Sola Stories

Britt Seva has made a name for herself as the social media and marketing guru for hairstylists. You may know her as the mastermind behind Thrivers Society, her proprietary coaching program where she has helped over 10,000 stylists and salon owners build wealthy businesses and lives behind the chair. To say we are thrilled to have Britt join us as a keynote speaker at The Sola Sessions Reconnected is an understatement!

We couldn’t wait until Monday, May 17th to learn from Britt, so we invited her to connect with us on The Sola Stories Podcast to share some marketing fundamentals that will improve your business and your life. So, the question is, are YOU ready to thrive?

Time Stamps

[0:34] – Today's guest is Britt Seva, founder of Thrivers Society.

[0:59] – Britt, tell us about your journey. 

[2:09] – Sola and Thrivers Society share so much synergy within their communities.

[3:25] – How 2020 affected Sola and how it will change the beauty industry.

[5:10] – Thrivers Society has had so many stylists return to the program a second time.

[7:23] – How Thrivers Society has created a friendly and supportive environment void of competition.

[8:24] – What inspired Britt to go into the beauty industry.

[10:14] – Britt was disillusioned when first joining the industry.

[12:22] – Britt needed to be proactive to build her clientele and find success.

[13:40] – Britt started coaching in 2012.

[15:28] – What some of the benefits are of investing in Thrivers Society.

[17:18] – What kind of stylist is Thrivers Society best suited for?

[19:36] – There are many kinds of wealth – money, time, love, and health.

[22:32] – Being ready, open-minded, and willing to work are key factors to thrive.

[24:48] – Investing time is just as important as investing money.

[27:04] – Many longterm members of Thrivers Society stay because of the supportive community.

[29:57] – The Sola Sessions Reconnected will have a panel about raising prices and charging what you’re worth.

[30:55] – What is most salon owner’s biggest fear(s) and how do you help them overcome those fears?

[33:20] – Change your negative relationship with social media.

[35:32] – The biggest thing that holds beauty professionals back from elevating their business is fear of judgment.

[37:45] – Ask yourself why you like photos on Instagram rather than just double-tapping the photo without thinking about it.

[39:17] – Three key steps to marketing: (1) commit to learning new things, (2) get out of your comfort zone, and (3) ask for help.

[40:42] – A common misconception about marketing as a beauty professional.

[43:15] – Britt wants to make all people in the industry marketing people.

[45:03] – What Britt wishes that she knew at the very beginning of her journey.

[47:11] – The importance of building community and collaboration in this industry.

[49:21] – Britt is looking forward to being the keynote speaker at The Sola Sessions Reconnected on Monday, May 17th.

[50:26] – Where listeners can connect with Britt online.

Links and Resources

@solasalons Instagram

www.solasalons.com

The Sola Sessions Reconnected – Buy Ticket

Thrivers Society – Website

The Thriving Stylist Podcast

The Thriving Stylist's Instagram Page

Britt's Instagram Page

Britt's Facebook Page

www.brittseva.com

Redken

Have you joined Clubhouse yet? This invite-only, audio-based social media platform has been the hottest new app of 2021.    Clubhouse features discussion rooms with podcast-style moderators, where users can listen to live streaming audio and even join in the conversation “on stage” with the push of a button (and the go-ahead from the room’s moderator). Topics range from beauty and fashion to world events and politics, and everything in between.    Tune in to this audio blog for 5 reasons why should get in on the Clubhouse action to grow your salon business.   

Time Stamps

[0:28] – Five reasons that beauty professionals should join Clubhouse.

[0:36] – Learn what Clubhouse is and what features it offers.

[1:09] – Reason #1: The opportunity to connect with industry leaders

[1:53] – Have the chance to join conversations with industry greats and talk to people live, in real-time all over the world.

[2:16] – Reason #2: Connect and reconnect with your community.

[3:55] – Reason #3: The opportunity to join the conversation and talk to beauty industry legends.

[5:02] – Reason #4: Free education!

[6:27] – Reason #5: The ability to expand your horizons.

[7:34] – Sola is on Clubhouse! Click here on your mobile device or search “Sola Salon Studios” under the Clubs search bar in your Clubhouse app. 

Links and Resources

@solasalons Instagram

www.solasalons.com

Clubhouse

The Sola Sessions Reconnected – Buy Ticket

After the challenges 2020 brought us, we are desperate to reconnect with our community and have our community reconnect with each other - and that's exactly what The Sola Sessions Reconnected is all about. Sola’s first virtual education event will be co-hosted by Kim Bennett (@kimi_kisses) and Steven Wren (@mrwrencuts), and our dynamic co-hosting duo has teamed up on this episode to share what they are most looking forward to.

While many of us miss traveling and experiencing in-person events with other salon professionals, there are a lot of benefits to a virtual event, like being able to attend from the comfort of your own home or the very affordable event ticket (even more affordable if you're a Sola professional). 

One of the many other great things about our event is it’s inclusivity. In the past, all Sola Sessions have been exclusive to the Sola community. But for The Sola Sessions Reconnected, we are opening it up to reconnect with the entire beauty industry. And with three stages, 20+ classes and 18 hours of education, there is sure to be inspiration and education for everyone, no matter your specialty or where you are in your career. Not sure how you’ll manage watching all of that content in one sitting? We’ve got you covered! Ticket holders will be available to watch every class on-demand through the end of 2021.

We tend to connect and learn the most from people who are like us, and that's exactly why this opportunity to reconnect is so important, especially now. So we hope that you will join us for The Sola Sessions Reconnected on Monday, May 17th. Tickets are on sale now for only $59, and Sola professionals receive exclusive pricing of only $29. Trust us, you do not want to miss it!

