Signaling an expansion of the microbusiness trend, My Salon Suite has rolled out a full rebrand aligned with its intention to attract independent service providers in other industries beyond salon and spa — such as healthcare, body art, and fitness.
The rebrand comes on the 15th anniversary of the turnkey salon studio franchise, the third largest in the U.S. behind Sola Salon Studios and Phenix Salon Suites.
My Salon Suite, which opened its first location in Metairie, LA in 2010, has since grown to more than 360+ across the U.S. and Canada.
Veteran franchise executive Susan Boresow — named My Salon Suite president in June 2024 — told American Salon the brand refresh comes with more business support for the company’s 10,000+ membership, as it widens its umbrella to include other types of service professionals who want to go independent.
AS: How has the landscape changed in the salon suite space since 2010, when My Salon Suite first launched?
SB: It is so impressive how the scope of our membership has changed through the years and continues to evolve.
Our brand was built on a foundation of hairdressers. It evolved to all licensed beauty professionals who saw value in the model, and is now evolving further to any beauty, health, or wellness professional.
All this is possible through the continued innovation and advances in technology — from a basic website and a shared "intranet" to a strong social presence, member app, Education on Demand, and more.
AS: How has being a “solopreneur” evolved since that time?
SB: The confidence level has changed as support for the independent community has grown exponentially. They have evolved from someone who could not find support or be taken seriously, to having a space like ours to welcome them and give them guidance to succeed in business on their own.
Those who have a desire to work for themselves now have more freedom to set up their business model of their dreams and be within a community of like-minded individuals, from the franchisee to their neighboring "suite-mates."
AS: Since 2010, what kind of growth has My Salon Suite seen among people taking the leap to self-employment via suite rental?
SB: We have seen great growth since our first location opened in 2010. We now have over 350 locations across the US and Canada, and over 10,000 independent beauty, health, and wellness business owners.
The 2020 pandemic was an especially pivotal time. Many more beauty professionals saw the value in a private suite: not only for their business, but for the safety and preference of their clients — a preference they may not have known had Covid not occurred.
Some had been ready to go out on their own, and this gave them the push to do it. Some may not have been planning to, but used the unforeseen circumstances as an opportunity to take a leap of faith. Others went out on their own out of necessity as their employers closed their business or were unable to reopen swiftly, and they needed to get back to work.
AS: Why now for a rebrand of My Salon Suite?
SB: It was time. Our logo had not been updated since we opened our first location. We wanted to find a modern look and feel that showed the beauty industry that we are evolving with them. Our updated brand style expands our reach beyond hairstylists — who we still welcome and love — to all independent health, beauty, and wellness professionals looking to go into business on their own.
Digital evolution has been an integral piece of our rebrand, benefiting both our members and their clients.
We have more tools than ever to satisfy and support individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit. Our fully redesigned website and upgraded member app now offer enhanced booking features. Each member now receives a professional, search-friendly profile where they can showcase their work, list their services, and book appointments directly through the website or app.
AS: What will the rebrand do for My Salon Suite’s existing members and franchisors?
SB: Expand it! This will benefit all our members as there is an exceptional opportunity for cross-promotion. How nice is it for a client to come in for a haircut, facial, or manicure and also be able to visit for a chiropractic, tattoo, piercing, private Pilates session, or Botox appointment in the same trip.
For franchise owners, we believe the rebrand will result in their suites filling faster, now that there are more opportunities and demographics for them to reach out to as potential suite owners.