Sola Stories

Michael Cole is a business coach, industry thought-leader, co-founder of Summit Salon Business Center, and a loyal Sola supporter. Upon the first salon closures, Michael generously hosted a Facebook Live for our community on preparing for financial uncertainty. Over the years, Michael has coached several Sola owners, been a speaker at several Sola Sessions, and hosted many virtual education events for our community. 

Tune in to this episode of Sola Stories to hear how to take advantage of this unprecedented crisis and create unprecedented opportunities. 

As Michael says,  “What we take for granted we lose and what we take advantage of we maximize.” Are you missing out on opportunities to increase your profits? Listen as Michael discusses ways to make more money even when seeing fewer clients as well  as ways beauty professionals who weren’t prepared for the shutdown the first time can prepare now if it happens again. 

In This Episode

[02:12] Welcome to the show, Michael!

[03:21] Michael says be humble or be humbled and how this pandemic is humbling many people.

[05:09] Listen as Michael speaks about how the pandemic has made it necessary for us to learn how to breathe underwater.

[06:59] Unprecedented crisis creates unprecedented opportunities.

[11:06] Michael shares what experiences prepared him for handling the financial issues the pandemic has stirred up.

[13:52] Michael says that now the opportunity is recovery, restoration, and transformation.

[15:37] Jennie reflects on a time when a company she worked for experienced layoffs, and she was thrown into a management position that she didn’t feel qualified for.

[17:01] What we see at Sola are people that are starting their own businesses, and years from now, they will look back and see the pandemic as an opportunity.

[19:01] Michael talks about the massive exodus he sees from the traditional chair rental to a Sola studio.

[21:00] Michael defines experience as an emotional episode in moments of time, which clients feel when they go to a salon.

[23:31] Michael speaks about what he hears from service providers and how they are making more money now while serving fewer people.

[28:06] Do I or do I not increase my prices? Many beauty pros are asking themselves this question.

[31:50] Michael says charge what you are worth, you are worth more than you are charging.

[34:20] Are you missing out on opportunities to increase your profit? 

[35:54] Once you sell the add-on, charge for it.

[38:56] Michael discusses what to do when people say they waited too late to prepare financially and are sinking.

[41:45] How can a small business owner navigate which programs are best for them?

[43:44] Desperation is way more motivating than inspiration.

[45:33] Michael shares some tips for beauty professionals in case they get shut down again.

[48:04] Not having to means you managed your money right.

[49:42] Michael discusses some programs he has in place to help Sola pros build their clientele and maintain their clients during a pandemic.

[52:58] Michael shares how L’Oreal and Salon Centric support Sola and their beauty professionals.

[54:28] Thank you so much for being on the show!

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@jenniethewolff

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@michaelcolesummit

We want to talk about retail because, in a salon studio environment, retail can be a tremendous opportunity to boost your bottom line. We know that with COVID-19 closures, you are probably trying to make up for the lost time, and with the need to sanitize after every guest, it's almost impossible to double book as you may be used to.

If you are uncomfortable talking to your clients about retail, you are leaving a lot of money on the table - money that can literally pay your weekly rent. Remember, you are doing your clients a service when you send them home with the products to maintain the style you've created. Guests will appreciate you suggesting products that will solve a problem they are having or maintain the look you’ve created in the salon.

Tune in to this Quick Tip to for 10 tips to help you boost your bottom line and retail like a boss. Sit back, take notes, and get ready to start paying your rent in retail! 

In This Episode

[00:26] Welcome to the show!

[00:29] Today, we share some quick tips on how to pay your rent in retail.

[01:09] The intimate setting allows you to talk to your clients about retail.

[02:13] Some stylists consider retail a separate business entity.

[02:49] Think about suggesting retail as a way to educate your guest on how to maintain the look you have created.

[03:52] Clients will thank you for suggesting products that will correct a problem they are having.

[04:33] Education can help a client maintain their look between appointments.

[05:15] Jennie shares 10 tips to help you boost your bottom line.

[07:16] Be inquisitive, ask a lot of questions.

