You’ve been dreaming about owning your own salon, about the flexibility and possibility of being your own boss. A place where YOU get to be the boss and make all the decisions, including setting your own schedule, picking what products to carry, and decorating the space to fit your personal style. Sounds pretty good, right? Follow these 8 simple steps to turn your dream of salon ownership into a reality. Step 1: Gut Check Self-motivated stylists choose salon studios for a variety of reasons: to create their one-of-a-kind salon culture, build their clientele, grow their business, and enjoy the freedom and benefits of salon ownership. Sola Salons empowers stylists by alleviating some of the risks associated with entrepreneurship, providing retail opportunities, furnishings, equipment, state-of-the-art technology, and, best of all, brand recognition. Starting your own business in a salon studio doesn’t require a huge investment, but you will need creativity, courage, and a loyal clientele.(@thehungryhairdresser)Step 2: Location, Location, LocationIdeally, your new salon should be within close proximity to your current salon, and to where your clients live. It’s also a nice perk if that salon is convenient for you as well. Sola Salons has locations all across the US and Canada, which for the most part are conveniently located near major intersections and within shopping centers and retail areas.This means nearby amenities (a plus for most multi-tasking clients) and, also, visibility for attracting new clients. Contact your local Sola to get all the details. Really, it's that simple! Schedule a tour and get ready to pick out your new home away from home.(@studiocsalon_pgh)Step 3: Set Up Your Systems When you go out on your own, there are additional responsibilities that fall in your lap, from managing your appointment book to understanding your numbers. Consider implementing technology to help you keep track of the details! With online booking, you can allow your clients to book appointments 24/7. With analytics and reports, you can track your ongoing income and expenses to understand when and where your business comes from. Create systems that will help you manage and grow your salon business efficiently.Step 4: Pick Your ProductsWhen you’re the boss, you decide what fills the backbar and the shelves. When you’re picking products, look for benefits associated with certain lines. Don’t overlook access to education and ongoing support — these are things that’ll keep you at the forefront of our fast-paced industry.(@solasalonstudiostemecula)Step 5: Get Down to BusinessBefore opening shop, you’ll have to obtain salon and sales tax licenses and file your trade name registration. We know this sounds scary and it isn’t exactly as exciting as choosing your salon name. But, don’t worry! Sola’s comprehensive start-up manual makes the process easy by providing requisite forms and information. Once the legal stuff’s done, you’ll have to make a few more decisions about the services you’ll offer, your hours, and pricing. This is the fun part where you get to decide what you want your business to offer...it's your salon, after all!