HOUSTON-During spring, 2013, Sola Salon Studios rolled out its concept in two of Houston's most active submarkets. Franchisees set up shop in Katy, TX, on the far west side and in Shenandoah, TX, just south of The Woodlands.
According to Baker Katz's Jamie Weaver, the Denver-headquartered company wants to see more open throughout the region, and is working toward that goal with the help of two local franchisees. "Houston, you could argue, has one of the best economies in the country," says Weaver, who is working with the Sola Salon local franchisees to find space for expansion. He says that, given the size and economics of the area, Houston could support anywhere between 25 and 30 stores.
All well and good, but what, exactly, is the Sola Salon Studios concept?
Sola Salon franchisees can lease anywhere between 5,000 square feet and 18,000 square feet at retail centers. Within that space, the franchisees build small suites from which aestheticians – such as hair stylists, masseuses and nail experts – operate. Franchisees collect money from these individuals, and in most cases, the amount isn't much more than if these specialists were to lease a chair in a standard salon. The difference, however, is more privacy, less distraction and more space.
Weaver tells GlobeSt.com that each suite has doors that lock and that they're turnkey operations that include tools of the trade, such as sinks, chairs and counter. "The model is geared for seasoned individuals to come on board and become owners in their own businesses," he adds.
The operative word here is "seasoned." Weaver notes that Sola Salon suites are best for aestheticians who already have a thriving business, rather than those who might just be starting out.
The main reason why it's a good idea for the aestheticians to have an in-place business with plenty of clients is because of the type of space Sola Salon franchisees require. Given the model's economics, "they want B space in an A trade area," Weaver tells GlobeSt.com. Certainly, he goes on to say, the best locations are in heavily trafficked retail centers, especially centers that already have salon density and plenty of parking. But franchisees can be flexible.
"If the space is on the back side of a shopping center, that'd be okay in some circumstances," Weaver says. "The franchisees are willing to get creative on space that might not be as marketable because of its position in a center."
In this industry, clients who like an aesthetician and go to him or her on a regular basis don't need the retail visibility, which is why prominent signage on a major road isn't exactly a necessity, though it would be a nice perk. "This is more of a destination concept," Weaver notes. "Clients already know it's there."
At this point, there are no specific destinations in Houston that are in stone; Weaver says he's seeking space in all the major submarkets.
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