”Do You Want to Own Your Own Salon Someday?”

As a young stylist fresh out of school, this was the question I frequently encountered from clients. It seemed like everyone expected that owning a salon was the ultimate goal for a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician. Is owning a business the right decision for you? After 20 years in the industry, I’ve realized that not everyone aspires to or is suited for owning their own salon or spa. At The Salon Professional Academy Ft Myers, we recognize these differences and guide our students in the right direction depending on their desired career path.

Owning a Business

Owning a salon or spa is a popular ambition among licensed cosmetologists and estheticians. Many dream of establishing their own brand identity, building a team, and achieving financial success. While owning a business can indeed be lucrative and rewarding if done correctly, it comes with significant challenges. Every salon owner I’ve spoken to has emphasized that managing people—whether staff or clients—is the most difficult aspect. Handling attitudes, motivation, terminations, walkouts, and quality control are all part of managing emotional human beings. If you excel in people management, are unafraid of confrontation, are financially savvy, and can prioritize business needs over emotions, you might be well-suited to owning a salon or spa.

Suite or Chair Rental

Renting a suite or chair has become a popular choice for stylists who seek the independence of owning a business without the responsibility of managing a team. While this option sounds appealing, there are several factors to consider:

Overhead Costs

You’ll need to purchase retail products, back bar products, and inventory (e.g., permanent and demi hair color, perm solutions, lighteners, foils, color bowls, brushes, capes, etc.). This is a significant investment before you even open your doors, along with furniture, refreshments, and your daily tools. Additionally, you’ll need to cover rent, bills, and salon booking programs/services to maintain consistent operations.

Working Alone

Operating without a team means you won’t have the support, help, and camaraderie that comes with working in a team environment. While you might have an assistant, they will eventually move on. Personally, I thrive in a team that respects and supports each other. After four years in a suite rental before moving to NYC, I missed the team dynamic the most.

Financial Management

While there is potential to make more money than at a commission salon, the workload could be overwhelming for some. Managing paperwork and business planning is challenging, and you may incur fines and penalties for overlooked or overdue tasks. Losing business due to being overwhelmed with “front desk duties” is a significant setback in a single person business model.

Which is right for me?

Salon suite rental can be a great option if you are well-prepared and have a steady clientele. However, if you are new or still building your clientele, jumping into rental or suite could be detrimental as you may not have a consistent income flow and are still learning how to run a successful business.

What About Commission?

Working as a stylist behind the chair or as an esthetician often doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves. It frustrates me when people don’t consider it a viable career. With determination, motivation, skill, proper use of associates/assistants, and significant effort, financial success is achievable. I know many stylists who earn six figures without owning a salon and love not having to manage a business.

How we can help guide

At The Salon Professional Academy Fort Myers, we pride ourselves in the relationships that we create and have with the nearby salons and spas, along with past graduates. At our career fair, we can guide you in choosing the right salon or spa for you to join to be able to learn everything you need to learn before stepping forward to accomplishing your goals. We love hearing the success that our students experience through our cosmetology and esthetics program and various career paths! This could be you too!