Rental sola salon
Hi everyone!
I'd love to hear some honest opinions and experiences.
I live in NYC and I'm planning to start my own waxing business. I'm considering renting a Sola Salon suite as a solo waxer. I'm new to the beauty industry, although I've successfully run a different business before, so I understand that building a client base takes time.
The Sola suite would be $1,600/month (regular price), but they currently offer:
50% off for the first 12 weeks
1 year of free booking software
1 year of insurance (I believe)
Fully furnished, including the treatment bed
A premium, professional environment
I've also found private office spaces for $900–1,100/month, but they come with nothing included—no furniture, no booking system, no insurance, and in one case not even a sink in the room. They're also farther from my target area.
I have a detailed business plan and a marketing strategy. My goal is to build a premium client experience, and I feel like Sola fits the brand I'm trying to create. My concern is simply the cost. Paying $1,600 per month just for rent is a big commitment.
Financially, I have a part-time job, so I'm not relying solely on the business from day one. I also have enough savings to comfortably cover about 4–5 months of business expenses while I build my clientele. My goal is that by around the sixth month, the business will at least cover its own expenses.
Since waxing is a repeat-service business, I'm hoping to build a loyal client base that returns every 4–6 weeks.
For those of you who have rented a Sola suite—or started in a private office—would you do it again? Was the higher rent worth it? Or would you recommend starting in a less expensive location and upgrading later?
I'd really appreciate hearing your experiences and advice. Thank you!