Becoming an Esthetician and Starting a Mobile Business
You’re ready to take the plunge and operate your mobile esthetics business. First things first––what exactly is a mobile esthetics business? A mobile esthetics business is when a licensed esthetician drives to different client locations, be it a home, hotel, or stage set, and provides esthetic services. The only overhead fee you have to worry about is the mode of transportation getting you to your client’s destination and the products and tools you’ll be using.
Attracting clients to a new business or a new location can take time and effort. The main goal of attracting clients is advertising through an app or word-of-mouth that you are in the area, can come to their location, and offer esthetic services..
Starting a Mobile Esthetics Business
Here are some key elements that anyone looking to start a mobile esthetics business should take into consideration:
- Obtain proper automotive licensing
- Earn a license from a state-approved esthetics program
- Obtain an official business license
- Determine business focal points: facials, waxing, or all services
- Purchase equipment
- Purchase skincare products
- Determine a price list and a policies guide
- Establish a client base and if possible, a referral system
- Create marketing techniques
Using Your Car for Your Business
To have a mobile business, you must have a valid driver’s license and a registered and insured vehicle. Check state policy to be sure you are up to date.
As a professional esthetician, maintain a professional and friendly appearance and demeanor. Similarly, if you advertise your services on the vehicle for people to notice when you drive, make sure they see the beauty surrounding you to reinforce the beauty you could create.
Licensing
Business Licensing
Obtaining a business license is fairly easy, but you want to ensure you have the right goals and plans before investing. First, decide on your business structure. Most likely, you will want to be the sole proprietor. You can also opt to make it a partnership, a limited liability company, or eventually a corporation.
Of course, there is much more involved for the latter three. Once you have made your decision, obtain the licensing.
Licensing includes registering your business name and receiving a federal tax ID number. If you hire help of any kind, you will also need a state employer ID and an IRS number.
Esthetics Licensing
Research the board rules that pertain to your particular state to ensure you possess specific licensing requirements to practice your skill.
Why Get Licensed?
Your state law will likely require you to hold a valid license to practice esthetics, barbering, or cosmetology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the job outlook for skincare specialists will increase at a rate of 17% by 2031, which is much faster than average. People will always want to look and feel beautiful, so you can rest assured that if all else fails, you have a license to let potential employers know that you have experience in your trade.
So How Do I Become a Licensed Esthetician?
The National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences accredits Evergreen Beauty College. By getting an education with us, you can take your skill in the United States and get recognized as the glamorous esthetic provider that you are. Our esthetics program will teach you techniques and how to apply these teachings beyond the walls of our school.
With every Evergreen educational program, we send students through a training program that focuses on business marketing, retail, customer development, and strategies to assist you in building your own business. Those months alone offer valuable information that you can take with you long into the future.
I am a licensed esthetician and want to get started with a mobile business
Hello Dina, thank you for the post? What is stopping you from starting you mobile business?
Hi I’m Tatiana, I would love to get in contact with a mobile esthetician.
Tatiana, what state are you located in?
Where are you located
We have five campuses in the Washington state; Mount Vernon, Everett, North Seattle, Renton and Yakima
Hello , I am a veteran Aesthetician and I would like to go mobile, can you give me any tips ? I am already licensed , insured and I have a legal LLC.
Stephanie, be sure that you have Mobile License as well. It’s a separate license than your traditional Aesthetician license.
Hello, im already an esthestician i would like more infomation about going mobile
Jasmine, the first step is to review the state laws. If you are in Washington, here it is below:
RCW 18.16.175
Salon/shop or mobile unit requirements—Liability insurance—Complaints—Inspection—Registration—Use of motor homes—Posting of licenses.
(1) A salon/shop or mobile unit shall meet the following minimum requirements:
(a) Maintain an outside entrance separate from any rooms used for sleeping or residential purposes;
(b) Provide and maintain for the use of its customers adequate toilet facilities located within or adjacent to the salon/shop or mobile unit;
(c) Any room used wholly or in part as a salon/shop or mobile unit shall not be used for residential purposes, except that toilet facilities may be used for both residential and business purposes;
(d) Meet the zoning requirements of the county, city, or town, as appropriate;
(e) Provide for safe storage and labeling of chemicals used in the practices under this chapter;
(f) Meet all applicable local and state fire codes; and
(g) Certify that the salon/shop or mobile unit is covered by a public liability insurance policy in an amount not less than one hundred thousand dollars for combined bodily injury and property damage liability.
(2) The director may by rule determine other requirements that are necessary for safety and sanitation of salons/shops, personal services, or mobile units. The director may consult with the state board of health and the department of labor and industries in establishing minimum salon/shop, personal services, and mobile unit safety requirements.
