Turning a passion into a paycheck has never been more achievable. For many, what begins as a part-time interest in beauty quickly becomes a steady and rewarding career path. However, the professional beauty services market in the United States is expected to reach a projected revenue of US$64.2 million by 2030. A compound annual growth rate of 5.3% is expected of the United States professional beauty services market from 2025 to 2030.
With programs designed to fit into busy lives, beauty side hustles are gaining momentum. These flexible training options make it easier for individuals to acquire practical skills, obtain licensure, and build professional opportunities, whether part-time or full-time.
Here’s how such training and programs can help transform a side hustle into a successful career.
Why Beauty Side Hustles Are Gaining Serious Ground
The beauty industry continues to attract individuals who want flexibility, creativity, and purpose in their work. Many people are stepping away from traditional career paths and looking for faster, skill-based programs that allow them to start seeking work sooner.
Beauty-based services can offer flexible, client-focused opportunities—especially with proper licensure, training, and support. With proper training, what starts as a part-time interest can evolve into a professional path that offers independence and long-term growth.
Beauty Career Options At Kenneth Shuler School Of Cosmetology
For those ready to take the next step, here are five structured beauty paths that can turn passion into a career.
Cosmetology
Cosmetology combines artistic skills with practical training. It’s a strong option for those who want to build a career in hair, makeup, and nail services while also gaining experience in customer care and salon operations.
Program Highlights:
- 1,500 hours of hands-on training that can be completed in about a year
- Structured in four learning levels: Skill, Design, Style, and Master
- Real-world experience in student salons under licensed supervision
- Covers color application, texture services, nail care, and makeup
- Business and client management training through ProsperU
- Digital learning support and a professional toolkit are included
- Day and night class schedules and scholarship assistance are available
Esthetics
For those interested in skincare, spa treatments, and wellness services, esthetics provides training in a rapidly growing sector of the beauty industry. It focuses on treatment techniques, product knowledge, and personalized client care.
Program Highlights:
- 600 hours of focused instruction across theory and hands-on practice
- Training takes place in spa-like clinics using real industry equipment
- Exposure to top skincare brands such as Dermalogica and Circadia
- Students receive a complete esthetics kit, including waxing, lashes, makeup, and testing tools
- Strong foundation in skin analysis, treatment planning, and safety
- Preparation for state licensing exams is included in the curriculum
- Emphasizes core values: Accountability, Academics, Attitude, Appearance, and Attendance
- Recognition through the Key Apron program for achievement milestones
- Esthetics program available at several campuses in locations: Spartanburg, Florence, Goose Creek, Rock Hill, West Columbia, and Greenville.
Advanced Training
Beauty professionals looking to enhance their skillset can benefit from advanced training in targeted techniques. These short programs are designed to increase service offerings and boost professional credibility.
Program Highlights:
- Offers dermaplaning certification using the 360 Method
- Combines 4 hours of online theory with 4 hours of in-person training
- Covers both dry and wet dermaplaning techniques
- Designed for licensed professionals seeking to expand client services
- Once licensed and certified, professionals may be able to offer these services in spa or salon environments, depending on their practice setting and state regulations.
Methods of Teaching
For experienced professionals ready to share their expertise, instructor training opens the door to teaching roles in cosmetology or esthetics programs. This career path is ideal for those who enjoy mentoring and leadership.
Program Highlights:
- Prepares instructors to manage classrooms and deliver engaging lessons
- Teaches strategies to address different learning styles and behaviors
- Encourages interactive, cooperative learning environments
- Helps instructors reduce workload by empowering student responsibility
- Focus on long-term knowledge retention, not just exam preparation
- Includes training in lesson planning, student motivation, and communication
Continuing Education
Ongoing learning is essential in the beauty field. Continuing education ensures that professionals stay updated, meet licensing requirements, and remain competitive in their craft.
Program Highlights:
- Available in cosmetology, esthetics, and instruction
- Offered at multiple South Carolina locations
- Helps professionals stay current with industry standards and techniques
- Meets the ongoing education requirements for state board compliance
- Accessible to both new graduates and seasoned professionals
Turning Passion into a Profession at Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology
Turning a beauty side hustle into a full-time career is not only possible, but practical. Kenneth Shuler’s structured programs are designed to support students from the classroom to the salon floor, building both technical ability and foundational business skills.
More importantly, they help individuals transform a personal interest into a stable career with room to grow.
Access to career fairs, job boards, and digital listings gives students direct connections to employers across Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
Combined with practical training and real-world exposure, these resources ensure graduates are prepared and confident to take their next steps.
Conclusion
The first step toward building a fulfilling beauty career begins with the right education. Whether pursuing cosmetology, esthetics, advanced training (which are additional certifications for licensed professionals), teaching, or continuing education, the opportunities are diverse and achievable.
To get started, schedule a campus tour or request more information from Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology.
Discover the training path that matches your goals, and turn your passion into a professional future.
