet modern standards of social responsibility. Many institutions even incorporate their own programs and facilities.

Even the medical community is responding to growing demands of an alternative or complementary healthcare system focused on prevention through education and healthy living rather than a system focused on sickness. From dentists to dermatologists to general physicians, doctors are partnering with spas at the request of patients. Med spas now offer ever-busy patients and guests the convenience of complete wellness and stress reduction under the same roof – an annual physical combined with spa treatments. The dental spa industry is growing so fast that it is difficult to maintain accurate statistics, though some estimate almost half of the dental practices in the United States could be considered “dental spas.”

More refined concepts of healthy living have recently brought a number of luxury brands into the spa market, creating new opportunities in their own high-end niche market. Some of the well-known brands include the first Armani-branded spa in Tokyo, Versace Group’s spa in Australia, Bulgari’s spas in Milan and Bali, and Prada Beauty’s line at Ritz-Carlton properties.

With wellness redefining the spa industry, the services and focus can no longer be considered gender or age specific. In fact, one third of spa services last year were performed on men. Last year also saw a significant penetration into the teen market, where nearly four million teens have now been to a spa where they learn to deal with stress, eat nutritiously, and care for their skin. In recent surveys conducted by the ISPA, 16 percent of spas claim to offer those teen-specific programs. Additionally, 34 percent of spas now offer specific teen packages and 17 percent offer packages designed for children.

In addition to high-end and other niche-market spas, chain spas offering mass market treatments at lower prices are beginning to grow nationwide. Spas are now everywhere; in health clubs, hotels, resorts, timeshare communities, airports, malls, and cruise ships. Medical spas. Teen spas. Dental spas. Male spas. Foot spas. The opportunities are abundant. Aestheticians now entering the workforce face a whole world of possibility.

The key to unlocking the doors of opportunity is a complete education. Despite the astounding growth in opportunity for aestheticians, spa owners listed “obtaining, retaining, and managing motivated and quality staff” as the number one issue they face in a 2007 survey conducted by Spa Finder. Acaydia believes part of that problem stems from a disconnect between the goals of educational institutions that train prospective aestheticians and the realities of what it takes to succeed in the industry.

Acaydia is committed to the concept of a “complete aesthetician.” Our commitment goes beyond training for the licensing exam and extends to developing a core for a successful life and career. Our curriculum, while centered in aesthetics, includes classes on business development, retail sales, organization skills, and professionalism. We strive to teach a broader understanding of concepts and principles and we encourage cross-disciplinary learning for students to better know where they fit and how they can succeed.

We align our mission and our goals with the wellness philosophy sweeping the globe. It encapsulates all aspects of life. Just like the most successful lawyer is the well-rounded lawyer and the most successful teacher is the well-rounded teacher, we believe the most successful aesthetician is the well-rounded aesthetician. Despite all the excitement surrounding spa and wellness trends, after all, the treatments are only as good and as effective as the therapist who provides them. Increasingly savvy spa-goers are seeking those with skills, knowledge and professionalism who carry themselves with the confidence that only a well-rounded person can.

“As the fourth largest leisure industry in the United States already, spas not only will continue to grow but will also have the staying power of cruise lines, skiing, and golf.”

Whether you are looking to start your own spa, to work as an aesthetician or wellness consultant, or you are seeking an education for personal gratification, Acaydia is the right choice for you. Even if you view aesthetics training as a stepping stone to a higher education, positioning yourself for leadership and global opportunity, Acaydia is the right choice for you. We hope you consider us as you plan for an exciting career ahead.