Rent a chair. Build your own business. Get the support to grow it.
CoLab is a co-working salon for freelance hairdressers on Queens Parade, Clifton Hill. Rent a chair in a fully fitted-out space and get real business support and mentorship, so you can build a column and a business you’re proud of, without carrying the risk of running a salon on your own.
Wherever you are in your career, there’s a place for you at CoLab.
CoLab was built for freelance hairdressers at every stage, not just the ones who already have it all figured out.
Building your first column
You’re newly qualified or recently gone freelance and want a proper space, a supportive community and someone to guide you through the business side of hairdressing.
Currently employed, ready to go out on your own
You’ve built your skills and your clientele in a salon and you’re ready to work for yourself, but you don’t want to take on a lease, a fit-out and all the admin by yourself.
An established freelancer looking for more
You’re already renting a chair elsewhere but want a better space, a stronger community and real mentorship to take your business to the next stage.
Running your own salon comes with a long list of headaches.
- Paying for utilities: gas, water, electricity, internet
- Insurances
- Negotiating with landlords and product companies
- Paying for the fit-out
- Designing and curating the salon space
- Plumbing and maintenance costs
- Day-to-day salon management
At CoLab, the heavy and risky decisions have already been made for you.
You rent a chair, not a whole salon, so you get the freedom of working for yourself without the overheads and the risk of running the building too.
CoLab is conveniently located on Queens Parade, Clifton Hill, incredibly accessible from the inner suburbs and from the east thanks to the short drive from the end of the Eastern Freeway, just off Punt Road. There’s a tram stop right outside the door and a train station close by, plus 2-hour, 4-hour and daily un-metered parking within a short walk, so your existing clientele can easily follow you to your chair at CoLab.
Everything you need, already sorted.
A chair at CoLab comes with the essentials covered and the support to help you grow. Rates depend on your days and the level of support you’re after, so get in touch with Mark for current pricing and availability.
Business support and mentorship, built into your rent.
Renting a chair is only part of it. CoLab exists to guide you through every season of your business, not just give you somewhere to work.
- One-on-one mentoring with founder and technical colourist Mark L Hair
- Guidance on pricing your services and structuring your column
- Help setting up the business basics, from your ABN to your booking system
- A community of other freelance hairdressers to learn from and lean on
- Ongoing support as your clientele and your business grow
- Advice on retail, colour and building a client experience that keeps people coming back
Thinking about renting a chair at CoLab?
Here’s what freelance hairdressers usually want to know before they get in touch.
How much does it cost to rent a chair at CoLab?
Chair packages depend on your days and the level of support you need. Email Mark or book a tour and he’ll talk you through current rates and availability.
What’s included in a chair rental?
24/7 access, wifi, towels and gowns, a lockable trolley and locker, essential basin stock, business support and mentorship, plus the choice to use the colour dispensary or stock your own colour and retail.
Do I need to be an experienced hairdresser to apply?
Having a well rounded scope in hairdressing and customer service is essential, but we can help you with the foundations of starting your new business!
Do I need my own insurance and ABN?
Yes, freelancers at CoLab operate under their own ABN and insurance. Mark can walk you through exactly what you need to have in place before you start.
How do I apply for a chair?
Email hello@colab.hair or book a salon tour so you can meet Mark, see the space and work out together whether CoLab is the right fit for your business.
“CoLab is a salon about community, growth and connection.”
CoLab was an idea I had when I first started freelancing. I’d realised just how much was involved in launching and maintaining a rent-a-chair business. I wanted to build a space that didn’t just house freelance artists, but guided and mentored them through every season of business.
Drawing on my experience as an employed hairdresser building a column, and later as a business owner seeking out education and mentoring, I’m bringing my years as a technical colourist and business owner to give you the best opportunity to build and grow your own.
I can’t wait to hear from you.
137 Queens Parade
137 Queens ParadeClifton Hill, VIC 3068
Ready to build your business at CoLab?
Book a tour, meet Mark and see the space, or send through a few details about where you’re at and what you’re looking for.