Published: 24 July 2022
Last update: 15 June 2026
8 Steps to Opening a Salon Studio
Studio Inspiration
Marketing & Business Tips
All About Sola
You've put in the hours behind the chair. You know your craft. And now you're ready for the next step: building a business that's truly yours. Opening your own salon suite means calling your own shots; your schedule, your prices, your vibe, your rules. Here's how to make it happen.
Step 1: Get Honest With Yourself
The idea of going independent can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming — and wherever you are in that headspace, that's completely valid. What we know is this: if you're motivated, passionate about your clients, and ready to build something of your own, a salon suite can be the vehicle to get you there.
You don't need a massive investment or a decade of experience to get started. You need a vision for your business, the drive to show up for it, and a community behind you. That's exactly what Sola is built to provide — the tools, tech, and support to help you grow on your own terms, whatever that looks like for you.
Step 2: Find the Right Location
Finding the right location is one of the most exciting decisions you'll make. The closer your suite is to where your clients already live and work, the easier the transition — and the faster you'll hit the ground running. Sola has hundreds of locations across the U.S. and Canada, most of which are situated near major intersections, shopping centers, and high-traffic retail areas. That means built-in visibility, convenient parking, and nearby amenities your clients will love. Schedule a tour at your local Sola and find the space that feels like home.
Step 3: Build Your Business Infrastructure
Going independent means stepping into something bigger — you're not just a stylist, you're a business owner, and that's something to be proud of. Setting up the right systems early makes everything easier down the road. Online booking lets clients schedule 24/7 without the back-and-forth. A solid salon management platform keeps your appointments, income, and client history all in one place. Getting comfortable with your numbers — monthly expenses, revenue goals, where your business is coming from — sets you up to grow with intention. The foundation you build now is what your future business stands on.
Step 4: Curate Your Product Menu
One of the best parts of going independent is getting to stock the backbar with products you actually believe in. Choose lines that align with your values, your services, and the clients you serve. And look beyond the product itself — brands that invest in ongoing education and professional support are the ones that help you stay ahead. The right product partners become part of your business story, not just your shelves.
Step 5: Handle the Business Essentials
Every great business is built on a solid foundation. Before opening day, you'll want to make sure your salon license is in order, your business name is registered, and you have a handle on your tax obligations as a self-employed pro. Sola's start-up resources are designed to walk you through it all — clearly and without the overwhelm — so you can check the boxes confidently and get back to the work you love. From there, finalize your service menu, set your pricing, and decide on your hours. This is your business. Build it with intention.
Step 6: Design a Space That Feels Like You
Your suite is your brand brought to life. Clients aren't just booking a service — they're choosing an experience, and every detail of your space contributes to that. Your salon name, your color palette, the music you play, the products on your shelves — it all tells a story. The beauty of independent ownership is that the story becomes yours. Lean into what makes you, you, and create a space your clients will want to come back to again and again.
Step 7: Show Up Online
Your online presence is one of your most powerful business tools — and the good news is, you don't have to be a content creator to use it well. Before you even move into your suite, start building buzz. Share the journey, tease the space, and let your clients know something exciting is coming. Sola gives every Pro their own webpage with booking integration — put that link everywhere: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Google. Consistency matters more than perfection. Show up authentically, make it easy for people to book, and let your work speak for itself.
Step 8: Open Your Doors
This is the moment you've been working toward. Now it's time to walk in, do what you love, and share it with the clients who've been cheering you on. Consider welcoming them with a small gesture — a handwritten note, a sample, something that says "I'm glad you're here." Because you've built something real. A business on your own terms, in a space that's entirely yours. That's worth celebrating.