Your Dream, Your Rules
You’ve been thinking about starting your own beauty or salon business for a while—the freedom, the creativity, the ability to be your own boss. Going solo as a beauty professional is a bold yet exciting move—one that gives you the power to shape your career exactly how you want it. Whether you're a hairstylist, esthetician, lash artist, energy worker, or anyone in the beauty & wellness industry— renting a salon suite gives you the independence of running your own business without the major costs of opening your own full salon.
If you're ready to take control of your career, set your own hours, choose your clients, and build something that's entirely yours, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started in Utah. From registering your business to signing your lease, we’re covering all the essentials so you can focus on what you do best—making clients feel amazing.
Step 1: Laying the Business Foundation to start your Salon Suite Business
Before you can start welcoming clients into your salon suite, you need to make things official. Here’s how to set up your business in Utah:
Choose a business name & make sure it’s available!
This is your chance to create a brand that feels totally you—one that reflects your style, personality, and the kind of experience you want to give your clients. Make it something unique, easy to remember, and future-proof (because this is just the beginning!). But before you get too attached, make sure the name isn’t already taken by searching Utah’s business registry. You can check here.
Register your business with the state.
Most beauty professionals opt for an LLC because it offers you more protection if something happens, but it's worth consulting with a professional to decide the best classification for you. Ready to make it official? Here’s where to register.
Get your EIN. (Employer Identification Number)
Think of this like a Social Security number—but for your business. You’ll need it for taxes and to open a business bank account. (And yes, you should have a separate account for your biz—trust me, it makes life so much easier.) You can apply for your EIN right here on the IRS website.
Decide on Your Sales Tax Setup
If you’re planning to sell retail products (shampoo, styling tools, etc.), this part’s important. When you register your business in Utah, the state will ask if you need a sales tax number. Here’s what that means for you:
If you get a Utah State Sales Tax License, you can buy products tax-free from salon supply stores (since you’ll be charging sales tax when you sell them to clients).
If you don’t want to deal with charging sales tax, you can just pay the tax when you buy products and factor that cost into your pricing.
Either way, there’s no right or wrong choice—it just depends on what works best for your business! If you want to apply for a sales tax license, you can do that here.
👉 You should consult your accountant or a professional to make sure this information is still correct and accurate for your business!
Apply for a city business license.
It’s a requirement in Utah to have a business license through your city. If you're leasing at Serenity Studios in Eagle Mountain or Lehi, here are the direct links to apply.
NOTE: These steps may happen during or after you choose your perfect Salon Suite
Step 2: Finding The Perfect Salon Suite For Your Business
Not all salon suites are created equal, and choosing the right space can make all the difference in your success. Look for a suite that aligns with your vision—one that provides the flexibility to create a space that feels like you and supports your growth as a business owner.
There are many wonderful options for Salon Suites in Utah. And while we might be biased… we think ours are pretty great and worth taking a tour. 😉At Serenity Studios, we offer fully customizable suites designed for beauty and wellness entrepreneurs, along with a welcoming community and professional environment to help you thrive.
No matter where you end up going, before signing a lease, make sure to check out our blog on 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Your Salon Suite to ensure you’re making the best decision for your business. (Because while we’d LOVE to have you at our salons, we care more about making sure you find the right fit for you!)
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📍 Ready to see if Serenity Studios is the right fit for you? Book a tour here.
Step 3: Signing the Lease & Getting Set Up
Once you’ve found the one (aka your dream salon suite), it’s time to make things official! Here’s what you need to do next:
Review Your Lease Carefully
Read through every detail so there are no surprises later. Pay close attention to:
✔ Security deposit (Is it refundable?)
✔ Rent increases (Is there an annual bump?)
✔ Lease length & expiration date
✔ Move-out expectations
✔ Early termination policies (Just in case life throws you a curveball)
Secure Business Liability Insurance
Most salon suites require this, and some may also ask for renters’ insurance. If you’re looking for an easy option, Insure Bodywork is a great provider for beauty professionals.
Set Up Your Accounting System
Trust me, you do not want to be scrambling at tax time. Get ahead of the game by setting up a system now. QuickBooks and Wave are solid DIY options, or you can hire an accountant if numbers aren’t your thing. Hiring an accountant can be more affordable than you think.
Choose a Scheduling & Payment System
You’ll need an easy way for clients to book and pay you. Vagaro and Gloss Genius are super popular in the beauty world, but pick whatever works best for your workflow.
Check for Health Department Requirements
Depending on your profession, you may need an inspection from the health department or a Bloodborne Pathogen Certification before opening. Give your local health department a quick call to see what’s required for your specific license.
Submit All Required Documents to Your Landlord
Before you can start bringing in clients, your landlord will likely need copies of:
✔ Your business liability insurance.
✔ Your business license.
✔ Any professional licenses.
Make sure you have everything squared away so you can hit the ground running!
Take Advantage of In-House Marketing Opportunities
If your salon suite offers perks like social media shoutouts or a spot on their website, don’t sleep on it! Send them a bio, your logo, and a high-quality professional photo so they can help promote your business.
Step 4: Your Next Move
Congratulations! You’ve taken the leap and claimed your independence as a business owner. Now it’s time to build your clientele, create an unforgettable experience for your customers, and grow your brand.
Up next, we’ll be sharing tips on how to decorate your salon suite to create a space that’s both functional and on-brand—stay tuned for that! But for now, if you're looking for a salon suite that offers flexibility, community, and a professional environment to thrive, we'd love to meet you.
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