Who Should Lease a Private Salon Suite and When to Make the Move

For many beauty professionals, leasing a private salon suite is more than just a change of location, it’s a shift toward independence, ownership, and long-term career growth. But knowing exactly when to make that move can be tricky. At STL Aesthetics, we work with stylists, estheticians, barbers, and other beauty pros at every stage of their career. Some are seasoned and ready to branch out. Others are just beginning to explore what it means to go solo.

If you're wondering whether it’s time to lease a salon suite, this guide will help you decide.

You're Ready to Grow on Your Own Terms

One of the first signs that you’re ready for a suite is the feeling that you’ve outgrown your current salon setup. Maybe your client list is full. Maybe you're craving more creative control. Or maybe you're tired of following rules set by someone else. If you’ve been thinking about what your own space would look like or how you’d run things differently, that’s a clear signal that you’re ready for ownership.

Leasing a suite gives you control over your schedule, your services, your pricing, and your environment. You make the decisions, and your clients get a more personalized, branded experience.

You Have a Loyal Client Base

If your calendar stays booked, clients rebook consistently, and many come to see you rather than the salon brand, you’re already building your own reputation. This is a great foundation for going independent. When you have a strong client base that trusts you, they’re more likely to follow you to a new location.

Before you move, make sure you have systems in place to keep your clients informed and rebooked. Tools like Square Appointments or GlossGenius help streamline your transition and keep bookings organized.

You Want More Freedom in Your Schedule

If you’re constantly rearranging your life around salon hours or struggling to take time off, a suite gives you a chance to regain control. As a suite owner, you set your own hours. Want a four-day workweek? Need to take mornings off for childcare? Planning a long weekend? You decide.

This flexibility doesn’t just support your lifestyle, it prevents burnout and allows you to build a career that fits your long-term goals.

You’re Looking to Build Your Personal Brand

If you're starting to think about your logo, social media, or packaging, it may be time to level up. A private suite acts as the physical home for your brand. You can decorate the space, play your own music, set the vibe, and create a signature experience that reflects your business identity.

Clients love personalized spaces, and they’re more likely to refer friends when they feel like they’re part of something unique. For brand-building inspiration, check out Behind the Chair, where stylists share how they grew their presence from their own suites.

You’re Comfortable Managing Business Basics

Running a suite means handling your own booking, marketing, inventory, and finances. If this sounds exciting rather than overwhelming, you’re likely ready. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start, just a willingness to learn and improve over time.

If you're still getting comfortable with solo operations, consider taking a business basics course or working with a mentor in the industry. Suite life rewards those who take the business side as seriously as the creative side.

You Want to Keep More of What You Earn

In a traditional salon, you may be paying commission or rental fees without seeing much return on your investment. Once your income is steady, leasing a suite often becomes more profitable. You keep 100% of your service income, tips, and retail sales. Yes, you’ll cover your own supplies and rent, but with control over pricing and scheduling, your earning potential increases.

Running your own show means you’re investing in yourself, not someone else’s salon.

Make the Move with STL Aesthetics

At STL Aesthetics, we help beauty professionals take the leap into independence with confidence. Our private salon suites are designed for flexibility, comfort, and brand growth. Whether you’re ready now or just starting to plan, our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the transition.

If you’ve been asking yourself when to lease a salon suite, contact STL Aesthetics today. We’ll help you decide if the time is right and show you how to create a space that supports your vision.