ESSENCEstudios Chicago

ESSENCEstudios is a rental space for independent professionals rather than a salon with a staff. It operates from a 10-suite building at 5623 W. Cermak Rd in Cicero and from a studio at 2128 W. Van Buren St on Chicago's Near West Side. The business was created by the team behind LILYessence, an in-house facial practice based at the Cicero studio.

Renters can choose between a private suite and a booth. A suite is a fully lockable room with its own lighting, décor and setup. A booth is a dedicated station in a shared space, and renters can move up to a private suite later. The Chicago studio offers a daily booth, a monthly booth, and the LILYessence suite available by the day when it is not in use.

Both locations use keyless entry from a phone and security cameras. Each suite has its own private Wi-Fi network for devices, card readers and booking apps, and occupancy-sensing lights. Electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi are included in rent, along with cleaning of common areas.

Renters set their own services, prices, hours and clients. Standard leases start at six months with the option to renew. Renters must hold a current professional license for their services and carry their own liability insurance. According to the business, renters keep all of what they earn, with no commissions. Pricing depends on the space and lease term, so current rates come from a tour.

To get started, schedule a tour by call, text or email, choose a space, sign a lease, then move in and begin booking. Renters can also be featured on the Meet the Artists page with a link for clients to book.

The business describes itself as a community of independent professionals rather than a chain, where renters refer clients to one another and collaborate.