Popping up all over the island are the somewhat newer concepts of small businesses in the hair, skin and nails field. There are a few names commonly seen now such as Sola Salon, My Salon, Salon Suites, and Phenix Salons. Over the past few weeks, Centereach and Selden have welcomed two of these shared space facilities. A soft opening is underway in the Centereach Mall under the banner of Phenix Salons. Two miles east, down Middle Country Road, in Independence Plaza, is the newly opened My Salon. They hosted a gala event to mark their Grand Opening recently on March 18.
The My Salon concept, similar to the others, is an innovative small business unto itself. Think back to the days of “Flea Markets” where one large facility allowed numerous small vendors to rent space within, focusing solely on their own business, without having to address long leases, repairs, and the like. That basic concept has found its way into the beauty industry over the last decade or so, providing an amazing opportunity to the individual hair stylist, nail technician and esthetician.
The newest addition to Selden, My Salon, located at 395 Independence Plaza, is the second location for owners Rebecca and Brian Muellers. Their first is located at 1959 Front Street in East Meadow.
Both locations boast individual suites perfect in size for the solo artists with an entrepreneurial spirit. The Selden building is divided into thirty-eight smaller suites and come with chairs, furniture, cabinets, and lighted mirrors already set in place for the services you want to provide. Be it an esthetician spa-like chair, nail table, or the hair sink and styling station for the hair stylist, it is included in the rent. It is there waiting for you. You just bring in your tools of the trade, add some accessories, hang your shingle, and make it yours.
Truly, what makes this fairly new concept of renting these units so desirable, is that it is the simplest way to start your own business. The Muellers, as the owners, are responsible for the shared spaces, such as bathrooms, lobby, security, and laundry room. You can set your own hours, come and go as you please, and charge your own prices. The rent is very reasonable and all-inclusive so you know what your fixed costs are. The building is secure with a system that clients must be buzzed in from the lobby by the person who is expecting them.
Although there are a number of similar types of businesses within the shared space – each one is visibly unique and separate. The owners of the My Salon also work towards the success of their tenants; it is much more than just collecting rent. They organize educational sessions for both beauty and business. They are able to buy certain products or services in bulk and then pass the savings on to their tenants. They even have a computerized system with which you can secure the laundry machines at a set time and have the system message you when done, so you don’t lose time going back and forth waiting for a free machine. The entire system they have put in place is highly well-conceptualized and ideal for a small business or business start-up.
The individual entrepreneurs really have the best of both worlds here, owning their own business which comes with many perks, especially the one where you directly reap the rewards of your own efforts and the sky’s the limit. You create your own work life balance and success simultaneously while having the usual headaches that come with business ownership being shouldered by someone else. Problem with the plumbing? Need a new washing machine? That’s the owners responsibility, leaving you only to worry about getting the clients in and sending them out satisfied.
The Messenger wishes them all much success, including Rebecca and Brian Muellers because fostering these businesses is their business.
