In 2005, Natalie Parkin was working in IT selling telecommunications and long distance services to corporations when one of her friends told her that Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare was going up for sale. “The telecommunication world was falling and there was a lot of out of work people,” says Parkin. “I was looking for a business to buy, so I bought the school.”
Not completely new to the beauty industry, Parkin grew up in her mother’s beauty salon. “My Mom put my Dad through college doing hair,” Parkin says. “She still has her shop today.”
Being a single mother, Parkin knew the importance of women being self-reliant and being able to stand on their own two feet.
The beauty industry has been resistant to the economic downturns, even doing well during the ‘Great Recession of 2008.’ Women become more price conscious during those times, but they don’t stop spending.
Instagram and Facebook are several social media outlets that drive demand for beauty services. “There is a lot of pressure to look good; we just come from a place where we think everyone is beautiful,” says Parkin. People of all ages, genders and social status are finding ways to incorporate pampering such as makeovers, facials, massages, and many other treatments into their routines as well as their budgets. “People just want to be beautiful.”
After Parkin bought the school she saw that there were no business classes. She wanted a curriculum giving students everything necessary to succeed as estheticians when they graduated. “The students need to have business acumen,” she says.
For instance, an accountant shows them how to fill out a 1099 tax form. “We even teach them social media skills, how to get Google reviews, and we have plans to add a mini web design class,” she says.
Classes start every nine weeks with five to fourteen students per class. The basic esthetician license focuses on beauty, with lash extensions, waxing, facials, manicures, and pedicures.
The master esthetician license covers chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and microneedling. Microneedling is a procedure using small needles to prick the skin to promote collagen production, thus reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
After completing three weeks of training, students will work under supervision in the student spa. Facial treatments, microdermabrasion, waxing, brow/lash tint, and natural nail care are a sample of what they offer. “We even have a facial plastic surgeon come in to do fillers and botox,” says Parkin.
Parkin says the European facial is one of their most popular services in the spa because it’s relaxing and results driven. “The beauty industry is just an amazing career,” she says. “It gives you the flexibility to be your own boss.”
Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare
2121 Nowell Circle
Salt Lake City, Utah
801-530-0001
