Last November, The National Post reported that Alberta Health aims to eliminate 500 nursing jobs over the next three years in an effort to find efficiency in the budget.

Not surprisingly, we have had nurses come to us for guidance on how they can use their training and experience in the beauty industry.

Nurses working with injectables.

Nurses who join the beauty industry are often interested in offering injectables. Botox and fillers are amongst the fastest growing services in the beauty industry,

Alberta Health asks 3 questions when it comes to injectables:

1. Who can buy it?
2. Who prescribed it?
3. Who administers it?

If you a member of any college of nursing in Alberta (such as CARNA, CLPNA, or CPSA) you have to check with your college to see what you as a member are allowed to administer as a nursing professional.

If you want to provide aesthetic services, there are multiple medispas that hire RNs to administer injectables. For example, some spas work directly with doctors who are able to get and prescribe the injectables and the RN administers it.

Each manufacturer may have their own rules around a physician being present in the facility when injections are being administered. You will have to contact the manufacturers in question and inquire about their specific instructions.

---

Cosmetic Botox® and Nurse Colleges

Botox is a Schedule 1 drug and therefore requires a prescription. Once a prescription has been written, it is currently up to each college to decide whether to allow their members to administer the drug, and under what conditions.

Botox® Manufacturer’s instructions

ALLERGAN’s instructions for use of Botox generally state that injections can only be given by physicians with the appropriate qualifications and experience in the treatment and the use of required equipment.

Who can buy it?

The sale of Botox is regulated federally. Only certain health professionals can purchase this drug legally.

Illegal Cosmetic Botox

Health Canada says is very interested in any inappropriate sales of Botox®. Alberta Health asks you report any suspected illegal sale of Botox.

Cosmetic Botox® and Alberta Health Violations

Alberta Health is not proposing a policy on the use of drugs in personal service settings, but, if reports arise that Botox is being offered in an unsanitary manner, steps will be taken by health inspectors to correct those violations.

The amended Personal Services Regulation and Standards require an operator using cosmetic Botox to follow any accompanying instructions for safe use.

Alberta Health Inspectors may also take referral steps if an inspector suspected irregularity with the purchase, prescription or administration of the drug. These referrals might be to a regulatory college, Health Canada, Alberta Health or to administrators the Pharmacy Act.

---

Classification of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers (Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA) and Hyaluronic Acid) are neither a drug, nor a cosmetic. Rather they are a Class 3 medical device (given how far they are inserted into the body).

Sale of Class 3 medical devices

There are no restrictions placed on these devices by Health Canada as to who can sell them. Some manufacturer’s state that the fillers are only to be used by a health care practitioner.

Dermal fillers and Alberta Health

The newly updated Personal Services Standards regulate the use of fillers to require that they carry the product name, a list of ingredients and instructions for safe use. Also, any instructions for safe use must be followed by the operator.

---

EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP

Beauty Industry Resource Centre

(780) 604-2772

info@executivespagroup.com

About 70% of our students have long term goals of self-employment.  We offer the following advice to our students: Choose your start-up location in a neighbourhood where you see yourself in the long run.  Clients will follow if you move nearby 😉

In this article, we review different rental options for budding beauty industry entrepreneurs.

RENTING SPACE IN A SPA or SALON

Renting a room (or chair) in a spa or salon is a good way to get your toes wet in the world of commerce. This option allows a certain amount of independence, it’s like renting a room  in a house where a family lives. For example, you may be able to set your own hours, but will be limited to their hours of operation.

A benefit of this arrangement is cross-promotion.  Renting space from an existing beauty business could give you access to a pool of existing clients. People who rent space in a spa/salon usually do so with the hopes that their business will also be visited by that spa/salon’s regular clients.  Cross promotion is mutually convenient ONLY when you rent from an establishment that offers different services than you.

Be prepared for conflict if you offer the same services as your landlord!

What can I expect my rental fee to be?

