Sola Salons Boulder

Sola Salons is a suite rental business. Rather than employing stylists or booking clients, it leases private studio suites to independent professionals who run their own businesses. The company says its community includes more than 20,000 independent business owners and that leasing a suite can cost about the same as renting a chair or booth in a traditional salon.

Each suite comes with a full-spectrum lighting setup, 24/7 security, utilities, a shampoo bowl and a styling chair. Renters receive a key with an individual lock, and the glass door to each suite is locked, so the space is their own. Access hours vary by location, and renters set their own work schedules. They can decorate the suite and choose their own artwork, music and furniture.

Suites are open to a wide range of trades, from barbers, hairstylists and hair extension specialists to estheticians, lash techs, nail techs, makeup artists, massage therapists, medical spa professionals, laser hair removers, permanent makeup artists, tattoo artists and waxers. The Lakewood location at Colorado Mills Parkway sits near West Colfax Avenue and I-70, close to the Colorado Mills Mall.

The business says its mission is to inspire and support independent beauty professionals, giving renters the independence to run their own practice.