The Esthetician Business Startup Checklist
Going independent is exciting and a lot to track. Use this checklist to cover the essentials in the right order.
Legal and licensing
- Active esthetics license in your state
- Business structure chosen (sole proprietor, LLC) and registered
- EIN from the IRS if needed
- Local business license and any establishment license your state requires
- Liability insurance in place
Money
- Separate business bank account
- Bookkeeping system and a plan for quarterly taxes
- Pricing set using your costs and local market
- Payment processing and a cancellation policy
Space
- Room, suite or mobile setup chosen
- Lease reviewed and signed
- Sanitation and disinfection procedures written down
Clients
- Online booking with intake forms and consent
- Professional profile with services, prices and photos
- Google Business Profile if you see clients in person
- Rebooking and referral plan
Growth
- Virtual consultations to earn between appointments
- Continuing education plan
- A peer community for questions and referrals
The Providers HQ brings the community, rooms, jobs, education and virtual consultations together in one verified place, so you can tick off much of this list in one account.
This guide is general education, not legal advice. Esthetics rules are set state by state and change. Check with your state board of cosmetology or esthetics, and a licensed attorney, before making decisions for your business.
Get started on The Providers HQ
The Providers HQ is the free, verified home base for Licensed Estheticians, beauty pros and Massage Therapists: community, treatment rooms, jobs and gigs, education and paid virtual consultations in one place. Join free and upgrade to a Virtual Esthetician plan when you're ready to take paid video consultations.