Your rental fee will depend on multiple factors.  The location of the establishment and the size of the room you will be renting are primary factors. The best way to conduct your research is to inquire about other places renting nearby (even if you are not interested in those locations).  

Also ask what is included in the fee. Things to consider are:

• How will your clients pay? Will you be getting your own pos or will you be using theirs? 

• Will their receptionist be greeting your clients? 

• Will you be using their washer/dryer?

• Who will clean the common areas?

---

RENTING SPACE IN A COMMUNITY

Renting space in a community such as My Lofts or Citizen Salon Studios is a new concept worth exploring! This option is good for service providers with a small-medium client base. It allows for more independence and is an excellent choice for service providers whose goal is to earn a comfortable income.

Renting space in a community is like living in a furnished condo with utilities and amenities included. Rent is understandably higher as it can include equipment, furniture, and services such as online booking and marketing. It also includes maintenance of common areas.

Another pro of renting space in a community is the love and support from your neighbours. You all have something in common- an entrepreneurial spirit and your love for the beauty industry!

On the other side of that coin, your neighbours are also your competitors. There’s nothing wrong with a little competition! We advise our students to see competition in a positive light- it keeps us on our toes and reminds us daily to treat our clients like important guests J

---

RENTING SPACE ALONE

Renting a store front space is a goal for service providers who want to run an entire operation. This option requires a larger financial investment and an existing client base.

This option is like renting an entire house for yourself and your family (staff). It is maximum commitment for maximum independence. You are responsible for every aspect of your business.

We do not recommend renting an entire spa/salon in hopes to rent out rooms/chairs while you build your clientele.  Do not overextend yourself! What if you aren’t able to rent ‘that chair’ or ‘that room’ in time?

Making sound financial decisions during the start-up phase is what will take your business into year 2. Try not to rely on credit and keep your overhead as low as possible for as long as possible.

---

Are you interested in self employment? ESG offers short training courses to help you reach your goals one step at a time.

With ESG, you can custom-design your beauty career by taking the courses you are interested in. If you are joining the beauty industry, we recommend starting off with esthetics basics like Manicures and Pedicures or Waxing and Tinting.

EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP

Beauty Industry Resource Centre

EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP can help you access grants to pay for your esthetics training courses.

GRANT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

I AM CURRENTLY WORKING.

If you are currently working, you should have a conversation with your employer regarding your future career goals and how they will benefit the workplace.

Your employer can apply for a grant to cover 2/3 of all training costs. You can only register for your desired training until your grant application has been approved. It usually takes about a month for the application to be approved, so don’t waste time, apply now!

If you are a new employee and have been there for less than 30 days, your employer is eligible for 100% of training costs in grant funding.

We can help with your grant application process.

Have your employer call or email us. We can make a trip to your workplace to help you sort out the process.

Can I pay for the training myself?

Yes. As the trainee, you can fund your own training costs, but your employer must apply on your behalf. Keep in mind that you will have to pay all training costs up front. Your employer will be reimbursed and will have to provide documentation demonstrating they in turn reimbursed you.

However, these types of grants are intended for your employer to invest in your development, therefore, it is expected that they will invest 1/3 of the costs, even if you are the one who paid for it up front.

When can I expect reimbursement?

You have 30 days after you complete your training to submit proof of completion in order to receive your reimbursement. On average, reimbursement takes 4-6 weeks post submission, so submit asap!

I AM NOT WORKING ATM.

If you are not working at the moment and have been unemployed for 30 consecutive days or more, you have the option to find an employer who will sponsor your training. When an employer hires a NEW employee, 100% of the training costs can be funded.

This option works especially well for experienced estheticians who require an additional skill to work at a certain spa.

If you are new to the beauty industry, we recommend applying for Receptionist or Assistant positions and working out a training plan with your new employer.

If you are having difficulty finding a sponsoring employer, you have other options, call or email us for more information.

ESTHETICS TRAINING COURSE SUMMER SCHEDULE

---

EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP
(780)604-2772
info@executivespagroup.com