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Charting Your Path
“My goal is to learn about hair and skin care and complete my cosmetology license by spring 2008,” she says. “While I’m in school, I’m also visiting different salons in the area to find a booth-rental location that will bring in the clients I need and give me a chance to start learning about business management.”
When Heidemann entered the nail industry in 1988, the former healthcare worker and dance instructor had her sights set on salon ownership. “I opened a Mommy-and-me salon, which allowed me to spend time with my daughter and run my own business, but it wasn’t quite what I wanted,” she says. “I really missed teaching, so I became an educator.”
Heidemann loved teaching so much that she and her husband began planning their own nail school. Once the ABC School of Nail Technology opened, they set two new goals: to expand into a full cosmetology program, and to launch a salon consulting company. “Our plan was to expand the school within 10 years,” she says. The couple began meeting with local salon owners to find out what kind of support they needed from a consulting company. They also began shopping for a larger facility to house a full cosmetology school. In January of this year, the Heidemanns closed negotiations on their new space and set about launching their expanded education program.
“We’re big believers in goal-setting—no goal is too big or too small,” Heidemann says. “To me, the day you stop reaching is the day you stop breathing.”
Identify Your Goals
For many of us, the question isn’t “How can I achieve my goal?” but “What exactly is my goal?” Maybe you entered the industry because you have a general interest in beauty and fashion or because you love to do your own nails. Now that you’re here, you find yourself moving from job to job feeling unfulfilled and less than enthusiastic about what the future may hold. Fortunately, it’s never too late to take control of your career and find the job that will reignite your passion. All it takes is a little introspection.
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“We’re all the CEOs of our own careers,” says Marilyn Fettner, president and owner of Fettner Career Consulting in Northbrook, Illinois. “The first step in taking charge of your future is to identify your  goals by doing some career assessment.” If you don’t have the budget for professional help, you can assess your own strengths by setting aside an hour in a quiet space to ask yourself some important questions.
“Understanding your top interests and skills is the first step in clarifying your goals to find a fulfilling career,” Fettner says. Think back to the moments when you were happiest, moments when the time just seemed to fly by. What were you doing?
When it comes to identifying your strengths, think about the times when people sought you out either to ask your advice or offer positive feedback for a job well done.
- What am I good at doing?
- What do I enjoy doing the most?
- What are my priorities?
- How far can I commute?
- Am I willing to travel?
- How much money do I need to make?
- How much money do I want to make?
Once you uncover your favorite aspects of the industry, you can narrow your career options by looking at lifestyle concerns. Do you need flexibility so you can spend time with your children? Perhaps you’re looking for a high income. Or do you yearn to travel in your career?
“This will help you create a snapshot of yourself,” Fettner says. “Once you have this picture, you’ll be able to look at your industry and find careers that match your personality traits. Then you’re ready to formulate a plan to reach those career goals.”
Inga Hansen is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer.
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