Is The Suite Life Right For You?

As a former salon owner, the notion of leasing a salon suite just didn’t make sense to me.  Now, I'm a huge fan.

After being in the beauty industry 20 years and owning 3 salons, I wanted more freedom, flexibility and time to concentrate on my salon coaching business that was doing very well. I closed my last salon location and moved it to Sola Salons.

Sola Salons wasn’t my first choice, it was my only choice.

You're wondering if leasing a salon suite is right for you, here are a few things you should consider:

Location, location, location. I had to consider where the bulk of my clients would be traveling from and what would be most convenient for them. Sola's Southend location in Charlotte is very accessible, highly visible, and was even closer to my home.

Stability of Clientele. How stable is your clientele? Have you built enough credibility with your clients that they know, like and trust you and the service you provide. Are they willing to follow you to your suite location. I had relationships with most of my clients that dated back over 10 years and some nearly 20 years.  Building solid relationships with your customers that turn them into loyal clients is crucial.

Salon amenities. Sola has great parking, the space is beautiful and I could decorate my suite to suit my taste. I was able to maintain the same relaxing, professional atmosphere I had in my salons allowing me to deliver the same great service. The support I received helped make my transition seamless. They handled my salon inspection and insurance paperwork, down to painting and hanging light fixtures. Matt Briger and Stratton Smith gave their support and participated in The REVIVAL Salon Biz Webcast Summit I held this earlier this year even though I had been with Sola less than 2 months. Sola suite owners were extremely welcoming and they're exactly the kind of professionals I was looking to work with.

ROI (Return on Investment). Finally, not only should you calculate your financial profitability and return, but you should also factor in other costs, like the time and effort associated with operating a solo salon since every aspect of salon operations is your responsibility.

“It was the best decision I could have made. I now work 3 days a week, make more money net of expenses, and have more freedom and flexibility to do the things I really enjoy doing which is what business ownership should be about.”