Spa & Salon Sanitation, Disinfection, and Sterilization

Posted onFebruary 14, 2019February 17, 2019

Spa & Salon Sanitation, Disinfection, and Sterilization

Why should we put spa & salon sanitation disinfection and sterilization at the top of our continuing education? Public health and safety is the top priority of our job and is fundamentally the largest aspect of our work. Anyone who has basic training can provide a service, or apply a set of acrylic or gel nails but if you are using unclean implements or practices those services can cause an infection or worse death. It is our obligation to educate our clients so they know that we have the highest standards when it comes to the cleanliness of our work. To do that we must educate ourselves and the clients to follow the standards when it comes to sanitation disinfection and sterilization.

“Sanitation and infection control are some of the first things we learn in beauty school, and for good reason! It is crucial to have an understanding of the different kinds of infections you may come across, in order to protect yourself and the client. Clients rely on our knowledge and professionalism and trust us with their health, so we must abide by the law by giving them the best treatment without taking shortcuts.”- Dermascope ( by Dasha Saian, L.E.)

EST 1 Esthetician – All Trades Sanitation, Disinfection, and Sterilization is a work-study booklet that is the most current and up to date study guide on sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization for estheticians. This invaluable resource is available in our Free Esthetics Traning Manuals. The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC), Damaris Terleski, Nove Salon & Esthetics Wholesale Ltd, and Veronica Lynne-Swirsky have co-authored a fantastic study resource. This guide is perfect for newbies, or experienced estheticians who want a refresher or to nail down the correct practices.

What the guide covers:

Scope of Practice
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Supplies
Hand Washing
What Does “Clean” Mean
What is Sanitizing?
What is Disinfecting
Critical Items, Semi-Critical, and non-Critical Items
What is Sterilizing
Storage of Clean Items
workbook Surfaces
Disinfecting Surfaces
Disinfecting Surfaces With Disinfectant Wipes
Portable Foot
Whirlpool Foot Spas, Air-Jet Basins, “Pipe-less” Foot Spas and Other
Circulating Spas
What can be Disinfected
Disinfecting Instruments
Bits for Electric Files
Linens
Personal Care Packs and Client-Provided Tools
Rocks and Marbles
Choosing a Chemosterilant / High Level Disinfectant
Re-use
Manufacturer’s Specifications
Purchasing
Contamination Types
Accidental Exposure to Blood and Body Fluid
Remediating a Contamination
General Practices
Sanitation Between Clients
Linens
Daily Sanitation
Records and Logs
Autoclave Records
Contact Surfaces
Laundry
Steam Sterilization
Manicures and Pedicures
Warts
Blades
Cuticles
Paraffin Wax
Porous and Non-Porous
Brushes and Applicators
Module Summary Self-Tests

The guide is composed of objectives, hands-on practices, theory and much more. It’s printable so you could print off a copy for each of your staff and have them work on it as a take home project. Please share this guide with your colleagues.

—–>>>>> DOWNLOAD: EST 1 Esthetician – All Trades Sanitation, Disinfection, and Sterilization

Other resources:

Resources:

Saskatchewan Specific:

Public Health Inspectors-Regina 306-766-7755

Saskatchewan Personal Service Facility Best Management Practices

Spa & Salon Sanitation, Disinfection, and Sterilization-Authored by The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC), Damaris Terleski, Nove Salon & Esthetics Wholesale Ltd, and Veronica Lynne-Swirsky

Invasive Personal Service Facilities -Government of Sask –

Opening a Personal Services Facility -Saskatchewan Fact Sheet

Other Sanitation Resources:

Pro Beauty Services and Infection Control in Canada

Resources from Virox- Guidelines by Market Segment

Something to Talk About: Washing Hands

Public Health Ontario – Infection Prevention and Control

Pedicure Cleaning Log

NMC’s Pedicure Equipment Cleaning and Disinfecting Procedures for Nail Technicians

3 Ways Effective Cleaning and Disinfection Products Can Improve Your Business

Get Barbicide Certified for Safe Salon Services

Metrex Product Literature

Salon Disinfection Checklist

Test your knowledge!

