Salon Design: Planning Your Space
We made it through the foot-dragging-why-is-this-so-dang-technical-part of the ultimate salon guide, so we can give ourselves a pat on the back.
(Well, that’s what we’re telling ourselves – really guys, that part was so incredibly important and necessary, so don’t skip over it!)
You’ve signed on your own salon suite, you’ve worked out the details with your landlord, and gosh knows that you’re good to go on all your licensing and insurance policies (you’re welcome). So, what’s next?
The moment you’ve been waiting for. We’re on to the terribly fun section – how to design your own salon space.
Your salon suite decor needs to reflect your style, it needs to be functional and comfortable, but it also has to be overflowing with your custom personality and taste. So, how do you accomplish all these things?
Let’s take a look at some of the most important facets of your new salon space.
What is Provided Vs. What You Need
First, let’s talk about your bare-bones space.
Walk into the empty room and give it a good once over – what do you have?
Are you equipped with chairs? Is lighting all set up? How about salon equipment – do you have dryers and sinks? What about your storage situation – will you need to rent extra space to hold your products, or are you good with what you’ve got?
Make a list of all the things the room provides you with already, and then make another list of what you don’t have that you absolutely need. (We suggest making a third list for fun that lists all of your wants, that way if you have money left over in your budget once you’ve covered your necessities, you might be able to get the dream equipment you wrote down).
We suggest keeping the measurements of your space with you at all times. That way, when you’re looking for pieces, décor, and equipment, you’ll know what can fit and what can’t.
Stay realistic, stay within budget, and stay on theme with your personal style. We’re talking creative colors, gorgeous textures and patterns, wall décor, mirrors, lighting and more – keep it within budget, but don’t skimp on providing a comfortable, stylish suite experience.
Theme & Brand – They Go Hand-in-Hand
Remember, above all else, this space is yours – so do what you want with it. That being said, make sure that you’re sticking to both your established brand and a consistent theme. Keep your reoccurring idea consistent throughout the salon so that it will resonate with your client in a cohesive way. Think about it – does your brand include you keeping it simple and modern? Do you have a more eclectic feel? Stay true to your personal style, just make sure you’re keeping it consistent.
Colors & Lighting – the Ultimate Style Decisions
We recommend always keeping your true color in mind, and that applies to both lighting and paint colors within your studio space. First, check with your landlord and ensure that you’re able to add one or both of these aspects to your studio.
Next, consider how the lighting you include will affect the colors you plan to implement. Will fluorescent bulbs make those blue lights too harsh? Should you go with a softer light or a softer wall? Should you paint an accent wall with one bold color instead of closing in your (possibly already limited) space?
Equipment and Layout – Keep These in Mind Before You Begin
Your layout matters – trust us. Remember what we said about keeping your measurements with you at all times? That’s to help you avoid buying equipment or other products that simply won’t fit in your space.
Make sure you plan out your salon first before you go through picking tables, chairs, art, and equipment. Develop a layout for your studio so you can use it as a sort of blue print for your space. Then, go through what would be a routine day with your clients.
Make a note of all the equipment that’s absolutely necessary for your customers to have a comfortable, functional, and out-of-this-world experience.
Salon Suite Supplies
We understand that you might be super pre-occupied with figuring out which accent wall needs that bright pop of peacock blue and where you need to place your chairs and mirrors, but it’s important that when you’re designing your space you’re not forgetting something super important – your retail product and your backbar product.
AKA, your moneymakers.
We don’t say that to be insensitive, we’re positive that you’re a great stylist who’s totally capable of making the profit you’re after, but let’s face it – your client needs the best products you can offer, and the profit that comes with a purchase is nothing to scoff at, either.
To ensure your salon suite is as properly equipped as possible, make sure you’ve got a great storage section and display for your products.
No matter what kind of salon you’re running or industry you’re in, it’s likely a guarantee you’ll need to sell products, so make sure you’re making efficient, productive choices with your products.
