Most beauty professionals move through three stages: commission, booth rental, and finally their own private suite. Each is a different trade between security and ownership.
Commission
The salon provides everything and takes a cut — typically 40% to 60% of your service revenue, sometimes more. It is the lowest-risk way to start and the most expensive way to stay. You rarely own your client list, your prices or your schedule.
Booth rental
You rent a chair on an open floor. Cheaper than a suite, but you share the room, the noise, the front desk and the vibe. Privacy is limited and your brand competes with everyone else in the space.
Your own suite
A private, lockable room that is entirely yours. You set your hours and prices, keep 100% of your revenue minus a flat rent, control the music, the décor and the client experience end to end. The risk is that the rent is fixed — which is exactly why the math matters.
Run your own numbers
For a stylist with a steady book, a suite almost always nets more per year than commission once you account for keeping your full service revenue and your retail margin. Plug in your prices and volume in our earnings calculator and watch the gap appear.
Ready to compare suites? Explore salon, spa and med options at Ocean Breeze Lofts.