28-Year-Old Esthetician Earns $180,000 Without Degree

Miracle Workman chose not to pursue college and found her passion as an esthetician, now running a successful business.
Miracle Workman, a 28-year-old mom, decided early on that college wasn’t her path. After a brief stint in higher education, she returned to her job as a hostess in her hometown in Alaska, seeking inspiration for her career. It wasn’t long before she found her calling during a visit to a plastic surgeon’s office in Arizona. Witnessing an esthetician’s work, she was captivated and decided to pursue a career in skincare.

Workman’s journey to becoming an esthetician was rigorous. In Alaska, it required at least 350 hours of study and passing two exams for a license. Workman began her classes in 2015, juggling her coursework with a part-time job at a pizzeria. Despite the challenges, she loved her classes, which covered makeup, hair removal, brow artistry, and more. She invested around $7,000 in tuition, supplies, exams, and license fees.

After graduating in 2015, she gained experience by working at a waxing salon, a med spa, and a day spa. When the pandemic hit in 2020, she used the time to draft her business plan. Workman rented space in a hair salon for her esthetic studio and started her own business, with a budget of approximately $10,000.

Instagram played a pivotal role in her marketing strategy, helping her reach clients and share her services. She offered specialized skincare services like lymphatic facials and scalp treatments, which allowed her to work fewer hours while increasing her income. In just 12 months, she achieved a net profit of $115,000.

In 2022, Workman purchased the hair salon in the front of her building and hired her first commission-only employee. Despite her success, she maintains a flexible schedule, working around 15-20 hours a week. She appreciates the freedom her career offers and cherishes the meaningful connections she makes with clients.

Workman’s journey showcases how pursuing one’s passion and entrepreneurship can lead to a successful and fulfilling career without the need for a traditional degree.

Re-reported from the article originally published in CNBC Make It