[10:10] Tip #6 is to help your clients preserve their color.

[12:01] Have you ever explained the difference between the brushes and which one will work best for their hair?

[14:29] Tip #10: Think about creating an eye-catching display, that’s COVID-19 safe. 

[16:53] Thank you for listening to the show!

Links and Resources

Jennie Wolff

Sola Salon Studios

@solasalons

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If there’s anyone who understands evolution in the beauty industry it’s Gordon Miller. Gordon has been a part of the Sola family for many years as both a speaker at the Sola Sessions and Sola Summit as well as a close friend and mentor to Jennie Wolff. Gordon’s insights and mentorship have made tremendous impacts on Sola’s evolution and programs over the years, including his advice when we first decided to launch the Sola Stories podcast! Gordon is the CEO of Hairbrained, a digital platform exclusively for hairdressers, and he hosts their incredible podcast Hairbrained Conversations. He has been at the forefront of social media for the beauty industry and has continued to be an advocate for its marketing power, allowing beauty professionals to go independent earlier in their careers than they could before social media marketing.

Listen, as Gordon shares how crucial social media is in this COVID world and why staying connected through platforms like Hairbrained are so important in our time of social distancing. Gordon believes that once we are on the other side of this pandemic, beauty professionals in salon suites who have continued to invest in their education, learn new skills, and stay connected with their clients and the industry will be set up to flourish.

Gordon says that beauty professionals need to be prepared for whatever uncertainties might come their way. It could be a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic or something smaller like a slowdown in the industry, but whatever it is, being financially prepared is the key. If you haven’t already, download Sola’s free guide 8 Tips for Beauty Professionals to Navigate COVID-19 and Overcome Financial Uncertainty and prepare yourself to stay successful no matter what life throws your way. 

In This Episode

[03:19] Welcome to the show, Gordon!

[05:57] Gordon shares how his journey in the beauty industry started.

[08:50] Working in social and digital in the early days led him to work with American Salon Magazine.

[10:09] Gordon speaks about his career in the educational side of the beauty industry.

[11:42] Why did you become so passionate about social media?

[14:30] Gordon shared that every time he saw someone do social media right, he saw the results and just knew that social media would be huge.

[16:34] Marketing matters and it has always mattered; you can bootstrap yourself through social media.

[18:24] Why do you think social media is essential in this COVID world?

[20:52] Gordon says that social media is like an ongoing buffet of information.

[23:49] Gordon discusses what his team is working on at Hairbrained.

[26:06] He speaks about his primary role at Hairbrained and what the rest of his team does.

[29:41] Gordon feels like Hairbrained is the perfect company for what is happening now in the world.

[32:36] Gordon believes that once we are on the other side of this pandemic, the people who have done the work and stayed strong will flourish.

[37:15] When do you think events will come back?

[39:20] Gordon speaks about a movement in the K-pop world to reopen the entertainment business in South Korea and how that will affect us in the U.S.

[43:15] Gordon shares how people can stay connected and get their education through the pandemic.

[45:18] We might see a throwback to the old days where the star educators were local.

[47:49] What do you think hairdressers need to do in case they close the salons again?

[50:45] Were you financially prepared for a crisis? Are you mentally prepared in case shutdowns happen again?

[51:22] Download Sola’s 8 Tips for Beauty Professionals to Navigate COVID-19 and Overcome Financial Uncertainty. 

[54:05] Gordon speaks about Hairbrained’s digital education platform hblive.me with a free course from Michael Cole on how to up your game on Instagram.

[55:21] Who are your mentors?

[57:02] Thank you so much for being on the show!

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@jenniethewolff

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@hairbrained_official @gordnm

As her first Solaversary approached, Staten Island stylist Jodi Cali had no idea that she would soon be fighting for her life. In January 2020, Jodi was diagnosed with breast cancer, and shortly after her first chemo treatment, she could not get out of bed. She experienced a lot of pain around her neck and throat and thought it was due to the side effects of her treatments. But after her symptoms continued to worsen, she learned she had also contracted COVID-19.