(3) Personal services license holders shall certify coverage of a public liability insurance policy in an amount not less than one hundred thousand dollars for combined bodily injury and property damage liability.
(4) Upon receipt of a written complaint that a salon/shop or mobile unit has violated any provisions of this chapter, chapter 18.235 RCW, or the rules adopted under either chapter, or at least once every two years for an existing salon/shop or mobile unit, the director or the director’s designee shall inspect each salon/shop or mobile unit. If the director determines that any salon/shop or mobile unit is not in compliance with this chapter, the director shall send written notice to the salon/shop or mobile unit. A salon/shop or mobile unit which fails to correct the conditions to the satisfaction of the director within a reasonable time shall, upon due notice, be subject to the penalties imposed by the director under RCW 18.235.110. The director may enter any salon/shop or mobile unit during business hours for the purpose of inspection. The director may contract with health authorities of local governments to conduct the inspections under this subsection.
(5) A salon/shop, personal services, or mobile unit shall obtain a certificate of registration from the department of revenue.
(6) This section does not prohibit the use of motor homes as mobile units if the motor home meets the health and safety standards of this section.
(7) Salon/shop or mobile unit licenses issued by the department must be posted in the salon/shop or mobile unit’s reception area.
(8) Cosmetology, hair design, barbering, esthetics, master esthetics, and manicuring licenses issued by the department must be posted at the licensed person’s workstation.
If I purchased a van, could I do the facials and waxing in the van just as they perform haircuts?
I am wondering the same thing. There is really nothing that tells us the guidelines on this in Washington.
You may want to check out http://www.dol.wa.gov under the Cosmetology Division. There is great summary on the rules and regulations that govern Mobile services.
I am currently a licensed esthetician i. The state of Florida. I am interested in more Information and Furthering my education in the business and marketing area.
There are some great schools in Florida; go online and do your research to find the right now. Look at their curriculum, but also their culture and talk to their students to see if you would be a good fit! Good luck!
Im not licensed yet nor plan to be, just looking for more info. How profitable would you think this would be? I already micro car camp around the country fulltime and am looking to invest in a job that i can do while i travel. Im worried about finding clientele throughout the country? How would you advertise yourself? Thank you!
Each state has different requirements, but most, if not all states do require a state license. You shared that you did not plan on getting license which may be an obstacle.
If I decide that it is something i want to invest in then i plan on going to school for it. Just very nervous on making a commitment like that!
Hello! I’m an esthetician in Colorado and want to travel to individuals homes to perform select services. What licensure is required to make this legal?
Cass, that’s a great quesition. A good starting point would be review the Colorado state laws. Here is a link if that would be helpful! Good luck 🙂 Link: dpo.colorado.gov/BarberCosmetology/Laws
Cass, that’s a great question. A good starting point would be review the Colorado state laws. Here is a link if that would be helpful! Good luck 🙂 Link: dpo.colorado.gov/BarberCosmetology/Laws
How about if you want to be a mobile esthetician in florida
Stacy, I would suggest that you reach out the Florida Cosmetology Board. In case you didn’t have their website, here it is: boardofcosmetology.net/florida-state-board-of-cosmetology-cb9
I’m a license esthetician from St.Louis Mo would love to start a traveling business coming to client home. Given facials and other service. How can I get started
Gail, that is a great question. A good place to start would be to contact Missouri’s Cosmetology Board: pr.mo.gov/cosbar.asp
How do I become a mobile esthetician legally if i am licensed in two states?
Jtouch, which states are you in? The state laws typically have it outlined. Here in Washington State, mobile business have an identified license that you must get in addition to your professional license.
My daughter is a licensed Esthetician in Florida. She wants to open a mobile business. How do you get professional products to use on clients and sell for retail without a physical salon?
I’m currently an esthetician in Michigan and am interested in going mobile. Any tips for my state?
What tipped drivers license I need for driving a mobile salon
i am long time this industry but now i want to start mobile spa business
Hi how I get Mobil lic nj I have all ready llc
Please
Hey so im trying to understand the legalities, do i need a permit? and how do i obtain those vans so i can start?
on your website you randomly have “buy flexeril online no prescription” in the paragraph under the business licensing section, first paragraph. I don’t think this is meant to be there lol
Hi, I am a licensed aesthetician, and I would love to start my mobile business.
Do i need any permit to start esthetics business at home
Stefanie, I would recommend you reaching out to your state/local regulatory agencies. Remember that state and local municipalities may have different requirements.
I want to find out the details of doing house calls as an esthetician. How can I start it, what equipment should I purchase, what are some pros and cons that I should consider? This is for WA.