Suite Rental Trend Growing Quickly in California

Suite rentals are a new concept that allows licensed beauty professionals to operate their own independent business while avoiding many of the risks commonly associated with opening a full-service salon or spa.  It’s a growing trend that’s spreading quickly throughout California and other states in the West and South.

A new study by Professional Consultants & Resources, a consulting company that specializes in the salon, spa, and cosmetics industries, found that 35% to 37% of all salons in the U.S. now define themselves as salon suites or booth rentals. It predicts that number to grow to 50% by 2015. The study also found the suite rental trend was especially strong in the western half of the U.S.

“[Salon suites and booth rentals] are offering a pleasant, individualized ambiance at competitive prices, plus personalized, one-on-one services that draw and retain clients,” Cyrus Bulsara, the president of Professional Consultants and Resources, told Salon Today magazine.

It’s a new phenomenon that’s made its way to the Inland Empire of California! Candice Freis, a graduate of Salon Success Academy, co-owns Couture Salon Studios, a new salon suite with 30 suites for rent in Upland, California. Each salon suite includes chairs, mirrors, shampoo bowls, cabinetry, hard wood flooring, furniture, and a chandelier. The suites at Couture Salon Studios also feature free WiFi, cable, an on-site laundry service, and complimentary marketing and professional development classes for all the renters!

Independent contractors who choose to rent a salon suite get to enjoy all the perks of owning their own salon or spa, like setting their own hours, using product lines they like, and decorating the space the way they want. Even better, suite renters get to avoid some of the most annoying parts of owning a salon or spa, like paying utilities and hiring other employees (two of the most expensive overhead costs of running a business). Most salon suites, like Couture Salon Studios, have a reception area and receptionist that can be used by all of the renters and their clients.

“It’s a no-brainer for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. You get to avoid the drama of working in a traditional salon and just focus on your clients and your passion. It really allows you to do your best work,” Candice said.

Candice plans on working as the on-site manager of Couture Salon Studios when it opens this winter. If all goes well, she plans on opening a second location in the near future!

Working behind the chair in a big salon isn’t right for everyone! Some beauty professionals need freedom and autonomy to be happy when it comes to their careers. If this describes you, then renting a salon suite could be a great idea once you graduate from cosmetology school or esthetician school. For more tips on how to start your own beauty business, read this series on How to Open Your Own Salon or Spa.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic predicts there will be over 128,000 new beauty industry jobs in the state of California by 2020! The Golden State also ranks in the top five states for the highest employment for several different beauty industry careers! You can see all of these statistics in  The State of Beauty Jobs in California Infographic.