On this episode of Sola Stories, hear how Jodi found the strength to keep fighting, the support she has received from her family, Sola community, and her clients, and how this challenge has given her a new outlook on life. Through this experience, Jodi has remembered the importance of putting your needs and self-care first in order to be able to be there for the ones you love.

We brought Jodi onto the Sola Stories podcast to share her story of strength, hope, and faith. We hope that if you or anyone you know is going through tough times, this conversation will lift you up and inspire you to raise your head and keep soldiering on.  

In This Episode

[01:15] Welcome to the show, Jodi!

[02:00] Jodi shares opening her Sola studio, getting separated from her husband, and not going to a followup mamo when they suggested she come back.

[04:41] Jodi discusses feeling a lump and getting her breast cancer diagnosis.

[05:19] She went in for her first chemo treatment and about two weeks later she was diagnosed with COVID-19.

[07:59] Did you stay in the hospital or were you sent home?

[08:59] Jodi shares how her family handled her having COVID-19.

[11:43] She speaks about how she communicated with her clients through the COVID-19 and chemo.

[13:49] What is your Sola community like in Staten Island?

[15:10] Jodi shares how she found the strength to keep fighting during this tough time.

[19:15] Jodi discusses her step-mother having her second round of breast cancer before being diagnosed.

[24:09] You have to take care of yourself first before you do anything else.

[26:39] How has this affected your relationship with your children?

[27:22] Jodi speaks about what she is looking forward to when the next 11 treatments are over.

[30:00] What advice would you give someone who is going through what you are?

[31:55] Jodi shares how she wants to use her experiences to inspire others.

[34:32] Do you know where to go on social media for inspirational quotes?

[35:24] Thank you so much for sharing your story!

Stay Connected

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@jenniethewolff

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@jodi_on_mane

Tara Chilton is the co-owner of Meraki Salon & Co. in Springfield, Mo and one of our 2020 Faces of Sola. Tara fell in love with the beauty industry as a child after watching makeover shows and seeing the emotional reactions and internal change people went through after seeing their physical selves transformed.

On this episode of the Sola Stories podcast, Tara shares how she and her salon co-owner, Shelbie Donoho, became a part of the Sola family and how having a great mentor helped her along her journey. Tara also opens up about losing her father how she’s used that devastating challenge to propel her career forward. Tara said, "I wanted to pursue the life he wanted to give me and live the life he couldn't," and that has been her inspiration to make every day count.

Listen as Tara speaks about working with a partner, the importance of improving yourself through education, and how she and Shelbie set goals to ensure the continued growth of their business. 

In This Episode

[01:02] Welcome to the show, Tara!

[01:14] Tara shares how she and her partner Shelbie Donoho became part of Sola.

[02:09] How did you get started in the beauty industry?

[03:50] Tara discusses the mentors who have helped her along her journey.

[05:01] "Wherever you are at, put your focus there."

[05:40] Tara speaks about how losing her dad had a significant impact on her life.

[06:17] "I wanted to pursue the life he wanted to give me and live the life he couldn't."

[06:55] Tara talks about working in a traditional salon and the value she took away from there.

[07:58] Why did you go into business with a partner?

[09:17] Tara gives some advice for anyone who is thinking of going into business with a friend or family member.

[10:14] "If your goals don't scare you, then they aren't big enough."

[10:34] How do you set your goals for your business and grow year to year?

[12:51] Tara speaks about the importance of improving yourself through education.

[13:39] How do you find continuing education?

[15:04] Tara talks about being a podcast junkie and podcasts she listens too.

[16:42] Tara shares some final thoughts for the listeners.

Stay Connected

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Connect with Jennie 

@jenniethewolff

Connect with Tara

@taralynnchilton @merakisalonandco

Also known as “The Hungry Hairdresser,” 2020 Faces of Sola Lindsey Couch knew from a young age that she wanted a career that enabled her to make people happy. After making a last-minute decision not to pursue psychology at a traditional college, but unsure what she should do next, her mom encouraged her to become a hairstylist. As Lindsey says, “Mom knows best!” because in cosmetology school, Lindsey quickly found her tribe and for the first time, felt like she belonged. 

