Pay cheap, pay twice

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest mistakes I see in the beauty industry choosing a training course based on price alone.

Yes, budget matters.

But cheap training can cost you far more in the long run.

I talk about:

• Why low-cost courses often lack structure and support
• The hidden costs of re-training
• How poor education affects your confidence and client retention
• The difference between learning a treatment… and mastering it
• What to actually look for when investing in your beauty education

After 22+ years in the industry and training over 1,000 students, I’ve seen first-hand the damage rushed, unaccredited, unsupported courses can do.

If you’re serious about building a beauty business that lasts this episode is for you.

Because in this industry, your education is your foundation.

You can find me at instagram: beauty_by_sophie_nottingham

website: www.beautybysophie.uk

If you’re starting your own beauty business or already self-employed but unsure if you’ve set things up right this episode is for you.

In this episode, I break down the real differences between being a sole trader and running a limited company in the beauty industry, in plain English no jargon, no overwhelm.

We talk about:

• What being a sole trader actually means

• What changes when you become a limited company

• Tax, responsibilities, and legal differences

• What you can claim as business expenses

• Common mistakes beauty professionals make early on

• When it might be time to switch from sole trader to Ltd

• Which option suits therapists, trainers, salon owners, and educators

This isn’t about telling you what you should do or giving you business advice it’s about helping you make the right decision for your stage of business, your income, and your goals.

Whether you’re newly qualified, taking your first clients from home, opening a salon, or scaling into education this episode will give you clarity and confidence to move forward the right way.

You can find me @ instagram beauty_by_sophie_nottingham

website: www.beautybysophie.uk

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most misunderstood topics in the beauty industry: employed vs self-employed and what those labels actually mean in real life.

I talk honestly about the pros and cons of both paths, who each option can work for, and why there is no “one right way” to build a successful career in beauty. We’ll cover income, flexibility, security, growth, and the realities people don’t always talk about.

I also address where things often go wrong especially when self-employment is mislabelled. If you don’t control your hours, your bookings, your clients, or your money, are you really self-employed? There’s a fine line, and understanding it matters for your confidence, your income, and your future.

Whether you’re new to beauty, currently employed, self-employed, or feeling stuck somewhere in between, this episode is here to give you clarity, not pressure.

Because success in beauty isn’t one path it’s the one that supports your life.

Where to find me:

Instagram: beauty_by_sophie_nottingham

Website: www.beautybysophie.uk

This episode is all about me, my journey, and how I got here.

I’m Sophie an award-winning beauty educator with over 22 years in the industry and more than a decade of teaching, but my story didn’t start with confidence, clarity, or a perfect plan.

I talk openly about:

• Leaving school and dropping out of college

• Finding my way into beauty through evening courses

• Building a mobile business, then working from home

• Becoming a mum and retraining while raising children

• Teaching in a college to gain experience

• Taking the leap to start my own academy

• The mistakes, the graft, and the bold decisions that changed everything

This podcast isn’t about hustle culture, overnight success, or doing everything “perfectly”.

It’s real talk — for anyone who’s new to beauty, thinking about starting, or already qualified but feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what the next move should be.

If you want honest advice, lived experience, and support that actually makes sense for real life — you’re in the right place.

I hope this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and the push you didn’t know you needed.

Find me @ instagram: beauty_by_sophie_nottingham

website: www.beautybysophie.uk