Now Hiring · All Experience Levels

Designed for growth, driven by community.

We hire stylists at every stage of their career — newly licensed graduates, mid-career professionals, and seasoned masters. Two structures available: commission with full studio support, or independent booth rental. Bring your portfolio, your specialty, and your appetite for growth.

Call to Discuss · (773) 455-3335
Founded2010 · 16 years
Studio TypeAll-Levels Welcome
Open Roles2 (Commission + Booth)
LocationSkokie, IL
The bar

True Partnership & Independence.

We are a community of independent specialists who move as one team. No matter where you are in your career, CK Studio offers an environment where your talent is respected and your growth is supported. We focus deeply on the artistry of hair, real accountability, and keeping our standards high. If you care about your guests, take pride in your results, and want a salon culture that feels like a true partnership, you belong in our chairs.

Required

Active Illinois cosmetology license · portfolio of recent work

Preferred

Existing book of clients (commission role; not required for booth) · social presence (IG portfolio) · willingness to grow

Two open positions

Pick your structure. We meet you where you are.

CK Studio offers two compensation models: traditional commission with full studio support and ongoing mentorship, or independent booth rental with full studio access at a flat monthly rate. New graduates, mid-career, and master stylists all welcome.

Position 1

Commission Stylist

Full-time or part-time · transferred clientele

  • All product, tools, and color line provided
  • The salon handles the tech, the space, and the laundry.
  • Continuing education
  • Marketing + bookings handled by studio — heavy SEO marketing, local search presence, and premium branding
  • Premium social media exposure (IG + website portfolio)
  • Flexible schedule & unlimited vacation time
Position 2

Booth Rental

Independent contractor · flexible terms

  • Full studio access
  • Premium product available wholesale
  • Flexible weekly or monthly rental terms
  • You control your schedule, pricing, and booking system
  • Optional: studio handles your bookings via Mangomint for a small fee
  • Specialty-focused environment
Why stylists choose CK

What you get that other salons don't offer.

No "next available" pressure

Clients book BY artist. You're not interchangeable with whoever has an open hour. Your name appears on the page; your portfolio gets the booking.

We invest in your environment

We provide the highest-quality premium color, backbar, and cutting-edge tools so you never have to stress about inventory costs.

We match your hunger

While you focus 100% on perfecting your craft and loving your guests, we are working behind the scenes on heavy SEO, marketing, and branding to keep your books thriving.

True Freedom, Zero Isolation

You get the earning potential and independence of a rental, but with the support, premium products, and community of a unified team.

Application process

Three steps.

01

Fill out the application

, pick commission or booth, upload your cosmetology license + 2-3 portfolio shots (or paste an IG link), and tell us about your specialty + years experience. Takes about 3 minutes — much cleaner than email and we won't lose anything in a thread.

02

Working interview at the studio

If your portfolio aligns, we'll invite you come to the salon to meet us. This will include skill showcase, an interview with Cristina, and a chance to shadow in the salon to get a feel for our environment. Please be prepared to spend a few hours with us so we can get a well-rounded sense of how you work and interact with the team.

03

Onboarding

If both sides feel like a fit — we will begin a three month onboarding period.

Careers FAQ

Everything stylists ask before applying.

All levels. Newly licensed graduates, mid-career stylists, and seasoned masters all have a path here. The bar isn't years on paper — it's curiosity, craft, and willingness to keep growing. New graduates apply alongside everyone else; if your portfolio and working interview show real potential, we will train you up on our protocols from day one.
Tiered based on tenure + book size + retail sales. New senior stylists typically start at standard industry split with all product/tools/marketing covered. After 6 months we re-evaluate based on retention and rebooking rates. We discuss specifics during the working interview, not over email.
Tiered by station selection (color bar adjacency, window position, sink access). Starts mid-market for the area, with wholesale product access included. We discuss specific rates during the in-person walkthrough — they're flexible based on what you need (full station vs. half-day, weekly vs. monthly).
Absolutely — we encourage it. We'll help you transfer them to Mangomint, send a soft announcement, and ensure your IG presence reflects the move. Your book is yours.
Commission stylists: all product and color line are provided by the studio, all you need to bring are your tools. Booth renters: you will need to provide your coloring products and tools.
At CK Studio Salon, our community of independent stylists is what truly sets us apart. While our salon is beautiful, it's the passion, talent, and collaboration within our team that make it extraordinary. We are a collective of creative, driven, and growth-focused stylists who are dedicated to mastering our craft and delivering exceptional client experiences. Our culture is built on mutual respect, integrity, and teamwork, where every individual's voice matters.
Areas We Serve

A clientele drawn from Chicago's North Shore.

Stylists at CK Studio see clients from across Chicagoland — North Shore villages, North Side Chicago neighborhoods, and the northwest suburbs. A consistent book of long-term clients is part of what makes the chair sustainable.

Ready to apply?

Email your portfolio. We'll respond within 5 days.

Or call to discuss the role first — especially if you're between commission and booth and want to talk it through.

Call (773) 455-3335