Milady Sanitation Exam Review

Cosmetology – Infection Control: Principales And Practice

If you are interested in other free training manuals take a look at Free Esthetics Traning Manuals.

We also have a fantastic list of resources you might find helpful—>>>Our Incredible List of Business Building Resources

Special shout out to Savana Glazier for help on this article.

Increasing service value

Posted onFebruary 12, 2019February 17, 2019

Increasing Service Value

Increasing service value can cost you very little and keep your clients loyal. I think you will agree with me that you would rather go the doctor’s office that is clean, uses cloth sheets and has fresh flowers in the room rather than the normal plain doctor’s office.

“Experiences are perceived as more valuable than money. Instead of offering discounts or referral bonuses, give loyal customers special experiences as a reward for their continued business. “-https://www.forbes.com

In my blog post “Small things that keep your clients coming back” I talk a lot about small gestures or add-ons to a service that makes your services seem more personal, stand out and increase value.

“By improving on the experience and satisfaction delivered to your customers, you’re erasing the chances of losing them to you competitors. In the age of improved consumer awareness, customers are now well aware of the powers that lie in the choices they make. Use this opportunity to your own advantage.” https://www.entrepreneur.com

The Rules

Some entrepreneurs offer add-ons at a small charge. There are some pros and cons to charging for these small add-ons. Pro= higher-dollar service amount. Con= your clients will feel nickel and dimed.
I do not have a magic formula for what I charge clients for extras or what I include in the cost of a service, but I generally follow a few rules:

Any consumable (coffee, essential oil, snacks) that cost me less than $2.00, I give these to clients for free.

Higher end add-ons I charge for (paraffin hand dip, lip masks etc.) but I will always give an add-on to every client at least once so they can try it. I have found that over 60% of clients will purchase an add at least once after trying it.

If I am booked less than 75% full that’s when I start to give free add-ons to my clients to increase my service VALUE. I advertise to clients that they will get a free add-on when they book between certain dates. This eliminates discounts on the actual service and will likely cost between $2-3 to me.

No matter how full I am booked, I ask every single client if they would like to purchase an add-on. It’s apart of the phone call or online booking.

My Favorite Add-ons For Increasing Service Value

There are many things you can do to make your service more special or add on an extra to the service.
Add paraffin hand or feet dips, lip plumping masks, easy to apply peel off mask
Lip Wax
Moisture hand treatment, (cuticle oil, thick hand cream wrapped in a warm towel)
Essential oil of choice in the diffuser
Coffee, tea, spa water (Keep paper cups to go on hand)
Heated neck warmers
Make sure the room is decorated luxuriously
Have a heating pad
Add an electric massage pad or foot massager
Have salt lamps and candle going
Your clients will love the little upgrades to services or improvements to your space and this will increase their loyalty to you.

How to get your salon or spa on Google

Posted onJanuary 21, 2019February 4, 2019

How to get your salon or spa on Google

One of the most frequent questions I’ve had in the last couple of months is “How do I get my salon or spa on google?”

Sometimes the advertising part of your business can be completely overwhelming. If your one of those people, then this is a great post for you. I will make it as easy as filling up your wax stick tray.

I’ve had my business on Google for over 6 years and you will see the insights how successful and important my google listing is to my business.

There are a thousand places to list your business on the internet, but Google is by far the most important one. It’s also one that you can basically set and forget. Once you have your information in there you don’t need to change it unless you are updating your business information.

Why get your salon or spa on google?

In this day and age everyone “googles”. When you put your business on google it increases your chances of building your business by making it internet visible.

“Having a positive presence on Google My Business can significantly increase your sales and in-store traffic. In fact, according to Google, 50% of people who perform a local online search for certain products or stores will actually visit a store that same day.”-Forbes

There are over 2 trillion Google searches per day in 2018, but Internet Live Stats, an excellent source for making assumptions, claims around 5.5 billion searches done on Google per day or over 63,000 search queries done per second.-Ardor SEO

Get your free printable appointment calendar

What happens when you get your salon or spa on Google?

Basically, you sign in (or create an account if you don’t have one) on Google, claim your business, get a postcard, follow the steps on the postcard and voila you’re on Google. (I wish that it was that quick, but you have to fill out some information.)

