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Category Archives: Salon Suite Articles

The Ultimate Checklist for Opening a Salon Suite

Opening your own salon suite is more than a career move—it’s a bold step toward independence, creativity, and financial freedom. Whether you’re a stylist, esthetician, barber, or nail tech dreaming of running your own space, this guide will walk you through the essentials. From licenses to branding, we’ve created the ultimate opening a salon suite checklist to help you launch with confidence and clarity.

At Phenix Salon Suites, we believe in empowering beauty entrepreneurs with turnkey spaces, flexible terms, and unmatched support—so you can focus on doing what you love.

Let’s get into the specifics.

Why Consider Opening a Salon Suite?

Choosing a salon suite model offers advantages that go beyond chair rental or traditional salon jobs:

  • Flexibility to set your hours and choose your services
  • Increased earning potential without commission splits
  • Creative freedom to design your space and build your brand
  • Autonomy to grow your business your way

Phenix Salon Suites makes this transition smoother with private, fully furnished suitesno long-term agreements, and a thriving community of independent professionals.

Explore salon suite opportunities that align with your goals and style.

Opening a Salon Suite Checklist

Ready to take the step into salon ownership? Use this comprehensive checklist to stay on track as you launch your salon suite.

1. Ensure Proper Licensing & Certifications

  • State cosmetology, esthetician, barber, or nail technician license
  • Specialty certifications (e.g., lash tech, microblading)
  • Health & safety or sanitation training (as required by your state board)

2. Set Up Your Business Structure (check with your local municipality on requirements)

  • Choose a legal entity (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)
  • Register for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
  • Get liability and property insurance. Phenix Salon Suites provides Professional Liability Insurance for select professionals – get in touch with questions!
  • Set up a business bank account and bookkeeping system

3. Create a Financial Plan

  • Budget for start-up costs (products, branding, marketing)
  • Estimate ongoing monthly expenses (suite fee, supplies, insurance)
  • Set service pricing and revenue goals
  • Choose a POS or appointment system for operations. Phenix Salon Suites provides access to Gina’s Platform for free!

4. Find the Right Location

  • Look for visibility, parking, accessibility, and neighborhood fit
  • Choose a provider that offers support, convenience, and professionalism

Phenix offers beautifully finished salon suites in top-tier locations—with included Wi-Fi, utilities, and amenities—making it easier to focus on growing your business. See available top salon suites nationwide.

5. Stock Up on Supplies & Equipment

To deliver top-notch service, you’ll need to outfit your space with the right tools. Here’s a complete list of what to prepare:

Core Tools & Equipment

  • Shears, clippers, trimmers
  • Brushes, combs, blow dryers, flat irons
  • Hot tools for styling or treatments
  • Nail and skincare tools (if applicable)

Furniture & DECOR

Phenix Salon Suites provides you with a move-in ready suite that includes a wash bowl, styling chair, rolling styling cart, dryer, shampoo chair and cabinet for hair suites – and a spa sink and cabinet for spa suites.

Other items you’ll want to consider are:

  • Mirror
  • Lighting
  • Decor

Sanitation & Safety

  • Barbicide and disinfectants
  • PPE (masks, gloves)
  • Clean/dirty towel containers
  • Sanitary station setup per local regulations

Products & Consumables

  • Haircare and styling products
  • Chemical service supplies (color, lightener, etc.)
  • Skincare products, waxing kits, nail polishes (as applicable)
  • Towels, capes, applicators, foils

Technology & Branding

  • Scheduling and payment software
  • Music or ambiance systems
  • Marketing materials (business cards, signage, menus)

Phenix Salon Suites offers access to marketing resources, including free webinars on how to set pricing, market your brand, and build your business.

What Do You Need to Start a Hair Salon or Suite?

If you’re asking “what do you need to start a hair salon,” the essentials include:

  1. State License – You must be a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician, barber, or nail tech.
  2. Business Setup – Legal structure, EIN, insurance, and financial planning.
  3. Salon Space – A clean, professional, well-equipped environment that fits your brand.
  4. Tools & Supplies – All service-related equipment and consumables.
  5. Marketing Strategy – Website or booking link, social media presence, and referral system.
  6. Ownership Mindset – Confidence, accountability, and the desire to grow.

Phenix provides the environment and support that makes all of this achievable—so you can focus on success, not logistics.

Learn more about what it’s like to be owning your beauty business in a space designed for you.

Common Questions About Opening a Salon Suite

How do I start my own hair salon suite?

  1. Check your license status and make sure you meet all state board requirements.
  2. Form your business entity (e.g., LLC) and apply for an EIN and insurance as required by local municipality.
  3. Tour available salon suites and choose a provider like Phenix that aligns with your vision.
  4. Purchase supplies and personalize your space.
  5. Promote your opening through social media, referrals, and introductory offers.
  6. Launch! Start serving clients, building your brand, and growing your income.

What costs should I expect upfront?

  • Initial suite deposit or first payment
  • Business registration fees and insurance
  • Equipment, tools, and supply inventory
  • Branding materials (logo, signage, menus)
  • Marketing spend to promote your launch

Thanks to Phenix’s fully equipped suites and included amenities, many beauty professionals save significantly on startup costs.

How long does it take to get started?

If you already have your license and business paperwork, you could be up and running in a matter of days. Phenix offers quick onboarding, no long-term agreements, and spaces that are ready for you to move in and make your own.

Why Choose Phenix Salon Suites for Your Salon Journey?

