Starting Your Own Suite Business: Complete Guide

Salon suites offer the perfect blend of independence and community. Here's how to start your suite-based beauty business.

## What is a Salon Suite?

A private, fully-equipped room you rent by the week/month, usually in a building with other beauty professionals.

### Benefits
- Private space (unlike booth rental)
- Lower cost than opening a salon
- Shared amenities (wifi, break room, etc.)
- Built-in community
- Professional environment
- 100% of your income

## Finding the Right Suite

### Location Factors
- Visibility and parking
- Demographics match your target client
- Safe neighborhood
- Competition level
- Accessibility

### Suite Considerations
- Size (100-200 sq ft is typical)
- Layout and functionality
- Natural light
- Plumbing access
- Electrical outlets
- Storage space
- Window/door privacy

### Lease Terms
- Weekly rate ($200-$600+ depending on market)
- Month-to-month vs annual lease
- What's included (utilities, wifi, cleaning)
- Build-out allowance
- Signage options
- Cancellation terms

## Startup Costs

### One-Time Expenses
- Deposit (often first/last month): $2,000-$4,000
- Equipment: $3,000-$10,000
- Initial inventory: $500-$2,000
- Decor and furnishings: $1,000-$5,000
- Business setup (licenses, insurance): $500-$1,500
- Marketing materials: $300-$1,000
- Software/systems: $100-$500

**Total startup:** $7,400-$24,000

### Monthly Operating Costs
- Rent: $800-$2,400
- Supplies: $300-$800
- Insurance: $80-$150
- Software: $50-$150
- Marketing: $100-$500
- Continuing education: $50-$200
- Miscellaneous: $100-$300

**Total monthly:** $1,480-$4,500

## Legal Setup

1. **Choose business structure** (sole proprietor or LLC)
2. **Get EIN** from IRS
3. **Register business name** (DBA if needed)
4. **Get business license** from city/county
5. **Get professional license** (cosmetology, etc.)
6. **Get liability insurance** ($1M-$2M coverage)
7. **Set up business bank account**
8. **Set up accounting system**
9. **Understand tax obligations** (quarterly payments)

## Setting Up Your Suite

### Essential Equipment
- Professional chair
- Workstation/station
- Lighting
- Mirror
- Storage/cabinets
- Retail display
- Sound system
- Decor

### Creating Ambiance
- Cohesive color scheme
- Personal branding
- Plants and decor
- Music playlist
- Scent (diffuser)
- Comfortable temperature
- Clean and organized

## Building Your Client Base

### Pre-Launch (30 days before)
- Social media announcement
- Suite photos and videos
- Soft launch with select clients
- Set pricing
- Set policies
- Test all systems

### Launch Week
- Grand opening promotion
- Personal invitations to existing clients
- Social media push
- Google My Business setup
- Email list building

### First 90 Days
- Consistent social media
- Ask for reviews
- Referral incentives
- Network in the building
- Perfect your systems
- Track everything

## Income Goals

### Month 1
- Goal: 40-60% capacity
- Cover rent minimum
- Test pricing

### Month 3
- Goal: 70-80% capacity
- Profitable operation
- Client retention systems working

### Month 6
- Goal: 80-90% capacity
- Waiting list starting
- Can raise prices

### Income Potential

Average service: $75
Clients per week: 25
Weekly revenue: $1,875
**Monthly revenue:** $7,500

- Less rent: -$2,000
- Less supplies/expenses: -$800
- **Net:** $4,700/month ($56,400/year)

With higher pricing and full book: $80,000-$150,000/year is achievable.

## Keys to Success

1. **Financial discipline** - Track everything
2. **Consistent marketing** - Social media, referrals
3. **Client experience** - Make it special
4. **Professional development** - Keep learning
5. **Community** - Network with suite neighbors
6. **Systems** - Use software to stay organized
7. **Self-care** - Avoid burnout

KwickStudio is built for suite professionals: booking, payments, client management, marketing, and business insights—all in one platform.