A few weeks later, SToNE was born.
I created SToNE to represent the freedom & flexibility I believe this industry needs more of. But more than that, I wanted to create a safe, supportive space — for myself, my clients & the stylists who work here. I wanted a true salon family where we lift each other up.
I also wanted to build a rental salon that still had that commission-salon feel — community, guidance & collaboration — without sacrificing independence. Most stylists I spoke with wanted to pay for what they actually received & have support while growing their businesses. So I built a rental structure that does just that.
Teaching at beauty schools showed me how many new stylists dream of going rental right out of school but have no idea where to start. That’s where SToNE bridges the gap. It’s a space for all types of stylists — with custom rental packages, mentorship opportunities & a team atmosphere that feels like family.
The theme at SToNE is “Overstay Your Welcome,” because honestly, I love hanging out with my coworkers & clients. I designed the salon to fit into real life — for busy people who want to get their hair done & get things done. Which is why the space is specifically designed with a coffee shop vibe in mind, so clients can get work done on their laptop, while also getting their hair done.
SToNE was built with purpose, comfort & community in mind — & every little detail has a story behind it. You’ll just have to come by & see it for yourself!
For years, whenever people asked if I wanted to own a salon, my answer was always no- I didn’t think it would be worth it, especially because people always said it was a money pit & I honestly did not want to lose money.. But sometimes we forget that taking risks is part of growth.
After becoming a rental hairstylist in 2023, I started learning more about the ownership side of rental salons — & that’s when everything started to shift. I realized, wait… this doesn’t sound like a money pit at all. The more I researched, the more I understood that commission & rental salon structures are two totally different worlds.
Back in New Jersey, commission was the only option. Moving to Arizona opened up a whole new side of the industry I had never experienced before. As a renter, I started listening — really listening — to other stylists. What they liked, what they didn’t, what they wished existed. I thought I was just mentoring them, but in reality, I was collecting research without even realizing it.
After two years at my first rental salon, I knew I was outgrowing the space. I didn’t want to move to another salon just for a change of scenery — I wanted something different. So, just for fun (or so I thought), I started looking at small salon spaces.
After touring a few that didn’t feel right, I decided to pause and focus on life for a bit — settling into our new home and planning our wedding. But just a few days later, I came across a new space for lease. The moment I walked in, I knew. It was the one. My first salon baby.
This was not part of the plan — I had no business plan, no business partner, no timeline — and we were only four months out from our wedding. But something in me knew I couldn’t let this opportunity pass.
