How did I get where I was at? Well, I was working at Supercuts- and I was content but I knew I had to transition into something bigger. I felt like a fish in a small bowl, and I had to be in a big beautiful pond now. My mom and Francisco would urge me to open up a salon but I was being realistic. I know I said I just run with my ideas but sometimes I’m very logical PLUS! It wasn’t MY idea. I knew it would cost a lot of money and time, and even tho I had their support- I am a product of Child abandonment issues😒 so I like to do everything on my own! Plus, I didn’t post on my IG hair page as much, and I didn’t have any real color clients. I had a 10×10 space built in my moms backyard, but I didn’t feel professional- I couldn’t charge what I wanted to charge because my moms 18 dogs, 92 birds, turtle and cats were all out and about. One of Francisco’s friends wives worked at the sola salon (a building with individual suites) and they had mentioned how she liked it. Francisco contacted the owner and he said he actually had a space available- I went to look at it and instantly fell In love and RAN with it. initially, I just wanted to check it out. Because deep down I was insecure about my work- but part of me knew I had to jump the gun! The studio was still occupied- it was actually being leased to one of the girls where I used work at the fancy salon.. she wasn’t used to the individual room.. she had worked at a salon for such a long time that the atmosphere of being alone .. well- felt lonely. Not to mention her studio was all black. All 4 walls were completely black. I moved in in November- the only time my mom ever came and saw it. It was already repainted which I kept one wall white and the other three half black and half white. My color was green and my plan was to have a bunch of green plants to make it feel more like a home. But I have no sunlight, so all my plants are fake! But it’s my own individual salon suite!
What do need to open up a Sola salon ?
The sola building I’m currently at has barbers, esthetician’s, massage therapist and hairdressers. Obviously to have your own establishment you will need a license to allow you perform services on clients. Second, I went in with nothing but $1500 to provide for inventory( I should’ve been more prepared but this is me RUNNING full speed with it) . Personally, now that I know better I would save at least $5000 before opening a suite. I then gathered my license and went to the city to gather my establishment license, business tax certificate and permits. I also trademarked my business. You have options to creating your own social security number for your business or keeping it under your own. I believed all of that cost me about $110 in 2019. A fee you have to pay every year. Sola salon provides you with the Insurence, washer and dryer and poor management. Honestly, the communication at my building is horrible. So my advice to you is to directly always email the manager even for small things.
Who do I recommend a sola suite to?
I recommend these suites to anyone who has a built clientele. These suites are open 24/7 so it’s a great way to be flexible with the hours. But also, I don’t recommend to anyone who expects walks in. I’ve been there for 3 years and I’ve only taken 2 walk in clients. This is also best for a introvert lol I personally never liked working on a salon- I am way too nosey in a sense of Im listening to everything. Plus, i never liked anyone telling me how to do my job. I hated when other stylist would butt in to tell me what I should do. It does get lonely, so there is bigger suites where you can share space with another stylist- but you have to remember that means sharing aesthetic views, sharing profit/losses, and hours. I love my one on one with clients and my clients love the personable conversations. Oh and by Personable I mean clients talking about their good for nothing boo and me agreeing to everything you ! OkkkkkkUUUUrrrrr! *snap snap*
What was the hardest part of the process of opening up a suite?
The hardest part for me was not knowing the rollercoaster events of slow months. I did have a handful of clients but slow months did come up and I wasn’t prepared for that. At Supercuts I got paid wether it was busy or slow. I was paid hourly vs at my suite where I was responsible for rent regardless how slow it was. My first year, I was putting a lot of money into my suite that for about 8 months I didn’t pay myself. I was moving my personal savings into my business account. At one point I was getting over draft fees & it felt like I was getting no where. I had instant regret & thought about getting a second job. Even after working 12 hour days. My solution to this was sitting down and breaking down how much I wanted to make an hour vs me doing what was financially best for my clients. I wasn’t prepared for these moments and that was the hardest part.
What advice would you give yourself when opening up a suite?
First – first first! Is setting boundaries. DO not under any circumstance trade services. Politely deny it. Because people will take advantage of it. (Not everyone- but it takes one person to ruin it.) set boundaries with friends, family and clients. It’s a personal preference to this advice but your career is a career. Not a hobby! Every minute you do someones hair for free because they’re this or that.. is a money and time you gave away- and 9times out of ten, there’s some sort of fall out after. My boundaries have came such a long way and it wasn’t easy at all! Some people like my policies and some think it’s too much but the beauty of it is that THAT IT IS MY BUSINESS. I will run it to the best of my ability and if someone doesn’t like it.. guess what? There’s a zillion other talented easier going stylist that they can look for. My boundaries are set where my clients will respect me, and it all starts with how they communicate with me, how they respect my time, my expertise & what I recommend in services of products. Allowing clients, friends or family walk all over you is a disrespect to your business. Have policies, have boundaries and have respect! You deserve it and worked hard for it.
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If you live in California – specifically in riverside region.. this is a little file that I put together the best way I can to help others trying to open a business of establishment
Just being honest- 