Sola Salons Cedar Knolls

Sola Salons operates as a suite rental business: professionals rent a private room in a shared building and run their own practice from it.

Suites range from single to double rooms, and the company also offers Spa suites. Each one comes move-in ready with shampoo bowls, cabinets and shelving, and each has a glass door with its own lock and key. Access hours vary by location, and tenants can set their own working hours.

Tenants pay one weekly fee that covers utilities and Wi-Fi. Amenities listed include full-spectrum lighting, 24/7 security, a styling chair, a breakroom, bathroom facilities, instant hot water, on-site laundry and janitorial services.

Tenants set their own service and product prices, choose the brands and products they sell, and keep all of the profits. The company says a personal suite costs about the same as renting a chair or booth in a traditional salon, and it describes renters as becoming owners of their own boutique salon. It also says it has more than 20,000 independent business owners in its community.

The company frames the suites as a way for renters to run their own boutique salon, with control over pricing, products and hours.