Retail Products
We cannot stress this enough – choose products you’re happy and confident backing. Consider how your products support your brand and your mission.
Do you want to sell products to your customers that you wouldn’t use yourself? Do you want to drive people away with retail products that won’t work?
Absolutely not.
We suggest that your retail products do the job they want them to, that you’re consistently using them on your clients so that they can see the results while you’re using them, and that you’d happily use them on yourself.
This way, you won’t have one of those awkward, “oh my gosh, I love that product – can I buy it here” situations where you have to shuffle around, smile, and give them a polite-but-firm “no.”
Those situations are weird and uncomfortable and honestly, why would you use something on your backbar that you’re not making available to your clients?
If the design of the retail products just so happens to complement your salon suite style, then look at you go, you’ve killed two birds with one stone.
Backbar Choices
Additionally. The way your backbar looks – and what’s on it – is far more important than you might think. If your backbar is in an open space, make sure you don’t have color or product oozing out of the bottle.
Yuck!
No client wants to be getting pampered in what looks like an unsanitary environment.
First, we suggest carrying all the products you will mostly use on your clients. This is crucial in the beginning stages of your business.
Don’t waste budget on “fun-looking” tools and products but rather invest in the bread-and-butter products that you know you need for your current clientele.
Once you have the budget, go on, and spend that money on those new exciting tools!
Second, we suggest that you go with a brand you trust that includes continuing education. Trends are always changing, and you want to be able to have the right products on your backbar and the education to go with them.
Maybe that means reaching out to your distributor asking about the latest and greatest. They can be a major help when you explain what majority of your client’s needs are.
They work on the front lines representing all different brands so who better to ask!
Many brands provide new user kits which are often a bundled package of some of their most popular products and many freebies included to get you started.
We find that this is the best way to try out a line you may want to carry in your salon.
Salon Centric and Cosmoprof are the two largest distributors in the nation.
You can contact them and get a catalog of their new user kits and specials.
Salon Suite Technology
When it comes to implementing plans for your salon, technology is going to be an enormous factor for your consideration.
You need to ensure that your salon doesn’t just have functional, affordable technology to help the day-to-day operations, but that you’re using top-of-the-line equipment that makes payment processing, scheduling, and routine functions a breeze.
You need a system that helps to schedule appointments, track receipts, maintain your schedule, and process different types of customer payments, so make sure you’re considering all these facets when you’re looking to implement a technology system for your salon.
Elite Beauty Society's choice for beauty pros is GlossGenius.
GlossGenius enables beauty pros and business owners to grow their business and maximize their income. GlossGenius's complete set of automated appointment scheduling, same-day payments, client management and built-in marketing solutions were designed to empower professionals to focus on being creators, not administrators.
Here’s a tip – when it comes to taking client payment, you can probably just use an attached system for your smartphone from companies like Square and PayPal.
Additionally, make sure you’re staying up-to-date on the latest salon software to ensure that you’re keeping track of your inventory, recording client information, and keeping your income and expense reports as pristine as possible.
Marketing Your Salon Suite
Marketing can be a broad term when it comes to advertising your business.
There are so many different marketing channels to get your brand name out there and there is such a thing as utilizing “too many” platforms.
You want to focus on providing quality content that will attract your target consumer. When it comes to beauty services, take many pictures and display your work!
Here’s a few tips on where to start marketing your business.
Marketing: You've Made The Decision, Now What?
Social Media
One of the most popular and fastest growing marketing channels is social media. Having a strong social media presence will play a vital role in the success of your salon suite.
You need to first identify which social media platform(s) your ideal customer spends most of their time on. This should be your biggest priority for your social media marketing strategy.
Only once you’ve mastered this platform and have an automated, successful strategy is it appropriate to start marketing on a new platform.
For example, start with Facebook and Instagram (since they tie in together) and learn how to advertise on social media through Facebook and Instagram ads.
You’d be surprised how inexpensive advertising on social media can be.
Advertising your business on social media can mean more impressions and exposure.