Lindsey not only rocks it as a salon owner but also as a national educator for Paul Mitchell. While she is a thriving success now, she had to overcome rejection and self-doubt along her journey, specifically while pursuing her dream of becoming an educator. 

Listen, as this spunky, upbeat #SolaBoss shares her experience of overcoming rejection, plus tips on how to become an educator, and more!

In This Episode

[01:19] Welcome to the show, Lindsey!

[01:35] Lindsey shares how she got the title “The Hungry Hairdresser.”

[03:14] She speaks about authenticity.

[07:54] Lindsey became a hairdresser to make people happy.

[10:50] Her mom told her she needed to go to cosmetology school.

[13:01] “An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, just know you are about to be launched into something great. So just focus and keep aiming.”

[15:08] What made you decide to become a Paul Mitchell educator?

[16:59] Lindsey shares what inspires her to want to teach other hairdressers the craft.

[18:36] Lindsey talks about failing her first audition to become a Paul Mitchell educator.

[20:13] How do you think that experience shaped the person you are today?

[21:16] Lindsey shares tips on how to become an educator.

[22:53] What has been your most rewarding moment?

[23:49] Thank you so much for being on the show!

Stay Connected

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@jenniethewolff

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@thehungryhairdresser

At Sola, we’re committed to creating a culture of mutual respect and acceptance. We stand for equality, and we stand together, in solidarity, to create change. 

This episode was recorded prior to the launch of the Sola Stories podcast, with a Sola professional who has a heart of gold, and at 75 years young, has been behind the chair for 55 years. Polly Sanders-Peterson was the first black student accepted into her beauty college and was the first black salon owner in Denver's primarily white, affluent Cherry Creek neighborhood. 

In 1965, while her friends and family marched with Martin Luther King Jr., Polly used her talents as a hairstylist to unite people of all races by offering free haircuts to black and white women. Today, in addition to her work behind the chair, Polly also works as an outreach pastor and visits a women’s prison weekly to share the power of hope with the people who need it most. She has been a thriving business owner of her Sola salon, Polly & Company, for 15 years and continues to use her love of people and hair to make a lasting impact behind the chair and beyond. 

Polly is one of the most empowering and uplifting people we know, and we couldn’t think of a better time to share her heartfelt and inspiring words with you. 

In This Episode

[02:20] Welcome to the show, Polly!

[02:37] Polly shares how exciting it was to be one of the 2018 Faces of Sola.

[04:05] How did you initially get into hairdressing?

[06:37] As soon as Polly walked into beauty college, she fell in love with the industry.

[08:21] Polly speaks about her career journey and finding the place that gave her confidence and allowed her to grow.

[10:47] Polly shares the story of how she made it to Cherry Creek.

[13:26] How did you eventually end up at Sola?

[15:24] Polly was within the first 30 stylists in the Sola community.

[16:05] What fear did you have when you started over at Sola at 60 years old?

[18:18] Polly speaks about her experience at the Sola Cherry Creek community.

[21:29] Polly discusses why giving back is such a priority in her life.

[24:04] Polly shares doing free haircuts during the Martin Luther King Jr. march in the late 60s.

[26:06] "No work is insignificant; all labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence" - Martin Luther King Jr.

[28:07] When and how did you learn to love yourself?

[28:03] Polly shares how she overcame the negative and rejection in her life.

[30:43] What do you love about yourself now?

[32:19] Polly gives some advice for people who are struggling to love themselves.

[33:41] Polly discusses her most rewarding moment as a hairdresser.

[34:46] What is the best life or career advice they have given you?

[35:28] Polly shares some last words of wisdom for the listeners.

[37:37] Thank you so much for being here with us today on the Sola Stories podcast.

Stay Connected

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@jenniethewolff

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@pollysanderspeterson

Growing up, Diana Antes was encouraged to follow a career path that yielded stability and security - like healthcare professional - rather than one that promised fulfillment and joy. But with a calling to pursue her passion for hair, Diana forged her own path against all hurdles to eventually creating a thriving career as an independent salon owner and one of our 2020 Faces of Sola.

