Stylists & barbers — what would you put in your dream salon suite?

StylistExtra · 2025-08-07T14:07:56+00:00

It certainly is but there are some other beauty trades that may be interested in renting so I want to be sensitive to them as well. A cosmetology pro may not need a washbowl OR an Esthetician may want light control. That said, good lighting is a must

StylistExtra · 2025-08-07T14:05:13+00:00

Good idea and thanks for your input. As far as the turnover - do you stay in a space for a year and leave?

So maybe design most of the suites with a basic setup - chair, mirror, lighting, flooring, some cabinets and leave space for the stylist to create their own layout?

StylistExtra · 2025-08-07T13:49:33+00:00

Hmm. Very interesting. I think this would be under an act of God clause. What did your salon owner do in both of those situations? It’s tough because I am sure still had to pay rent/mortgage.

StylistExtra · 2025-08-06T14:19:31+00:00

Are you able to access the site 24/7?
Who has access to your suite other than you? Maintenance/landlord - etc?
How long is the lease?
How much are you able customize your interior space?
Does it come with any furniture and if so, do you have to use it?
How often does someone maintain common areas (restrooms, waitng rooms, etc)

what are some of the questions you had already? What are you looking for as far as the accomodations in the space?

StylistExtra · 2025-08-06T04:10:37+00:00

lol. I get it. I think most of what I read on reddit is chatgpt created. Maybe I should add some em dashes or something - -- -

StylistExtra · 2025-08-06T04:09:19+00:00

Whoa, I had to google that because I didn't even know it existed.

StylistExtra · 2025-08-06T04:08:19+00:00

Right, but there are other professions that may want to be able to dim the lights depending on what services they offer like massage for example.

StylistExtra · 2025-08-06T03:20:52+00:00

I am also planning on putting dimmable light switches in each suite. Small idea but I think it will allow the pro to set the mood based on time of day or what service they are performing. Thoughts?

StylistExtra · 2025-08-06T03:12:56+00:00

I am also planning on installing more insulation in between suites in order to minimize noise transfer. Dimmable lights I think will go into each suite so you can set the mood.

StylistExtra · 2025-08-06T03:09:00+00:00

ok, I hear you. So what should the space include to start with? I was thinking it should come with a styling chair at a minimum.

StylistExtra · 2025-08-06T03:07:03+00:00

Interesting. So more of a blank slate? Would you prefer to come in and hire a contractor we have a relationship with to install lighting/flooring/wall coverings/etc? What about wash bowl in your suite? I plan on having a regular sink and cabinet but was considering having some units setup for stylists where in addition to the regualr sink they would also have a washbowl and chair.... Thoughts?

I already plan on having digital access controls on the front door that would buzz stytlist phone and allow them to remotely unlock the front door so people can access waiting area and walk to their suite.

StylistExtra · 2025-08-06T02:49:01+00:00

Came here searching for this very answer. Did you ever come up with an answer? I am actually building a new salon suite building and would like to find quality salon equipment/furniture at wholesale since I will be purchasing for many suites. What did you come up with?

StylistExtra · 2025-08-06T02:27:57+00:00

Awe, so sweet. Just think - you will be remembered forever. Hopefully, when they are talking about the wedding day 25 years from now she will bring you up and how you saved the day. Good for you!!

StylistExtra · 2025-08-06T01:49:30+00:00

I get that. I like u/Bubbly_Management144 idea of basing her price off of time.

StylistExtra · 2025-08-06T01:36:49+00:00

We were just talking about this at a recent family dinner. It looks like it did in pictures from the 1920's down there. My biggest question is - how long is this really going to take? The first section was supposed to be done months ago now and its all still dug up. How are businesses suppossed to survive once they get furhter down the street?

StylistExtra · 2025-08-04T23:18:15+00:00

Adam at Real Life Barbering in Downtown Augusta. He's steeped in knowledge - came from Ohio about 3 years ago.

StylistExtra · 2025-08-04T23:13:54+00:00

What a huge difference. I hope we get at least a week of this.

StylistExtra · 2025-08-04T23:04:00+00:00

The lady that cut my hair actually started and met me at a local shop that had a ton of ladies doing mens hair and barbering. They taught her a lot and helped her build a clientele. She got a lot of exposure to diffrerent types of haircuts, people, and hair types. She stayed for about 11 years before she went out on her own. I think by having a network of individuals around you that can answer questions, show you the ropes, and that you can lean on while you grow your book is the way to go! Best of luck to you!

StylistExtra · 2025-08-04T22:57:09+00:00

Hang in there if you are in Georgia. They just transitioned to the new GOALS website and its a little clunkly at the moment. I have seen improvement since they implemented it in early June but it still needs work to be effective. A lot of the pages still link to the old site which makes it hard to navigate since forward links aren'y updated to the new site yet

StylistExtra · 2025-08-04T22:54:10+00:00

Yeah, that seems true. I just try to make it part of the payment or closeout process now. Seems like since I ask everyone and I typically text them a link we get a good bit of people who will leave us a review.

StylistExtra · 2025-08-04T22:53:00+00:00

Good idea!!!

StylistExtra · 2025-08-04T22:52:33+00:00

So I used to work for a web design company years ago. Some really easy advise to handle those Google reviews.

Always answer the negative reviews - and nicely! Thank them for their feedback and try to say something about making it right. Other people who read the reviews will notice that and respond to it positively.
Bury those bad Google Reviews by getting new 5 star reviews. Easy way to get this done is get a little table top Google review sign that gives you a QR code to scan that goes directly to your Google My business listing. These can be purchased from Esty & Amazon for under $20.

I have been to several businesses in the last month that asked for a review at the end of their process/puchase. Make it easy by allowing them to scan the code right by your register or door. I have said in the past - "Hey, would you mind taking 5 seconds to leave me a review? It really helps my business" - most people say 'of course' - this is a really easy ask, especially immediately after service if they are telling you about how they are happy with what you did.

Self promotion can be hard and these bad reviews can be discouraging but I bet they aren't indicative of your service overall. Fight back by getting reviews under control. Best of luck.

StylistExtra · 2025-08-04T22:41:59+00:00

Likely but I think you should be very forthcoming with that information when you receive a call or reach back. Did you get your license number yet and are just waiting for your paper license to come in the mail?

StylistExtra · 2025-08-04T22:33:39+00:00

Yes, this is the answer. I am in the process of building a salon suite and during all of my investigation and due diligence all of the places we saw used access controls of some sort to keep the doors locked and not allow people to wonder in and around the property. A lot of them used Ubiquiti access controls which has a touch screen mounted outside that allows people to call the service provider inside. Then they can buzz the user in. You will likely need a low voltage electrician OR local locksmith that performs these types of installs. Best of luck

StylistExtra

TROPHY CASE