With the amount of people on social media it is hard to reach your audience organically. As we all know Facebook and Instagram are constantly changing their algorithm so there is a chance that your posts are not reaching your target market.
Social Media Posting Strategy:
Be careful when posting on social media. You may just be selling rather than providing value.
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Most beauty professionals’ social media posts are riddled with sales and specials such as these. They don’t work—at least not at first. More than likely, your social media fan base immediately skips these types of posts .
Are you familiar with the term jab, jab, jab right hook?
This phrase was coined by entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, who applied boxing terminology to social media strategy.
The theory jab, jab, jab, right hook for social media marketing is: Before you can ask your fan base for the right hook, or purchase your product or service, you need to repeatedly jab fans with either educational or authoritative content that delivers pure value for them.
Only once you’ve thrown enough jabs can you ask for the right hook.
Your Website:
Today’s beauty clients expect to be able to find you online, on relevant listings, and review sites. Remember, your website is your front door—so developing a website for your guests is crucial in booking new clients and referrals.
Also, you will have to make sure your website is mobile friendly.
In today’s digital world, optimizing your beauty and wellness business for the mobile marketplace is increasingly important for keeping your business competitive.
According to a report by Pew Research Center, U.S. Smartphone Use in 2015,” 64 percent of American adults now own a smartphone of some kind, up from 35 percent in the spring of 2011, and this number continues to grow.
How can you make the most of it all? Start by assuming your clients live on their mobile devices.
Optimizing your website with mobile friendly web pages, creating opt-in communications for newsletters and using simple, searchable keywords are all ways to maximize your web presence.
According to a 2014 white paper by comScore, “Marketing to Millennials: 5 Things Every Marketer Should Know,” Millennials are the biggest mobile spenders, 39 percent of the demographic purchases more than $50 a month in services or goods via their smartphones. Creating a clear call-to-action button such as “Book Now” and eliminating distracting imagery and text can all work to optimize your homepage for the end user.
Online Scheduling:
In today’s busy world, being able to schedule beauty appointments online is becoming more of a competitive edge.
Unless you or a staff member are available every hour of every day and are willing to make appointments at 2 a.m. when a client has a hair-color disaster, you need an online scheduling service or software.
Online scheduling allows clients to easily browse your available options and choose the appointment that best fits their schedule. This can easily be integrated in your website.
Advertising Your Business and Website:
The best way to make sure you pop up during a search is creating a Google My Business account. This is a free service that will post your business on Google with the location and add things like hours and photos.
Also, creating a Yelp account can give your clients a platform to rave about how awesome you are.
Guests are always looking at reviews when booking appointments, therefore, it is important display your five-star service for everyone to see!
Never underestimate the impression online reviews can have on your business.
Your Brand
“You are you and that is your superpower”—Leyla Milani
Branding is everything when it comes to your business. It is important to consider what your long-term goals is with your brand.
Are you going to be riding solo forever?
Do you want to eventually franchise your brand if it takes off?
What is appealing to your guests?
These are all questions you will have to answer through your brand.
For example, “Hair by Katrina” can be a great social media handle, however, not the best business name. You want to be as specific as possible in your branding. Ask yourself: What do you specialize in? Hair by Katrina may not express that you specialize in color, where as a name like
The Color Bar Salon will more likely attract guests that are looking for color services.
Also, if your goal is not to be behind the chair forever and you want to eventually hire someone on, the name no longer fits the persona of the stylist in the salon. These are things to consider when thinking about what to name your business.
Besides, your website domain, social media handle, advertising campaigns, signs, business cards and further branding will all contain this name, whew!
Make it a good one.
Your Logo and Business Cards:
You will want to invest in quality business cards when it comes to your business. Business cards can be the first impression for new clients. Try to order cards that match your salon theme and colors.
Order cards made out of a thicker material. This way the cards won’t have creases if they bend or sit in someone’s purse for a while. Your business cards should represent who you are and how you like to do business.