Join us for another episode of the Sola Stories Podcast, recorded at the Faces of Sola Experience on March 3, as Jennie and Diana discuss her journey to Sola and how she has grown her business into the success it is today. 

Diana is the owner of the Diana Antes Studio in Sunnyvale, CA. She took her passion for doing hair and makeup in high school and turned it into an amazing and fulfilling career as a stylist, business coach and educator.

Diana speaks about coming out of cosmetology school as an apprentice and making very little money, while also balancing motherhood with two young children. Out of school, Diana got a job at a salon for the experience but had a calling to develop her own brand and environment as an independent salon owner. Once she heard about the Sola community, she knew where she needed to be.

Listen, as Diana discusses how she curates her beautiful Instagram feed and how she uses her social media channels to stay connected with her current clients and grow her business by attracting new ones. She shares how she uses social media to build her business coaching services and promote her hands-on training for stylists who want to elevate their skills.

In This Episode

[01:07] Welcome to the show, Diana!

[01:39] Diana shares what the American Dream was in her parents’ eyes and how that was not her passion.

[02:32] Her parents were very disappointed when she went to cosmetology school.

[03:38] Diana speaks about her journey once she graduated.

[05:42] What inspired you to post your pay stub on Instagram?

[06:05] Diana shares going from being an assistant to renting a chair and the eye-opening experience that was.

[07:13] What were you looking for when you decided to rent a Sola salon suite?

[08:24] Diana discusses how her children inspired her to work harder and the need to be successful.

[10:10] How did you grow your business so much that you needed to hire an assistant?

[12:09] Diana shares how she curates the pictures she uses on social media and posts them in the morning.

[13:13] Diana chats about how she uses social media to build her book of business.

[15:12] Diana speaks about why she is offering stylists hands-on training to elevate their skills.

[17:51] What is a business or marketing advice you would give to someone just starting as an independent salon owner?

[19:30] Diana shares how she sees her career developing in the future.

[20:54] Thank you so much for being with us today!

Stay Connected

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Connect with Jennie 

@jenniethewolff

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@dianaanteshair

Are you ready to reopen your salon? Listen, as Jennie and her guest, 2020 Faces of Sola Katie Oakes, discuss what the new normal looks like after returning to her salon since reopening after her state-mandated shutdown. Katie is from Savannah, Georgia, and just reopened her salon on April 27th, after being shut down for COVID-19. We wanted to bring her on the Sola Stories Podcast to share her experience with us about her reopening journey.  

Katie has been at Sola for about three years and was actually honored as our 10,000th Sola professional at the West Palm Beach Sola Sessions in 2018. She started out sharing a studio, but after two years, she had built her business large enough that she was able to transition into a large studio by herself. 

Listen as Katie shares what she did to prepare to reopen her salon, her enhanced sanitation practices, and how she’s adjusting her day-to-day routines. She talks about how seamless the transition has been to her post-quarantine salon procedures, how surprisingly comfortable she feels wearing a mask throughout her day, and how supportive her clients have been throughout this time. 

After two six-day weeks in a row, Katie has now been able to condense her schedule back to her regular five-day week in the salon. Katie says now that her business is back up and running, she feels like life is getting almost back to normal.

In This Episode

[00:56] Welcome to the show, Katie!

[01:44] Katie shares her journey to Sola that started almost three years ago.

[03:16] Katie speaks about sharing a studio for the first two years with Sola before getting into her own space.

[04:47] What has your experience been with COVID-19 in Savannah?

[07:23] Katie discusses her sanitation procedures before and after clients, and how she runs her day-to-day business.

[09:16] Jennie speaks about getting a mask you are comfortable in and the availability of masks on the Sola Store.

[10:16] Are you adjusting your time slots and or having your clients wait in their cars?

[11:58] Katie talks about the physical updates she had to make to get ready for reopening.

[13:12] Katie speaks about how the retail side of her business is being handled.

[16:35] Have you changed your pricing or added any COVID fees to cover your costs?

