More Intention and Control.

By Elle Wilson

Does it ever feel like no matter how hard you work; your beauty business still isn’t where you want it to be? Whether you’re overwhelmed by back-to-back clients or struggling to fill your books without lowering your prices, I want you to know—you’re not alone. Trust me, I’ve been in your shoes. I started my own spa when I was twenty-one. That was nearly four decades ago, and I still remember the sleepless nights, the gnawing feeling in my belly, wondering if I was missing something, and if I’d ever get it right.

Burnout wasn’t something people talked about back then, but I knew the signs. I felt the pressure rising as I tried to keep everything together, believing it was my business that needed fixing when, in reality, it was me. When I didn’t listen fast enough, burnout caught up with me. It can sneak up on the best of us, and as Arianna Huffington, founder of the Huffington Post and Thrive Global, reminds us, burnout is now at epidemic levels, especially among women.

So, let’s get strategic before burnout sets in, shall we? You don’t need to stay stuck in mental anguish, waking up with that knot in your stomach. The moment we embrace a strategy that serves both you and your business, everything begins to shift.

If you’re reading this, you probably fall into one of two categories: You’re either overwhelmed, packed with too many clients, feeling like you’re running on fumes. Or maybe you’re underbooked, wanting more clients but unwilling to discount your services because you know your worth. Either way, it’s easy to start questioning yourself. And that’s when things get tricky.

Here’s what I need you to understand: your struggles do not define you. Whether you’re overbooked or under booked, the fact that you’re here, looking for answers, means you’re ready for a shift—a pivot toward running your beauty business with more intention and control. Your situation is not a reflection of your talent or your worth. Instead, it’s an opportunity for growth, a signal that it’s time to work smarter, not harder.

The beauty industry is demanding; I know how much you care about giving your clients the best results possible. But without the right strategy, even the most talented professionals can find themselves struggling. You can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s time to care for yourself and your business in a way that allows you to thrive, not just survive.

So, what can you do?

If you’re overbooked and overwhelmed, it might seem like having a full calendar is the dream, but without a solid plan, it can quickly turn into a nightmare. Running from client to client without any breathing room will only lead you straight to burnout.

The solution? Plan with purpose. Consider implementing a waitlist. A waitlist not only gives you more control over your schedule, but it also sends a message to your clients: your time is valuable, and they are fortunate to have a spot with you. And if your demand is high, maybe it’s time to raise your prices. Remember, you’re offering incredible value—don’t be afraid to reflect that in your pricing.

Next let's talk about building community. Your current clients are your biggest advocates, and it's time to start showing them how much you appreciate them. Engage with them through social media, email, or even a quick check-in. When your client feels like they're a part of something exclusive, they’re more likely to stick around—and they’ll bring their friends.

If you’re underbooked and need more clients, I see you too. It’s frustrating when you’re offering an impactful service, but the clients aren’t showing up. This is where strategy makes all the difference. First, audit your business.

How smooth is your client experience from booking to follow-up? If there are any rough patches along the way, now is the time to smooth them out. Small tweaks in your operations can make a huge difference in how clients perceive your brand.

Next, instead of reacting with discounts, be proactive about building genuine relationships. A strong referral program can work wonders without devaluing your services. Give your existing clients an irresistible reason to bring in their friends and family, and you’ll see your bookings increase without sacrificing your worth.

I know this might seem like a lot to take in, but here’s the beauty of it: everything is fixable. Accepting where your business is right now is empowering. It means that you have the power to make changes, to grow, and to thrive. You are not stuck. You are learning, growing, and adapting. Every small step forward is progress, and that’s what matters.

This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to learn, and every hurdle is a chance to grow stronger. The fact that you’re here, reading this, means you’re already taking action. You’re already on the path to something better, and I’m right here to support you.

So, what’s your next step? I’d love to hear more about what you’re experiencing. What’s been your biggest struggle lately? Let’s figure it out together. I believe in you. You’ve got this.

With so much love and belief in your brilliance, Elle Wilson

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