Think if you want a short logo for your name. If you are artsy Canva and Photoshop are great resources for building your logo, or you can outsource it to companies that specialize in logos.
Your business cards will want to have your business name, title, address and phone/email in addition to a brief description of services you offer.
Client Communication:
Once you decide you are officially moving into your space, have your key in hand, and are ready to set an open date, communicating with your current clients will be critical in your success.
Pick up the phone and give your clients a call. Tell them how much you have appreciated their business and hope to see them in your new studio! This news can be so exciting for guests, and although some may not follow you to your new place, it’s okay.
Thank them for the time they have been with you and let them know where you are.
It’s as simple as that. If you have clients on the books for a future date, make sure to let them know early on that you will be at a new location.
One of the best ways to get more people in your chair is to offer referral programs.
For example, provide an incentive for every third person you referred.
It takes a few compliments to refer others to your salon/spa and BAM. You have a new client.
There is nothing like word of mouth so make sure each guest is leaving with plenty of your business cards to hand out.
Running specials or combining complimentary low-cost services with higher-cost services on the books can also be a great way to get more people in your chair.
For example, provide a complimentary deep condition with any new color service.
The cost is close to nothing for you, and it’s an excellent value for your guest.
You will have their hair feeling like silk by the time they leave. Even more reasons to love you!
Relationship Building:
If you are newer to the area and would like to have a bigger presence near your location the best way to meet people is…
Wait for it….
Introduce yourself. Mind blowing, I know.
So many professionals do not take the opportunity to introduce themselves when they receive a compliment or even when they are out of the salon and simply at the store. We see people every day, they are all around us!
Go ahead and compliment someone’s hairstyle or outfit, tell them about your new studio and that you would love to get them to come in.
Local boutiques and restaurants can also be wonderful places to hand out your business cards.
Rather than going into the store to chat with the consumers, introduce yourself to the manager and ask them to come in for a complimentary service (deep condition, blowout, etc.) and hand out your business cards to the staff.
Local businesses can be a goldmine when in the process of building a better clientele.
Show Me the Money: Revenue and Profits Within Your Salon Suite
Here, it’s all about the money, something that we’re sure you’re pretty concerned with, too.
We’ll breakdown some of the revenue facets you’ll have to consider when renting a salon and running your own business, as well as discussing some of the key questions that go along with running your own company.
Sales, Sales, Sales
We’re sure there’s a lot of stuff you’re wondering when it comes to the sales part of your business.
Can you say taxes? (We don’t want to, but we can). Let’s talk finances.
Taxes
So, how do taxes work when you’re both running your own beauty business and renting space for your salon suite? Firstly, it’s going to depend on what kind of business you’re running. Do you function in an LLC? Are you considered a sole proprietorship? Or are you considered an independent contractor?
If you’re an independent contractor within your landlord’s space, you can treat your space rental the same for tax deduction like a salon owner can deduct rents for their business space.
Your salon space is deductible as a business expense against your income received on your tax return.
Additionally, as the owner of your own business, remember that supplies can be considered for tax deductions as well.
If you’re a cosmetologist who needs regular supplies – think brushes, shampoos, gels, etc. – then those supplies are direct business expenses that can likely be directly deducted against income on a tax return.
Above all, we suggest that as a business owner or independent contractor, you track all your expenses, all your supplies, all your income, and more for when it’s tax season.
Take a good hard look at what’s considered a deductible, and if possible, work with an accountant who specializes in independent contractors and small business owners.
Make sure that you’re really, really running your business. AKA – you need to be responsible for buying your supplies, managing your books and keeping track of your inventory.
Renewals on Insurance and Licenses
This is a factor that you absolutely need to consider and work into your financial planning.
While there might be tax deductions at the end of the year that relieve the burden of some of these fees, you’ll need to be prepared to pay renewal fees on your insurances and your business and professional licenses.
It’s important that you do this on time, every time, as your business cannot legally function without renewals on your licenses and insurance.
Make sure you’re working these fees and dates into both your financial planning and scheduling for the year.
