What I Love About Owning a Salon Suite

I'm not exaggerating when I tell you going independent and moving into a salon suite is the best decision I ever made in my career as a hairstylist.

Prior to owning my own business, I worked in commission salons. That meant I was an employee of the salon, and I would only make a certain percentage commission on the services I did (plus tips). Being an employee is nice, because everything gets taken care of for you. You don't have to worry about supplying product, paying any bills, or dealing with all of the behind-the-scenes of running a business. If you're in a bigger, really successful salon, you probably also don't have to worry about finding your own clients, booking clients, or checking clients out. However, it also has major limitations, and there is so much that is out of your control.

The Perks of Working in a Salon Suite

When you work for yourself, you are in full control of pretty much EVERYTHING. The service menu, the prices, the products you use, the atmosphere, and your schedule. Want to take a week off? You can, and you don't have to run it by anyone first. Don't want to work weekends or earlier than 10:00? No one can stop you!

Also - as an introvert, I would get so over-stimulated being in a big, loud salon full of people. Working alone, in a small space, with one client at a time has been so peaceful, and my work has gotten even better, as a result.

Yes, there is way more responsibility, but the extra work is so worth it, knowing that I'm building this thing for myself. Plus, because I can set the prices, I ensure I'm getting paid an appropriate amount for the work that I'm doing, so that also makes it well worth it.

The Client Experience

Working for myself has also allowed me to offer the absolute best to my clients. When I worked in a large salon, I can't tell you how many times there would be a full house, and my client would have to wait for a shampoo bowl to become available before I could wash out their color. Or some days, the salon would be so loud, I could barely hear my client during our consultation. Other days, the salon would run out of certain color, and I would have to improvise and use a different formula on my client, creating inconsistencies. Now, not only do I get to control the atmosphere within the salon, providing my clients with total privacy and relaxation, but I can make sure the experience outside of the salon is also the best. From my website to the booking experience, I can ensure consistency and professionalism that properly reflects my brand and who I am as a hairstylist.

Looking to book a hair appointment in a salon suite in Wilmington, NC?

Sam Vay Studios is a private, one-chair salon suite, located in the heart of Wilmington and minutes from Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. My suite has tons of natural light and the most calming atmosphere. I specialize in custom lived-in color, blondes, brunettes, gray blending, and haircuts. I also offer silent appointments. Please fill out my contact form to request an appointment, and I will be in touch shortly.