I was trying to figure out the best way to type all the steps out then I realized that the information changes so fast that it’s better if I send you right to the direct page on google. It’s pretty easy and it’s basically fill in the blanks.

So how do you get there?

Follow this link!

What you will see:

Click the magic green button!

What you will get with your Google listing:

A free easy to build website! But don’t worry. If you already have a website, you won’t need to take part in this step.

Access to very important analytics

You’ll also get complete control over all your business information like hours, pictures, map details etc.
One of my favourite features is insights. You’ll learn what is working well for your business, how many people are finding you and what buttons they are clicking.

If you take online bookings certain schedule providers, you can even have a direct booking link. If your provider is not on the list, you can add a button to your posts to go directly to your website.

How to wow people with your Google listing!

Fill in as much of the business details that you can. From experience the more information on the listing that there is the less likely you get information request phone calls that tie up your days (ie. What time are you open until, do you take visa, etc. etc.

Take amazing pictures of your business and products and even yourself! You can add text overlay with a free picture editing program like Canva.

Update your listing frequently.

Claiming your business on Google is not that scary. It takes 10 minutes or so to set the account up and request the verifications post card.
Your free google listing can really help grow your business!

Still confused?

It’s Ok. It took me a while to figure out. Here is a video if you are a visual learner or need a little more help!

If you like this article you might be interested in Accounting and taxes for self-employed estheticians.

Accounting and taxes for self-employed estheticians

Posted onNovember 12, 2018February 11, 2019

Accounting and taxes for self-employed estheticians, nail techs, lash techs and more

Tax time can be stressful.

Especially if you are in your first year of business. If this part of your business freaks you out call a professional! Self-employed estheticians, nail techs, lash techs are very capable of doing their own accounting and taxes. If you are a DIYer or need to save money and have the time available on your hands to do a little digging than keep reading.

How I manage my accounting and taxes

Accounting and taxes for self-employed estheticians can actually be pretty easy once you have everything prepared.

WAVEAPPS

Waveapps is the accounting software that I use for my business. It’s free! (unless you buy some of the addons which, I never have) It’s easy and cloud-based. I sometimes refer to it as “Accounting for dummies”. And if you’re self-employed or home-based this accounting software is perfect for you!

QUICKBOOKS

If you need a little more direction or maybe some phone support another inexpensive option is Quickbooks. Quickbooks is popular among all types and sizes of business because it is easy to use and inexpensive. They also offer a lot of support in the form of webinars, tutorials and chat boxes. This is a great starting point for newbies

They have a fantastic Self-Employed option which is super inexpensive. QuickBooks Self-Employed connects to your bank so you can easily categorize income and expenses, capture and match receipts, send invoices, and automatically track mileage so you will be ready come tax time.

You can also have the ability to connect the apps you know and love with QuickBooks Online to keep your business running smoothly.

They also have a no obligation test drive option so you can try it out before you invest your money!

What about income taxes?

TURBOTAX

Once you have your year of paperwork, Get your Turbo tax ready. Click on the link below to find the best program for you. TurboTax is also known to me as “Income tax for dummies”. It basically just walks you through the whole process by asking you questions.

When you are home-based, or self-employed you can fill out one return for your business and personal income tax. So, have all your personal information such as medical receipts or job t4 slips or anything else you would provide for your income tax return.

Watch the video because it explains it perfectly!

Also, I should mention that Turbo Tax has a great Refund policy!

Handy links:

Revenue Canada

Self-employed Business, Professional, Commission
Turbo tax Canada
WaveApps
Quickbooks

If you liked this post you might be interested in How to boost holiday sales in your salon or spa or our other popular blog post Cutting costs for home-based salons and spas

Disclaimer:

This web page is intended solely for information purposes and no individual or other third party may rely upon it as tax or legal advice or use it for any other purpose. The content does not provide tax advice to any taxpayer and does not take into account any specific taxpayer’s facts and circumstances. Readers are encouraged to consult with professional advisors for advice concerning specific matters before making any decision or taking a position on any tax return.