[18:42] Katie discusses how she communicated with her clients and how she handled rebooking.

[22:47] Katie chats about how thrilled customers are that she is open.

[23:24] Katie shares how excited she is to be open, and she feels like life is almost back to normal.

[26:15] Katie, thank you so much for coming on the podcast and sharing your journey with us.

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@jenniethewolff

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@hairbykatieoaks

In this episode of Sola Stories, listen as Jennie chats with the woman in charge and the ultimate #SolaBoss, Christina Russell, CEO of Sola Salon Studios. Christina joined the Sola family in June 2019, and she oversees leadership, strategy and execution for all of Sola. We are lucky to have her as our beacon of light always, but especially through this challenging time.

Christina shares her journey from a small business owner to eventually taking her seat in executive leadership, what she loves most about working with the Sola team, and how she’s pivoted the company’s focus once the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Listen, as Christina discusses how she’s focused her own efforts on lobbying on behalf of all independent beauty professionals to legislators and why that is so crucial to Sola’s long-term growth and success.

While we hope for the successful reopen of all salons, Christina has worked to equip Sola’s franchisees and managers on a local level to make the case for the safe reopening of salon suites before other traditional-style salons may get the green light. This is due to the unique position we have at Sola with our private, one-on-one environments. 

Christina and Jennie discuss the resources they have made available to all beauty professionals on Sola’s COVID-19 Resource Center, how Sola will weather this storm and growth potential one we get to the other side. The pent-up demand for salon services will surge once salons open, and Christina feels that the studio model will allow beauty professionals the opportunity to reopen with less risk in this new normal. 

In This Episode

[00:56] Welcome to the show, Christina!

[01:26] Christina shares a little of her journey from a small business owner to training and executive leadership.

[05:05] What has been the most exciting thing you’ve experienced since joining the Sola team?

[07:45] Jennie chats about how driven Sola is to help their stylists to succeed.

[09:50] Christina discusses how she has pivoted her focus from exciting things happening for the year to just getting the business, franchisees, and stylists through this crisis.

[13:34] What do you feel are the best options for independent beauty professionals regarding financial support during this time?

[16:44] Jennie speaks about resources beauty professionals can use to help them apply for financial assistance, located on Sola’s COVID-19 resource center.

[18:03] Christina speaks about talking to legislators and others on behalf of Sola to help them understand the suites model.

[19:16] Why do you feel it is important to lobby for the independent beauty professionals that work in the salon studio environment?

[21:24] Sola is present in 44 states in the U.S. it’s been hard to get clarity on when everyone will open up.

[23:31] Christina believes that inconsistency has created confusion for small businesses and the salon industry.

[26:12] Christina shares how Sola is using its influence as the leading brand in the suites sector to get behind this issue and help get everyone back to work, safely.

[27:38] Even if you are part of phase three and don’t know when you will reopen, you should be prepared to educate yourself now.

[29:30] There is a time to be competitive and there is a time to make sure we all have a playing field to compete on.

[31:31] Jennie shares some great ideas she heard from the Faces of Sola panel.

[33:15] They speak about face masks available in the Sola Store.

[35:35] How has this crisis changed your perspective on things?

[37:43] Christina chats about how they can make a case for suites and what they offer as a safer alternative to the traditional salon environment.

[43:55] Christina gives a few words of encouragement to all the beauty professionals out in the field.

[44:32] Christina speaks about the Barbicide Certification that allows your clients to see that you have learned to manage sanitation safely.

[46:02] Sola has made all of their resources available to all beauty professionals here.

[47:01] What do you think the other side of this looks like for Sola?

[50:15] Christina believes that as the economy recovers and jobs get back to normal, there will be a demand for salon studios.

[51:30] What has been your most significant source of hope and positivity during this time?

[55:10] Jennie shares how Christina’s positivity has helped her through challenging moments.

[56:27] Thank you, Christina, for guiding us through this!

[56:43] Christina says to look in a mirror every day and tell yourself you are very good at what you do.

[58:15] Thank you for listening to the Sola Stories podcast.

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Connect with Jennie 

@jenniethewolff