Featuring industry expert, Lindsay Malachowski, Chief Operating Officer at SKINNEY Medspa.
Choosing a career can be daunting, especially when the investment in education and specialization requires a hefty downpayment of time and resources. But, the Med-Spa industry, offering diverse career pathways and ample opportunities for growth and specialization, is as safe a bet as they come.
Beyond the many things a person can do within the industry, is the growth of the industry itself. As reported in Spa Executive, the global wellness economy, which includes the med-spa segment, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and expansion over the past decade, surging from $3.7 trillion in 2015 to 5.6 trillion in 2022. Forecasts suggest this upward trajectory will continue, with the industry poised to hit $8.5 trillion by 2027.
This robust growth reflects the rising global demand for wellness services, ensuring that those who invest in their education and skills in this field are likely to find ample opportunities and career stability. Read more about the wellness industry and its impact on adjacent industries here.
So, whether your interest lies in hands-on skincare treatments, medical aesthetics, or business management, there are numerous roles within the Med-Spa Industry on which to build a career.
Here are some of the key job areas people can focus on within the Med-Spa industry and how they might get their education:
Esthetician: Specializing in skincare treatments, estheticians often begin their careers with a diploma from a trade school or community college, followed by licensure. This role involves performing facials, waxing, and other non-invasive skin treatments.
Medical Aesthetician: This advanced role requires additional training beyond basic esthetics, often involving coursework in medical settings. Medical aestheticians work under the supervision of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, performing treatments like chemical peels and laser therapy.
Nurse Injector: Registered nurses can specialize in cosmetic procedures such as Botox and dermal fillers by completing additional certification programs. This role combines medical expertise with aesthetic skills.
Spa Manager: For those interested in the business side of the industry, a background in hospitality or business management is beneficial. Spa managers oversee daily operations, staff management, and customer service.
Cosmetic Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon: These highly specialized roles require extensive education, including medical school, residencies, and fellowships. These professionals perform advanced cosmetic procedures and surgeries.
Sales and Marketing Specialist: Focused on promoting med-spa services, individuals in this role typically have a background in marketing, sales, or communications.
From Esthetician to Chief Operating Officer: Lindsay Malachowski's Journey in the Med-Spa Industry
Lindsay Malachowski began her career in the beauty industry at the age of 21, working as an esthetician in a new spa and salon in Upstate New York. Unlike many of her peers, Malachowski pursued a non-traditional education path by attending trade school. This route allowed her to gain hands-on experience and practical skills early on, setting the foundation for her career.
"Initially, my goal was to address my own skincare concerns, particularly cystic acne," she recalls. At that time, she didn't have a specific long-term vision for her career in the beauty industry, but her journey has since been incredibly rewarding.
Today, Malachowski serves as the Chief Operating Officer at SKINNEY Medspa, a multi-unit Medspa with three locations in NYC and one in Miami – recognized as exemplary by Vanity Fair, Women’s Health Magazine, Forbes, and more.
Her role involves overseeing clinic operations, including hiring, recruiting, and training staff, as well as managing marketing, events, and partnerships. "This position allows me to leverage the skills and insights I've gained throughout my career to contribute to the growth and success of our business," she explains.
Malachowski reflects on her journey, acknowledging her path wasn’t typical for the industry.
"Most people in my field receive a four-year college degree in communications or healthcare management. I skipped many of the traditional education steps and instead learned by working in almost every role within my organization," she says.
Over her 17 years in medical aesthetics, Malachowski has had the opportunity to work both in the treatment room with clients and on the management and operations side. This comprehensive experience has given her valuable insights into the business as a whole.
Malachowski's unconventional path may be more challenging to navigate, but she believes that practical experience is increasingly valued over traditional educational backgrounds.
"Once you have substantial experience, your educational background becomes less significant. Employers prioritize candidates who demonstrate relevant skills and expertise, so gaining hands-on experience as quickly as possible can be highly advantageous," she advises.
For those considering a career in the Med-Spa industry, Malachowski suggests identifying your ideal company and role, and reaching out to their hiring managers, recruiters, founders, or anyone who can help you land a job at the company.
"Write a beautifully crafted custom cover letter outlining why you are passionate about joining their team. If you don’t have experience, highlight the key attributes that you can bring and why they should hire you," she recommends. Additionally, she advises finding a mentor—even if it’s online—and studying their career path. "Look at what positions they held and for how long to get into their current role, and mimic their path," she says.
Looking to the future, Malachowski expects the Med-Spa industry to grow with more wellness offerings and innovative AI services and treatments.
"From diagnostics to lasers that perform body contouring or laser hair removal autonomously, the potential for technological advancements is immense," she predicts. She also anticipates more partnerships and collaborations, such as The Well opening inside condominiums in Miami.
Additionally, Malachowski foresees a more streamlined education system in the beauty industry where practitioners can learn top industry treatments online. She also expects to see more solopreneurs starting their own businesses in the beauty industry.
As for her own future, Malachowski is working on a passion project that aims to be the Udemy or MasterClass of the beauty industry. "This platform will help practitioners gain advanced training, covering everything from Medspa services to how to build a clientele and perform comprehensive consultations. It will be accessible for independent practitioners and businesses," she explains.
Stay up to date with Lindsay by subscribing to her weekly newsletter, in which she shares tips and insights from her career, perfect for anyone wanting to break into the beauty industry, level up in their current career, or start their own business.
