SUITE
Think of your space as supporting your brand through functional, on-trend elements.
When you’re delivering beauty, the surroundings matter! As an independent beauty pro, you are responsible for designing your own space. What should you take into consideration?
The guest experience
Your professional needs
Your brand
We asked two suite groups and a salon furniture and equipment supplier to share their best suggestions for designing an independent pro suite that will make your work a pleasure while positioning guests in the way you want them to engage while they’re with you.
Minerva Beauty
With an aim of offering suite pros “original, stylish, functional, and comfortable equipment,” Minerva recommends three priorities when designing your suite space:
Layout. Arrange your equipment in a way that maximizes functionality so you can work smoothly and efficiently in your space. “We have a wonderful 2D design tool that can help you map out where everything is going so you’re sure to have plenty of space to work and move around,” says Megan Ferlito, Minerva Director of Marketing.
Questions to ask yourself:
What’s a priority for you—countertop space or storage?
Do you shampoo from the side or behind the bowl?
What size pieces are best for your space?
Storage. Options in a suite may be limiting, so find equipment that provides ample storage while also being functional and user-friendly. Minerva’s new corner cabinet unit is perfect for small spaces, and the company’s selections also include narrow styling stations with built-in storage. If you’re selling product, consider a styling station with built-in retail shelving or a small, separate shelving unit.
Comfort. For your own comfort as well as that of your guest, Minerva’s standard for every salon suite includes anti-fatigue mats, an Eyevac touchless vacuum, a handy cart, and a waiting chair.
“Prioritizing your health, wellness, and efficiency will go a long way when you’re spending 8+ hours a day in your salon suite,” Ferlito says.
MY SALON Suite
“It’s all about adding your own flair to your suite,” says Terra Warner, Member Support Specialist, at MY SALON Suite. Your personal touch will ensure that the design elements you choose represent your personality and support your brand.
Warner advises paying special attention to:
Walls. From designing a mural or choosing a pleasingly patterned wallpaper to painting one accent wall in your brand’s signature hue, you can surround your workspace with mood-setting color.
Light fixtures. A simple chandelier communicates a lot about you and your brand! Sharp, clean lighting is a huge aid when formulating color and making sure hair color work shines.
Shelving. Boost your income with healthy retail sales by using creative shelving and designing exciting product displays.
Coffee/snack bar. If you have any extra space in your suite, fill it with a coffee and snack bar to go that extra mile for your clients.
Remember that your business is always evolving. Because you make art every day in the hair looks you create for clients, you can decorate as you go.
“Most of our stylists use an empty wall of their suite to create a photo wall,” Warner reports. Whether it’s wallpaper with a neon sign promoting your brand or a DIY flower wall, it is a beautiful addition for your suite and a great place to take ‘after’ pictures to show off your skills.”
Is money tight? Warner offers tips for big decor change on a pocket-change budget:
First paint is on them! When you move into your MY SALON Suite, your walls will be painted the color of your choice.
Your suite also will be fully furnished, so there is no need to purchase expensive furniture and salon equipment.
Check secondhand and thrift stores for great art.
Use plants as your accent pieces. “Our window suites provide a lot of light, but faux plants are great, too!” Warner notes.
Does double the business equal double the chaos? Stylists Chloe Calley, owner of Hair by Chloe, and Mesina Timo, owner of Hair by Mesina, share a Sola Salon Studios suite in Brighton, Michigan, that they call Mercedes Brynn Hair + Company. They put their heads together to come up with a plan to give their space both functionality and eye appeal. Here are their suggestions if you’re aiming for an overall look that’s clean and crisp:
Sola Salon Studios
Clear out clutter. Think strategically about where to display or store what you need. Don’t give into the temptation to keep everything out and at easy reach when an uncluttered appearance will speak to your professionalism and taste. This approach also leaves room for the client to be the center of attention.
Coordinate your theme with your color palette. Calley and Timo stick to neutrals to make it simple to have all pieces of art, furniture, and equipment complement each other and work for their modern boho/western vibe.
Stay on brand when choosing essentials. Everything in sight should align with your brand message. Adding to the boho western energy in this space, a rattan pendant light provides supplemental lighting; neatly arranged baskets hold supplies like foils and extra water bottles; a sepia-toned drawing of a cow, hanging as a canvas on the wall facing the door, serves as a focal point; a vase stuffed with faux pampas grass brings a California desert touch; and even the styling trays are gold-trimmed to be not just useful, but pretty.
It helps to think like a client, Calley notes. Two full-length mirrors take up only wall space but give clients a clear view of their new total look. A mini-fridge to keep drinks cold sits snugly next to the cabinetry. And where would a guest want to hang an umbrella or bulky coat? Hooks attached just outside the suite keep outerwear out of sight, while purses sling over another hook right in each station.
Think It Through
Remember that your industry is beauty, and everything you show your guests should be beautiful. Prepare your suite as your home away from home, where you will be most in touch with your artistry. And keep in mind that it’s part of your professional presentation. Incorporate everything from your logo color and product displays to visuals that emphasize service specialties and personal taste.
Get a lot of input and find out what’s trending in space design, but ultimately you are making this decision. Setting up your station however you please is one reason you went out on your own. Make it fun!
Inspiration
DESIGN
Painted by Sophia Claire | Greensboro, NC
Elevate Salon + Spa | Charlottesville, NC
See all that Sola has to offer
Check out MY SALON Suite's beautiful spaces for creative professionals
See Minerva for more inspiration and helpful tips
