Salon venture caters to industry vets

A new salon venture in Sparks offers stylists or manicurists with well-established clientele space to run their own businesses without the overhead that accompanies traditional booth rentals.

Reno businessman Jamy Keshmiri is developing the My Salon concept at 2990 Sullivan Lane. The 3,000-square-foot space will have 18 individually partitioned salon stalls available for rent. Each 100-square-foot stall will have its own sink, chair, and phone line so that stylists can manage their own businesses. Rents will average about $850 per month, Keshmiri says.

"For roughly the same price (as renting space at a regular salon) they can have their own little mini studio," he says. "This is intended for veterans who have their own extensive clientele and don't need the hassle of a salon."

Stylists will have 24-hour access to the facility. Keshmiri is outfitting each mini studio with custom granite countertops, vanity lighting, custom flooring and soundproof partitioning for privacy. Stylists will be responsible for their own laundry, but coin-operated machines will be located on the premises.

There also will be Wi-Fi access so stylists can operate a credit card reader. Keshmiri says clients who sign a two-year lease will get $400 to purchase wholesale beauty products for resale.

Keshmiri is investing $400,000 in the project. He came upon the idea after seeing a similar venture during a trip to Las Vegas.

"I saw how well it worked, and I thought it would be good idea to do it here before someone else comes to Reno and does it," he says.

My Salon is expected to open May 1, and an open house is planned for April 29. So far Keshmiri has not signed any leases.

"I wanted to focus on the building, and now we are entering the marketing aspect," he says. "I have had a lot of inquiries, but I didn't want to sign anyone until they have something to look at."