Rodrick Samuels on The Silent Work, Modern Beauty Education and Why Empathy Wins
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
by Anne Moratto
Booth Rental Vs. Suite Rental: Which is Best for You?
Would you rather rent a studio suite or rent a spot at an existing salon? Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you in making your choice.
December 13, 2018
In partnership with
3 min to read
You’ve made up your mind—you’re going to strike out on your own as an independent artist. You’re ready to set your own hours, choose your own products, be your own boss. Hurray! Now, there’s one more choice to make. Would you rather rent a studio suite or rent a spot at an existing salon? Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you in making your choice.
Are you comfortable handling every aspect of your business? As a solo artist in a studio, it all begins and ends with you. While you might receive certain levels of support if you rent a station in a salon, in a studio you will be responsible for everything from client bookings and processing payments to accounting for inventory and ordering products. If you put your mind to it, it’s totally doable. “Take accounting and business management classes,” suggests solo artist Gioia Gomez of Akasu Hair Studio and Spa in Portland, OR. “Do your research. Create an outline of a business plan and a budget, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Do your clients require privacy? Maybe you work with high profile individuals or perhaps your clients are busy professional women who relish a few hours of peace and quiet in the salon chair. In these cases, your salon studio could be a haven—and a good reason for them to keep coming back to you.
Do you like working around other stylists? If you love the energy that comes from working with other stylists, you’ll want to do your solo act in a booth rental situation. You’ll have the best of all worlds—the independence you crave, and the company and companionship that keep your creative juices flowing.
Do you need walk-ins to help build your business? Experts agree that success in a salon studio is enhanced if you have a solid book of clients and you’re not relying on walk-ins for new business. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done, though, if you make marketing a priority (which you should do regardless of where you work!). “My main form of marketing is word-of-mouth and referrals, but Instagram helps, too. I post every day, showing new techniques and up-to-date fashion looks,” says studio artist Rochelle Randall of Popular Movement in Costa Mesa, CA. “I also post from events and photo shoots so guests can see I am always furthering my education.”
Do you have strong ideas about how your salon space should look? Then a salon studio is the way to go. You choose everything from the paint on the wall to the towels, lamps and chairs. Before you start decorating, give some thought to your brand and your image. These crucial elements should be well represented in your studio décor. For example, if your style is Parisian casual, you may want to bring in a funky antique chandelier, brass mirrors and picture frames and an overstuffed chintz loveseat.
Whether you choose booth rental or the suite life, be sure to also consider the comfort and convenience of your clients. In addition to your talent, a clean salon, proximity to your previous location and accessible parking are all key factors for successful client retention and referrals.
Find more articles like this on SalonCentric.com
Photography: Courtesy of Sola Salon Studios/@solasalons
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Career
AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
by Anne Moratto
50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
by Anne Moratto
What Salon and Spa Professionals Need to Know About Skin Longevity
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Financial Educator Anna Manukyan Launches Masterclass for Early Career Stylists
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Heads to Austin: One-Day Beauty Business & Career Education Event for Beauty Professionals
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)
From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.
Ulta Beauty and Beauty Changes Lives Launch “The Possibilities Are Beautiful” Cosmetology Student Scholarship
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
A Path for Everyone: Great Clips Salons Offer Diverse Career Opportunities
Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Are Salon Suites Becoming Too Cheap? The Hidden Risks of Low Salon Suite Rent
Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Keratin Complex Launches KC on Tour 2026 with Tabatha Coffey
Keratin Complex is taking education on the road in 2026 with the launch of KC on Tour, a live event series featuring industry icon and salon business coach Tabatha Coffey.
by Anne Moratto
Why Soft Skills and Client Communication Matter More Than Ever in the Beauty Industry
Modern professionalism is evolving beyond hard skills. Technical training is essential but about 85 percent of job success comes from soft skills. In a world where AI and automation are increasing, human connection becomes more valuable, not less.
by Anne Moratto
Author Daniel Cubillo Drops the Blueprint for Building a Career in the Content Arena
In his new book "The Creative Mastermind," a writer and creative executive behind brands such as "Top Chef," "Fear Factor," and "Real Housewives," shares his insider knowledge for navigating today's chaotic content landscape.
What Custom Notifications Tell Us About the Personalized Future of the Salon Client Experience
Personalization is no longer just the cherry on top; it’s the whole sundae. If clients don’t feel like you designed and personalized the experience just for them, they’ll find a salon that does.
Beautiful Careers Happen Here
Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty