How to Navigate the Summer Juggle as a Facialist (Without Burning Out)

The summer holidays can be a magical time, longer days, a slower pace, time with our children and families but for many facialists, especially those balancing motherhood and running a business, it can also feel overwhelming.

This topic came up recently inside The Bespoke Facialist Formula and it really struck a chord. So many talented professionals are quietly struggling to do everything, for everyone, all at once. And if that’s you right now, I want you to know: you're not alone and it doesn’t have to be this way.

My Burnout Story

A couple of years ago, I hit a wall. I tried to maintain a full treatment schedule through the summer while also being present for my girls, staying on top of client messages, admin and everything at home. By September, I was completely burnt out. Exhausted. Miserable. Unwell.

I’d poured from an empty cup for weeks and the result was a very real reminder that something had to change.

Since then, I’ve approached summer very differently and I want to share some kind, practical advice to help you do the same.

1. Lower Your Expectations (and Your To-Do List)

This is not the time to overhaul your business, rewrite your website, or launch something new. Summer is for maintenance, not growth and that’s more than okay.

If you’ve got young children at home, reduce your hours if needed. Prioritise being present, both for your family and yourself. That time is precious and fleeting. Your business will still be there in September.

2. Use Small Pockets of Time Wisely

You don’t need a full day to move your business forward. A quiet 10-15 minutes can be enough to:

• Reply to client messages

• Place a stock order

• Post a quick update on Instagram

Let go of the all-or-nothing mindset and just focus on small, meaningful steps.

3. Tell Clients What to Expect

Communication is everything. If you’re running reduced hours or taking longer to reply to messages, just let clients know in advance. Add a note to your voicemail, set up an autoresponder, or share a post on social media. Most people are incredibly understanding when they know what to expect.

4. Lean on Your Support System (If You Have One)

Whether it’s summer camps, grandparents, or swapping childcare days with a fellow parent, say yes to help where you can.

And if your kids are older? I’ve taken my laptop to soft play centres more than once on a rainy day and squeezed in admin while they play. It’s not always ideal, but sometimes it works!

5. Use Scheduling Tools to Stay Visible

Batch and schedule your content when you can, whether that’s emails, blogs, or social posts. It takes the pressure off having to “show up” every day and lets you focus on being present where you’re most needed.

6. Fill Your Own Cup

Most importantly, prioritise yourself where you can. If you have a free hour while the kids are at a playdate, it’s absolutely okay to take a nap, go for a walk, or simply rest.

Self-care is not selfish, it’s essential. The more nourished you are, the more you can show up in both your business and your life.

A Gentle Reminder…

Your business should work for you not the other way around. Summer is a season. It’s okay to adjust, slow down and take a step back.

September will be here before we know it and with it, a fresh wave of focus, energy and new ideas. But until then? Give yourself grace.

You're doing brilliantly.