The landscape
If you’re a stylist in NYC looking to rent a chair, you have options. That’s good. But not all options are the same. Here’s an honest breakdown of the three paths I know best — including the one I built.
Salons by JC
What it is: A large corporate salon suite rental company with locations across the city.
The good: It works. You get a space, you get a door, you can run your business. It’s predictable and professional in a corporate way.
The catch: It’s generic. Every suite looks the same. There’s no community, no personality, no one who’s been behind the chair for 20 years helping you figure out your next move. It’s a rental — not a shop.
Mane Space
What it is: A smaller, more individualized rental space. I actually rented here for a year between my first and second studio.
The good: This is the closest thing to what the Clubhouse is. It’s cool, it’s funky, it’s individualized. The concept is right.
The catch: The onboarding process was a mess. Lots of emails, phone calls, things that didn’t work. It took way longer than it should have. That experience is literally why I built the Clubhouse’s onboarding to be clean — apply online, vet, tour, onboard through Square ACH. Done.
The Clubhouse
What it is: A boutique NYC studio run by me, Ang. I’ve been doing hair for 20+ years. I’m not a landlord — I’m a stylist who built a space for other stylists.
What makes it different:
- You get a buffer, not a boss. I help you transition from commission to independent. I’ve been there. You get guidance, not management.
- Clean onboarding. License, insurance, deposit through Square ACH. No email chains, no broken forms.
- Real community. You’re surrounded by other independent stylists leveling up. Not isolation.
- Premium space with personality. Real barber chairs. A beer in the fridge. A vibe. Not a cubicle with a mirror.
Who it’s for
The Clubhouse isn’t for everyone. I’m looking for stylists currently charging $90–$100+ per cut who want to elevate their service and experience. If you’re tired of commission but scared to go fully alone, this is the in-between.
Apply for a Clubhouse tour — I’ll review your application personally.