Finances
Your finances are going to be one of the biggest responsibilities that you take on when you rent your own space and start your own business.
That means you’ll need to consider expenses you didn’t have to previously, set an appropriate pricing regimen, and ensure that you’re not just making ends meet, you’re eventually turning a profit.
Handling your finances is going to include a lot of tracking, a lot of calculation, and a lot of running your own books.
When you own your own business and rent from a landlord at the same time, there’s a lot to consider.
Financially speaking, you’ll need to maintain your own set of books, pay your own taxes, and set aside the cost of overhead, rent, and products you purchase for inventory.
You’ll also need to include finances for your own marketing, tools, and related supplies, as well as setting accurate prices and collecting payment from your clients for the services performed.
You’ll need to know the national and state laws that go hand in hand with running your own business, managing your finances, and paying taxes, too.
We suggest working with a CPA to get in the know as quick as possible.
Inventory
Inventory is a huge consideration when it comes to running your own business.
Not only are you in charge of purchasing the tools and products you need, but you’re in charge of tracking, maintaining, and accounting for every single item that’s included with your inventory.
Consider running an inventory software program that helps you keep track of what you have, alert you when you’re running low on something, and keeps a financial record of every item you purchase in order to keep you on track and on the book.
Taking the Next Step in Your Career
When it comes to running your own business in your rented space, it’s important to remember that the key to your success is avoiding staying stagnant.
You want to continuously improve, provide a better experience for your clientele, and be the best professional in your industry that you can be.
Sometimes, that means continuing your education through an accredited school or gaining specific certifications.
Knowing When to Take the Next Step
Often, running your own business means that you’re looking to grow and expand.
You already have an entrepreneurial spirit, so it makes sense that you’d only hope to run a successful business with the hopes of expanding.
Because of that, it’s important to know when you should change your location and when you should add staff.
If you’ve developed a client base that you simply cannot fit into your salon suite space location, it’s time to start looking around for a bigger suite to rent – if that doesn’t seem like a possibility, you might want to take the next step and either rent an entire building for your salon, or purchase your own building for your salon.
Another key point to examine within your business is when to add staff to work for you. If you notice that your clientele has expanded so much that you’re having to turn people away, it might be time to start adding staff to work with you.
The last thing you want is to turn clients away, especially when they can’t get enough of your talent. If this sounds like an issue you’re dealing with, start considering candidates who could partner with you in your salon space.
Overall, don’t be afraid to let your business grow!
You set off on your own for a reason, and you never want to stifle your creativity, progress, or success as a professional.
Don’t let change scare you!
Salon Suite Rental and You: There's So Much to Love
There are so many benefits that come with renting your salon suite space and running your own business. Sure, there are some cons that come along with it – you’ll have to budget for some expenses you wouldn’t if you worked in someone else’s salon, you have to establish your own marketing plan, you have to learn how to be the big boss – but personally, we think the benefits dramatically outweigh the negatives.
For example, renting a salon suite gives you the chance to become your own business owner.
You run the show, you do things your way, and you can finally establish a business you’ve likely dreamed about for years.
The best part?
You can do that all without the risk and expense that comes with owning a building or buying an enormous salon. Taking on your own salon suite can be as temporary or as permanent as you make it – the flexibility truly is something else.
Beyond that, you’ll be taking the next step in your career. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit with a heart for your industry, it’s time you expand and grow into the next step.
Even more, you’ll be gifting yourself the opportunity to potentially make more money than you ever dreamed possible.
While you’ll be solely responsible for rent, marketing, and product overhead, you’ll also be keeping 100 percent of the profits you make.
We hope our ultimate guide answered all the questions you might have about renting a salon suite, starting your own company, and more.
Further, we hope we could give you the confidence to start making the right steps toward renting your own salon space.
We wish you the best of luck!
Revisit our guide or download our e-book below which includes additional perks such as our “Salon Suite Owner Checklist” with tips and tricks you need to build your perfect salon-rental business!
