How to start a salon suite business in 2025
Starting a salon suite business in 2025 may become an exciting adventure, especially in the beauty world. Kicking things off with suites has recently become a hot trend that lets you get your salon off the ground without the huge overhead of buying a property.
Suites are basically individual or private workspaces in larger salon buildings. They can range from a mini-salon spot with only one styling chair to a 100 sq. ft. space with several sinks and a waiting area. Read on to learn how to start a salon suites business this year.
First steps to take
Renting a beauty space instead of buying one is a frugal move when starting out:
- You won’t need to invest in a property for sale or take out hefty loans.
- Salon suites offer a level of privacy that traditional salons may not.
- You can design your area to what you like.
- You can jump right into business instead of waiting for a place to be ready or wasting time renovating.
If you want to start a salon suite business in 2025, the first thing on your to-do list is finding a location that your future clients can easily come across. Ask salon operators how many people visit their facilities every week. It can be a studio near your home or near a place you worked in before to keep your old clients.
Arrange personal visits to the locations to check the atmosphere and amenities. After a virtual selection, pick a few to drop by to get a feel for the space and the community.
Then, compare prices and payment conditions. Some studios may offer introductory discounts or special deals. Find out about lease lengths, what’s included in the agreement, and any rules you need to follow as a renter. Some salons may require a security deposit or have a formal agreement to sign.
Once you’ve selected your location, it’s time to personalize it with your branding, tools, and decor. Pinterest and similar resources have tons of ideas you can use at this stage. Then, start inviting your existing clients to your new location. Use social media, email, and word-of-mouth to let them know your new address.
As you meet colleagues from other suites, you can benefit from networking and new acquaintances. Many locations have a community of beauty professionals, allowing you to collaborate, refer clients, and learn from each other.
Finally, to start a salon suite business in 2025 and succeed, focus on your unique selling points like hair techniques, exceptional customer service, or a luxury environment.
Suites without a franchise
When you run your business on your own, you have a wider variety of options and choices. You’re now your boss, which lets you set your own hours and craft your services exactly how you want. There are no corporate rules and rigid 9-to-5 schedules. Plus, without franchise fees or royalties, the earnings you make are yours.
This route also provides you with more direct community connections. You can easily make friends with locals and other beauty professionals and build a reputation organically.
Check the trade-offs before launching your business this way. While it’s awesome to have independence in a professional context, it also means you’re responsible for everything from marketing to operational processes and any hiccups that crop up along the way. You may find more guesswork involved since, without a franchise system, you may have to spend extra time figuring out the ropes of the business on your own.
Salon suites with a franchise
If you still doubt how to start a salon suite business solo and are scared to fail, franchising can be another way to go. You’ll have instant brand recognition because people already know the name, and clients might trust a franchise brand right off the bat. It also comes with a support system with training, marketing assistance, and a running business model.
You’re not starting from scratch. The start-up process can be easier since you’ll likely have a step-by-step guide or even a turnkey setup experience, during which the franchisor helps with design, equipment, and attracting clientele.
Upfront costs, recurring commissions, and rigid conditions for managing your suite can feel suffocating for some beauty specialists. Under a franchise program, your flexibility in making decisions is also limited as you need to play by the franchisor’s rules. This may put a cap on how creative you can get with your services or decor.
Start a salon suite in 2025 with Optima
Getting started with Optima is as simple as filling out an application form for a private suite, which can be as low as $295 a week. The application process takes mere minutes and includes comprehensive assistance upon request. Once your application is accepted, we will sign an agreement where all the information will be stated. Fast-forward to your launch day, you can finally start in a personal dedicated space in:
- California
- New York
- Oregon
With your suite comes access to Optima’s mobile app. It is developed with many virtual suite profile features and enables you to schedule appointments and handle payments right from your phone. Besides, you can import your client contacts, chat with them using a built-in messenger, and keep them posted during special occasions or product sales. There are no subscription or technical maintenance fees.
Starting a salon suite business shouldn’t take months until you figure out how to accept payments. Optima’s free point-of-sale system comes with a swiper at a 2.5% rate. You can accept payments without further ado, send invoices directly to clients, and manage revenue tracking from the app. Transactions and financial management have never been easier.
Beauty needs have nothing to do with a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why 24/7 access is an integral feature of all our suites. You are free to work whenever inspiration strikes or when clients request appointments.
Starting a salon suite business in 2025 with Optima is less daunting and more exciting. All our locations and lease features are designed to simplify your operations and let you do what you love.