2 answers
kathy
Student
Pasadena, California
2
Questions
Asked
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How do I balance a Marketing degree at a four-year university while also pursuing a tattoo apprenticeship and assisting at a salon I am worried about the cost of student housing in Sacramento and want to know how professionals managed high intensity side hustles during college.?
I’m a first-gen student and licensed cosmetologist transferring to Sacramento State. My mission is to open my own beauty or tattoo studio, and I’m using my Marketing degree to build that dream.
I’m nervous about balancing full-time classes and housing costs with a hands-on apprenticeship or salon job. How do I stay financially stable without burning out? I want to make myself proud and bridge the gap between business school and my creative passions.
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2 answers
Liam Rielly
Data Center Technician
195
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
Liam’s Answer
I agree with Karin, you have a pretty good idea in the works. Remember your time management, that's about it really!
Remember if you are doing an apprenticeship that the person you are working under might want a full commitment to your study with them. You will have to work that out with them, but if they are smart they will see what I am about to explain and want you to do both.
The question should be not "how do I balance" but "how do I integrate". The three go together very well and you can make a very fulfilling career out of doing marketing along side cosmetology and tattoo artistry! I am going to guess that you are probably already a cosmetologist, in school for marketing, and likely talking to someone about being a tattoo artist as well. The person who is willing to apprentice you, offer to do free promotional stuff for them all the time! Boost their business while you learn how to in your classes. Doing hair and makeup for clients allows you time to talk about what other work you do. Keep a client book so you can get people in either chair and try to cross promote your work in both settings.
There is big business in making people look the way they want to. People like to look at attractive and interesting people. Work with models, photographers, promoters, event planners, and try to get you out there as an artist as well as cross advertise what you are doing. This mix of specialties has conventions written all over it. This mix of specialties has personal branding written all over it. Make your brand but start to think of how you can promote the tattoo shop you are associated with as well. Think of how to brand everything you do and how to expand your reach.
Make a portfolio and use that as a marketing experiment. Just really be creative and think of how you can mash the three together and I don't think you will ever have to worry about a job, or if your job is fun or not!
Remember if you are doing an apprenticeship that the person you are working under might want a full commitment to your study with them. You will have to work that out with them, but if they are smart they will see what I am about to explain and want you to do both.
The question should be not "how do I balance" but "how do I integrate". The three go together very well and you can make a very fulfilling career out of doing marketing along side cosmetology and tattoo artistry! I am going to guess that you are probably already a cosmetologist, in school for marketing, and likely talking to someone about being a tattoo artist as well. The person who is willing to apprentice you, offer to do free promotional stuff for them all the time! Boost their business while you learn how to in your classes. Doing hair and makeup for clients allows you time to talk about what other work you do. Keep a client book so you can get people in either chair and try to cross promote your work in both settings.
There is big business in making people look the way they want to. People like to look at attractive and interesting people. Work with models, photographers, promoters, event planners, and try to get you out there as an artist as well as cross advertise what you are doing. This mix of specialties has conventions written all over it. This mix of specialties has personal branding written all over it. Make your brand but start to think of how you can promote the tattoo shop you are associated with as well. Think of how to brand everything you do and how to expand your reach.
Make a portfolio and use that as a marketing experiment. Just really be creative and think of how you can mash the three together and I don't think you will ever have to worry about a job, or if your job is fun or not!
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1221
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Kathy,
It's smart that you are already building your own business while you are still at university and developing the creative skills as well as the business background. I guess the balance would depend on how many hours you need to spend at the tattoo apprenticeship and at the salon and how many hours you need to spend on university work. Also, what is your schedule and how flexible are your hours? Can either one (or both) be parttime?
You could start with a full course load and add to it gradually. See how it goes. Or you could pursue your studies parttime so you have time to earn money and work on your tattoo skills.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
It's smart that you are already building your own business while you are still at university and developing the creative skills as well as the business background. I guess the balance would depend on how many hours you need to spend at the tattoo apprenticeship and at the salon and how many hours you need to spend on university work. Also, what is your schedule and how flexible are your hours? Can either one (or both) be parttime?
You could start with a full course load and add to it gradually. See how it goes. Or you could pursue your studies parttime so you have time to earn money and work on your tattoo skills.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!