Thousands of independent beauty professionals have trusted Phenix to help bring their business dreams to life. From flexible salon rental space options to unmatched support, here’s what makes Phenix stand out:

  • Private, professionally equipped salon suites
  • No long-term lease commitments
  • Inclusive amenities (Wi-Fi, utilities, laundry access)
  • 24/7 access to your space
  • Supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs

Ready to take the next step? Discover how Phenix Salon Suites can help you create the salon of your dreams. Open a Beauty Salon Suite today and start your journey with support, style, and freedom. Call or text for more info 937-312-4286

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How to Create a Successful Salon Suite Business Plan in 2025

If you’re dreaming of becoming your own boss in 2025, a well-crafted salon suite business plan is your roadmap to success. Whether you’re a hairstylist, esthetician, nail tech, or barber, stepping into ownership through a salon suite gives you freedom like never before—and your plan is how you’ll get there with confidence.

Even if you’re partnering with Phenix Salon Suites, where much of the startup stress is removed, having a salon business plan ensures you define your vision, stay focused, and grow on your own terms.

Why a Salon Suite Business Plan Still Matters in 2025

The beauty industry is shifting. More professionals than ever are leaving traditional commission salons and stepping into independence. With flexible salon rental space options, like those offered by Phenix Salon Suites, starting your own business has never been more accessible.

So why write a business plan if so many logistics are already taken care of?

salon suite business plan gives you clarity. It helps you:

  • Define your brand identity and mission
  • Know your ideal clients and how to reach them
  • Plan your income and pricing confidently
  • Build a business, not just a service list

Even with Phenix eliminating traditional long term agreements, buildouts, and utility headaches, your business plan still serves as the foundation for your long-term success.

Key Elements of a Modern Salon Suite Business Plan

A strong salon suites business plan isn’t about pleasing a bank—it’s about giving you, the business owner, a clear, confident map to follow. Even though Phenix takes care of the hard stuff (like suite setup and utilities), your plan helps you organize your goals, finances, and growth from day one.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to what to include:

 1. Have a Strong Business Vision & Mission

This section defines the heart and soul of your business:

  • Vision Statement: What long-term impact do you want to make in your clients’ lives?
  • Mission Statement: What does your business stand for day-to-day?

Example: “To deliver high-quality, customized color services in a private, empowering environment that makes clients feel confident and cared for.”

 2. Know Your Target Client Profile

Knowing who you serve allows you to tailor your services, pricing, and marketing:

  • What’s their age, lifestyle, and career background?
  • What challenges or goals do they have?
  • How can your services meet their needs better than a traditional salon?

Example:
“My ideal clients are busy professionals aged 30–55 who value quality, quiet, and personalized hair services.”

 3. Make Time For Financial Planning & Budgeting

Your plan should cover both startup needs and long-term money management.

Startup Costs

Phenix eliminates traditional buildout and lease expenses, but you’ll still want to budget for:

  • Initial product inventory
  • Booking system setup
  • Marketing materials (logo, business cards, website)
  • Insurance and state licensing

Monthly Overhead & Suite Costs

Outline realistic ongoing expenses:

  • Phenix suite fee (weekly or monthly)
  • Product restock
  • Booking software
  • Insurance and license renewals
  • Marketing spend
  • Buffer for unexpected expenses

 4. Finalize Your Service Menu & Pricing

Define your offerings and structure your pricing with strategy:

  • Consider service duration, product cost, and competitor pricing
  • Use bundles or upgrades to boost average ticket
  • Leave room for seasonal or limited-time offerings

Example:

  • Root Touch-Up – $95
  • Full Color – $175
  • Haircut Add-On – $40
  • Deep Conditioning – $25

 5. Invest in Strong Marketing & Branding

Attracting and retaining clients is easier with consistent messaging and outreach:

  • Visual Branding: Create a cohesive aesthetic across social, signage, and print (Phenix Salon Suites offers professionals access to marketing resources including education webinars on marketing your brand and discounts on websites.)
  • Digital Presence: Claim your Google Business Profile, build your Instagram, and set up a booking link
  • Promotions: Use first-visit discounts, referral bonuses, or loyalty cards
  • Local Strategy: Partner with nearby businesses, join networking groups, or sponsor local events

Plan a monthly marketing calendar and set a realistic budget for content, paid ads, or creative support.

 6. Create an Intentional Operations Overview

Running smoothly behind the scenes means more time for creativity:

  • Use tools like Gina’s Platform, for booking and payments
  • Create an appointment flow: intake forms, confirmations, reminders
  • Set up routines for cleaning, inventory checks, and client follow-ups
  • Stay current with insurance policies and health regulations

Phenix simplifies all the suite logistics—so you can focus on what you do best.

 7. Develop Your Growth Plan

A great business plan looks beyond launch—it outlines your big-picture goals. The more detailed, the better!

Common FAQs About Salon Suites Business Plans

Do I need a formal business plan for a salon suite?
Yes! Even if it’s just for you, a business plan helps clarify your goals, plan your finances, and grow your brand with purpose.

How does Phenix simplify startup compared to a traditional salon?
Phenix provides basic equipment, private suite with no long term agreements, no construction, and no credit checks. You get a beautiful space and total control—without all the usual delays or upfront costs. 

What costs and responsibilities do I still manage independently?
You’ll manage your business tools (like booking software), supplies, marketing, and suite fee—but without utility bills, long-term agreements, or facility maintenance to worry about. 

How Phenix Salon Suites Helps You Focus on Your Craft — Not the Paperwork

At Phenix, we believe beauty professionals deserve more than a chair—they deserve freedom. That’s why we offer:

✅ Ready-to-use, private suites
✅ No long term agreements, buildouts, or credit checks
✅ Utilities, Wi-Fi, and equipment included

✅ A national network of beauty professionals committed to growth

Ready to Turn Your Business Plan Into Reality? Call or text us today for more information 937-312-4286

Your business plan is your vision. Phenix Salon Suites is how you bring it to life. Whether you’re leaving a commission salon or starting from scratch, your dream deserves structure—and support.

 

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