We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Rainbolt-Foss recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s go back in time a bit – can you share a story of a time when you learned an important lesson during your education?

I remember sitting in beauty school, overwhelmed by all the information being thrown at me—skin histology, product ingredients, protocols, techniques. I thought, “If I can just get through this, I’ll finally know everything I need to succeed.” But the truth hit me hard after I graduated.

I was in my first real job as an esthetician, standing in the treatment room, staring at my client’s skin, and realizing… I had no idea what to do next. Sure, I knew the basics, but I lacked the confidence to make decisions beyond the textbook routines we learned in school. My client had complicated skin concerns that didn’t fit neatly into a chapter of my workbook, and I felt completely unprepared. That was the moment I realized that graduating wasn’t the end of my education—it was just the beginning.

That experience taught me that success in this industry doesn’t come from memorizing facts in beauty school; it comes from constantly learning, evolving, and seeking education beyond the classroom. The estheticians who thrive are the ones who invest in their knowledge, refine their skills, and stay ahead of the industry. It’s why I believe so strongly in continued education—because no matter how long you’ve been in the industry, there’s always something new to learn! That lesson shaped my entire career and ultimately led me to create Beyond Beauty School, because I never want another esthetician to feel as lost as I did in that treatment room.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a licensed esthetician specializing in inflammatory skin conditions and an esthetics educator, and a mentor for estheticians. My career is split between two passions: helping my clients achieve healthy, radiant skin and helping estheticians build sustainable, thriving careers.

On the treatment side, I run Bolt Beauty, where I specialize in treating acne, rosacea, and sensitive skin with customized treatments and education-based skincare guidance. I believe in a holistic, results-driven approach—focusing not just on treatments in the studio but also on teaching clients how to care for their skin long-term. Skincare isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about understanding your skin and making informed choices that lead to lasting results.

On the education side, I founded Beyond Beauty School, an education hub designed to fill the gaps beauty school left behind. Estheticians graduate knowing how to perform treatments but often feel lost when it comes to pricing, marketing, rebooking clients, or navigating the business side of the industry. My courses, mentorship, and coaching programs provide real-world strategies to help estheticians confidently step into their careers, attract loyal clients, and build success on their own terms.

What sets me apart is my commitment to both sides of the industry. I understand firsthand what it takes to build a successful esthetics business, both inside and outside the treatment room. I’m not just teaching theory—I’m sharing strategies that I use every day in my own practice!

What I’m most proud of? Seeing transformation. Whether it’s a client gaining confidence in their skin or an esthetician finally feeling in control of their career, my goal is always the same—to educate, empower, and create lasting impact.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I first started using social media for my business, I did what a lot of estheticians do—I posted pretty before-and-afters, product shots, and occasional promotions, hoping people would magically find me. Spoiler: they didn’t. My audience wasn’t growing, engagement was low, and I wasn’t getting any real clients from social media.

That’s when I realized that social media isn’t about posting—it’s about connection and authenticity. I shifted my focus from just showing up to showing up as myself. Instead of just showcasing treatments, I started educating, storytelling, and sharing insights that connected with my audience. I talked about real skin concerns, broke down misconceptions about esthetics, and gave my audience a reason to trust me before they ever stepped into my treatment room.

For my esthetician education content, I took the same approach. I started sharing the things I wish I had known when I was starting out—pricing strategies, client retention tips, career mistakes to avoid. That’s when my audience really started growing, because I wasn’t just putting content out there—I was solving real problems for the people I wanted to attract. Building a social media presence takes strategy, consistency, and patience. It’s not about going viral overnight—it’s about showing up again and again as a trusted expert until the right people start paying attention.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

At the core of my success—both in my esthetics business and my education platform—has been word of mouth and providing an unforgettable client experience.

When I first started, I knew that if I wanted to stand out, I had to do more than just offer great treatments. I had to create an experience that made clients feel valued, understood, and confident in their results. From thorough consultations to personalized follow-ups, I focused on building trust, educating my clients, and making sure they felt truly cared for. Happy clients don’t just rebook—they talk about you. And that word-of-mouth marketing became the foundation of my reputation!

The same principle applies to my work as an educator. Estheticians come to me looking for real guidance, not just generic industry advice. By providing actionable, no-fluff education and helping them see actual progress in their careers, they naturally share their experiences. Because of this, Beyond Beauty School has grown into a trusted resource for estheticians who want practical, real-world training to help them succeed.

At the end of the day, people remember how you make them feel! Whether it’s a client in the treatment room or an esthetician in my course, my goal has always been to deliver value, build trust, and create lasting relationships—and that’s what built my reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beyondbeautyschool.mykajabi.com/business-opt-in
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/boltbeautyla, www.instagram.com/beyond_beauty_pros