Helen Coquin founded Chic MD, an online sales and education platform, to provide solo estheticians access to medical-grade skin care products and business training in the effort to bridge the gaps solo estheticians experience in the development of their careers.
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Helen Coquin founded Chic MD, an online sales and education platform, to provide solo estheticians access to medical-grade skin care products and business training in the effort to bridge the gaps solo estheticians experience in the development of their careers.
The founder says ordering medical-grade products poses challenges for solo estheticians who she says are a growing force in the esthetics industry, driven by autonomy, higher earnings and personalized client care.
Coquin says these professionals sometimes juggle multiple roles, including business owner, service provider, social media manager and inventory coordinator, and often work in compact spaces of about 120 square feet.
“High opening order costs and minimums are often infeasible, both financially and logistically, given [solo esthetician’s] smaller client base and limited storage,” Coquin says. “Excess inventory not only strains budgets but also risks expiration and unnecessary expenses for storage solutions.”
Chic MD members gain access to resources, including a sales channel that allows commission on medical-grade skin care products without inventory or minimums, according to a Dec. 5 announcement.
On the education front, members can access educational content such as product knowledge, sales techniques and business skills delivered through podcast-style interviews, short videos and coaching sessions led by Coquin, per the announcement.
“Our platform lets solo estheticians focus on exceptional client care while simplifying product sales and eliminating unnecessary financial burdens,” Coquin says.
She says that, unlike traditional medical spas with support staff, marketing budgets and product reps, estheticians who manage independently need more than their basic school education to succeed long term. This includes education from various experts to keep them up-to-date on the latest research and techniques.
Utilizing Chic MD begins with completing a formal application on the Chic MD website, Coquin explains, which will then be reviewed to determine whether the applicant qualifies for the education and sales package or would benefit more from a “preliminary education-only membership.”
Chic MD evaluates whether licenses are in good standing and factors in experience, treatment room quality, range of services offered, associated skills and product exposure, Coquin says. Once the esthetician is approved, they complete a “sufficient” amount of coursework to unlock the product sales portal that enables them to earn commission on client purchases, she adds.
Chic MD offers 24 product lines for solo estheticians to access, featuring medical-grade skin care, skin care tools, hair growth supplements and makeup, Coquin says.
“From in-depth videos to comprehensive information sheets … our on-demand resources allow solo estheticians to learn at their own pace,” she adds.
The Chic MD podcast discusses a wide range of topics, Coquin says, addressing gaps left by traditional esthetics education and covering subjects like treating melanin-rich skin, repairing the skin barrier, overcoming imposter syndrome and effective sales strategies.
Chic MD has taken interest from the Gen Z demographic, Coquin says, who are drawn to career paths that offer flexibility and work-life balance; meanwhile, she says, mid-level estheticians, who are satisfied with the businesses they’ve built, are eager to expand their income streams and offerings.
“After years of working in traditional medical spa settings, they’re seeking more independence and exploring the solo esthetician path,” Coquin says. “This shift reflects the increasing recognition of the solo model as a viable and rewarding career option.”
