Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Chin.
Hi Susan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my career in the industry back in 2010. Started my career with Rocco Altobelli as a chemical technician and got my foundation in the industry from their training and mentorship. In 2017 I decided I needed more and decided to start my own business. The Chandelier Suite was then born. I started off in a small salon suite with little to no clientele. I hustled hard to rebuild and fill my books. During the Covid shutdown I knew a pivot needed to be made to keep afloat and decided to build a mobile salon that would travel to brides and provide special event hair on site. I sketched up the plan and had a local trailer builder bring it to life. It made its premier at the Twin Cities Bridal fair 2020. The mobile unit has now expanded into county fairs, hockey tournaments and other events in the community. In 2021 I signed lease on my first store front and started a full build out and renovation. I transformed an old Fantastic Sams into a posh luxury upscale salon and medspa, In 2024 I had the oppourtunity to expand my brand with a second salon space that is a suite style salon. That salon is located in Burnsville and has 5 suites that is home to 2 hair stylists, 2 lash extension techs and 1 custom spray tan business. That salon is named Le Lustre Suites, The Chandelier Suite in French!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would not say it has been a smooth road by any means. When I left Rocco Altobelli I had to leave behind my whole clientele. My new salon was south of the cities when my previous salon was north of the cities. I had to work hard to promote myself and rebuild. Once I felt I had a new clientele to keep me busy then the COVID shut down happened and shook the entire industry, With being mandated shut we had no income coming in. Once we got back to opening we needed to implement all these new procedures and PPE. People were anxious to get back into the salon but financially difficult to do so for many. Building out The Chandelier Suite went fairly smooth considering the size of the project however it was mainly done by my husband and I. The remodel of Le Lustre Suites was also done by my husband and I and my two little kiddos even helped too. I’ve had a couple hiccups with the two salons over the years that have made me want to throw in the towel however I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
With my foundation in the industry being hair color and chemicals I have chosen to stay a specialized stylist. I have strong knowledge in a color theory, balayage, lived in color, and vivid creative colors. I also specialize in hair extensions. I have found a passion in the extension business so much that I have recently launched my own hair extension line named LYNLI Luxury hair extensions. It is named after my children Lyndon and Lilah. I believe what sets me apart from others is my passion and attention to detail in my work along with my professionalism and realism. I’m not just a provider, I’m your friend, confidant, therapist, whatever it is you need that’s who I am. I am very real and find myself on a personal level with a vast majority of my clientele,
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is the way people feel when in my salon spaces and walking out of them. I want every single person to feel that they are being cared for, heard, understood, comfortable and feel like a million bucks when they leave, The whole naming of my business is because when you walk into a room with a huge chandelier that’s the focal point of the room, the first thing you see, shining bright. That’s how I want my clients to be in a room full of people. I want them to be the chandelier, the focal point, the one shining bright.
Pricing:
- Hair color ranging from $83-$450
- Hair extensions ranging from $999-$2500
- Mobile salon services starting at $1000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thechandeliersuite.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechandeliersuite
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechandeliersuite
- Other: www.susanchin.glossgenius.com
