Here at Emerson Salon, we are all independent hairstylists...but you ask, what does that mean?
It means none of us are employees. We each operate individually, running all aspects of our small businesses under one roof.
What is required to be an independent booth renter in WA state? They need: a cosmetology license, a salon/shop license, a master business license from WA state and a City of Seattle business license. Also, to make sure all our stylists are protected they are required to have a minimum of general liability insurance for any possible incidents with a client in their chair.
Each stylist is responsible for saving for and paying their taxes following tracking their business expenses and deductions. Trust us, its not always easy or straightforward but definitely pays off in happy clients who return on a regular basis.
Our stylists and barbers manage their own clients and calendar appointments themselves. No, we don't have receptionists, but each operator has online booking. This is nice because sometimes life throws a curve ball and you have to run an errand a morning before taking clients. This way, the stylist doesn't have to ask permission they just block out that time in the schedule that they won't be in the salon. Some stylists give their email and pricelist and others also add a website, portfolio or an automatic booking system to their Emerson Salon website profile. Everything you need to book with one of them is at your fingertips!
Each stylist has different specialties, pricing, and services. For example, some stylists do not perform color corrections or formal styling, and not all barbers do straight razor face shaves. Some stylists do permanents or smoothing services and others do not. It's all up to the operator as to the services offered. so we highly recommend perusing everyone's profiles to find a barber or stylist who is best for your hair needs.
Pre-Booking an Appointment is necessary. Because we do not control other operators' calendars, it is important to understand that making an appointment will guarantee you get the time and stylist you prefer.
Other salons tend to be commission (% of services goes to the stylist) or wage based (hourly rate.) These are employer based jobs and can run a significant amount of overhead in Payroll, Accounting and Taxes. Being independent means minimized overheard for Emerson Salon and puts the responsibility of earning on the stylist.