The best beauty industry books

Posted onSeptember 20, 2018October 25, 2018

The best books in the beauty industry

I often get asked what books can help a newbie out in the beauty industry. I’ve done a lot of research and although I may not have had time to read every single book I thought I would pull together a list of the best books in the beauty industry. I’m only including recent materials and materials which have decent reviews.
If you have any you would like to add to the list just message me and I would love to add it! Read More …

Save on your next conference or trip

Posted onSeptember 6, 2018September 6, 2018

Staying at Airbnb?

I know there are a lot of you out there who are heading to conferences and take classes away from your hometown so I wanted to share a discount code for Airbnb! Right now they are running a promotion that you can save $45 when you sign up for a new account and book a stay. Click the link below to see how you can save today.

Every little bit helps right?

Freebie- Build your business with referrals.

Posted onSeptember 5, 2018

5 years ago I felt like my business was at a standstill. I felt like no matter what I did I couldn’t seem to get any new clients in the door. After reading 23 books about how to get new clients in the service industry I found the one way the consistently built my business up with barely any effort.

This is a free guide to building your business with referrals. It works for anyone in the service industry and anyone can do it. Feel free to share this page with your friends and fellow professionals and help each other build your businesses.

Why Esthetics makes a great part-time job

Posted onAugust 23, 2018September 6, 2018

Why Esthetics makes a great part-time job

I think you’ll agree with me that when it comes down to having to get a part-time job in the summer and the choice is a fast food place or luxury spa, you would choose the spa job. (If you’d rather work in fast food I won’t judge you) Read More …

List of 50+ Study Guides for Beauty Professionals

Posted onMay 31, 2018September 6, 2018

List of 50+ Study Guides for Beauty Professionals

Do you have an exam coming up?

Are you feeling a little less than confident when it comes to writing exams?

I just discovered this entire e-book collection!

Posted onMay 13, 2018May 22, 2018

Available today

37 work-at-home resources to help you fulfill your dreams, be your own boss and relish your freedom.

Maybe you’ve already tasted the freedom of working from home, but you’re struggling to juggle work and family responsibilities. If this is you than this e-book collection is perfect for you!

Or maybe you want to work from home, but you’re just not sure how to get started.

Either way, we totally understand. In fact, we’ve been there.

I love this package. I realize not all of the books will pertain to your situation working from a home based salon or spa but you can pick through the resources you like. It’s still really cheap though! Also, It’s an American based company so it’s $47 USD.

3 of my favorite books in the package

What you’ll get in the e-book collection

About me

Posted onJuly 10, 2017September 5, 2018

10 years ago, as a newly single mom, I was crazy enough to apply for student loans, go back to school and start a new career. While I was in school I studied during my lunch hours to so that I didn’t have to worry about losing precious time with my young son. That was when I began my journey as an Esthetician.

I thought I was the person who never wanted to work for themselves. I didn’t want to be in control of my own marketing, or inventory or insurance. I was pretty happy just showing up every day working with my clients and going home with a clean slate. I had the unique desire and determination to compel my clients to request me as their Esthetician and to buy products from me. I am an easy going, positive person and that’s what clients looked for. I paid attention to details and to clients and made a point of connecting with them. I studied continually on client retention sales so I could increase my retail commission check.I Even though I had been working so hard, I was still broke.

Then I met Scott. He constantly encouraged me and gave me the confidence boost I needed. Soon I realized I was limited into how much I could grow working for someone else. I needed to be in control of my client needs, happiness, and expectations. After much deliberation and some financial help from my parents and my new spouse, I took the leap of faith and decided to go out on my own.

After years of research and studying, I have finally found the keys to success. With the continuing support of Scott, friends, family and other industry experts, I want to coach you on how to be successful without spending the 1000’s of hours of research time and dollars spent on books that I did.

I know with the right means you can achieve your goals! You will find Our Incredible List of Business Building Resources incredibly valuable as well as some other articles I have written and collaborated on.

I provide advanced business and esthetics education through my consulting company Smart Start Consulting. Read more about how I achieved substantial business through hard work, research, and dedication. Contact me for a free consultation on how I can help you grow your business, get ready for exams or save money in the workplace.

Contact Tania Rice

taniarice@sasktel.net