Time Stamps

[0:23] – Kim Bennett and Steven Wren greet us and each other, explaining that they will be hosting the upcoming virtual event, The Sola Sessions Reconnected.

[3:01] – Kim comments on how difficult it is to not be able to travel to live events because of the pandemic, but also points to some of the pros of virtual events.

[3:41] – Steven offers his own insight about what having virtual events has been like for him and how events will probably look in the future.

[4:29] – Kim argues that education is likely heading toward a hybrid model of being both live and virtual.

[6:19] – Kim compares the opportunity to virtually connect to having bought her favorite band's CD when she was younger and learning all of the songs but then lining up to see them in concert when they come to your city.

[8:02] – Steven reflects on the fact that being virtual hosts will be firsts for both of them.

[9:47] – Steven reveals what about the event he is most excited about.

[10:51] – Kim enthuses over the conveniences of the event being virtual, such as how more people will be able to attend since they don't have to travel.

[12:31] – Kim discusses the importance of finding people who are similar to you, as those are the types of people with whom we tend to build connections and learn from.

[13:22] – We learn the layout of The Sola Sessions Reconnected, such as how there will be three different stages.

[16:02] – Steven and Kim discuss the importance of community and inclusion with events such as The Sola Sessions Reconnected.

[18:28] – Kim advises us to attend the event in order to grow and reconnect, adding that it will be a learning experience for her and Steven as well.

[20:54] – Steven asserts that the salon industry is a people industry, not just a service.

[23:21] – Kim reveals that she loves education and being a student because she loves to learn.

[24:29] – Steven provides his own insight on how he views education, making the case that education allows for potential to be unlocked.

[25:15] – Kim points out that discomfort comes with the territory of growth, that you have to be willing to go outside of your comfort zone.

[26:50] – Kim presents us with the possibility that a virtual event, even more than a live event, gives people the opportunity to voice themselves.

Links and Resources

The Sola Sessions Reconnected – Buy Ticket

@solasalons Instagram

www.solasalons.com

 

Staying educated, connected and inspired is key to creating a thriving career. That's why we created the Sola Sessions, which features the industry’s top business, marketing, and artistic educators who help independent salon owners live the salon life of their dreams. On Monday, May 17th we are bringing the Sola Sessions to you for a virtual event! For the first time ever, we are inviting all beauty professionals to experience the Sola Sessions. Tickets are $59 for General Admission, and Sola professionals can receive an exclusive discount of just $29 per ticket.  Sola pros, check your email or your Sola Pro app for your exclusive discount code. Get your ticket here:  https://events.bizzabo.com/solasessions Reconnect with us and stay educated with the biggest and best brands in the industry — all from the comfort of your own home.

[0:23] – 10 reasons to experience The Sola Sessions Reconnected, a virtual education event for beauty professionals on May 17th.

[1:32] – Reason #1: Our two inspiring keynote presenters, Tim Storey and Britt Seva.

[2:57] – Reason #2: 18+ hours of education from the industry's best minds and biggest brands.

[3:20] – Reason #3: You can choose between 3 tracks of education - business, marketing, inspiration, artistic, or an alternative services track. No matter your specialty, and no matter your interest, we've got you covered.

[3:47] – Reason #4: Since this Sessions is coming to you, you only have to worry about our super affordable event ticket price. No travel, no hotel, no problem!

[4:22] – Reason #5: All sections will be recorded and available to watch until the end of 2021, so you can revisit and rewatch to your heart's content.

[4:44] – Reason #6: Attendees will receive a virtual SWAG bag. 

[5:14] – Reason #7: Connect with your favorite brands in the virtual expo hall.

[5:30] – Reason #8: You’ll have the opportunity to not only connect with other independent salon owners, but you'll also gain real-time access to live Q&A with some of the biggest names in the industry.

[5:55] – Reason #9: You won’t want to miss our event MCs, Kim Bennett (aka Kimi Kisses) and Steven Wren.

[6:37] – Reason #10: “We need community, it gives us a place to belong. Community pulls out the creativity in us. It infuses us with strength and makes us into better people.”

[7:30] – Tickets on sale now! Get your ticket here.

 

Links and Resources

The Sola Sessions Reconnected 

@solasalons

www.solasalonstudios.com

Andrew Carruthers has been a friend to the Sola family for a long time and has had a career that’s truly been a journey. He’s gone from hairdresser to platform artist to salon owner to Director of Education for Sam Villa Brand. After spending many years behind the chair servicing thousands of clients, Andrew was able to connect each role he’s held to one common passion - supporting others on their journeys. This realization brought Andrew to combine his experience and skills from all of his endeavors in his next chapter as a life coach and founder of The Journeyist.

 

Tune in to this episode to hear what initially drew him into a career in the beauty industry, how he became Director of Education for Sam Villa and how he’s successfully pivoted his career so many times. 

 

Listen as Andrew discusses burnout - what he has learned after experiencing it himself and advice to help others avoid making the same mistakes. Andrew also shares the moment that everything in his life shifted and gave him the confidence to start something new. 

 

In This Episode

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

[01:40] Andrew shares what drew him into a career in the beauty industry.

[04:32] Andrew speaks about starting as an apprentice.

[07:32] How did you get connected with Sam Villa?

[10:31] Andrew and Sam realized they had a similar passion and connection to the industry and education.

[14:04] Andrew discusses what inspires him about the Sola community.

[20:10] Andrew talks about spirituality.

[21:29] Andrew speaks about what he is doing with life coaching and where he is with The Journeyist.

[25:01] Andrew talks about the moment that things shifted.

[28:12] It’s important to make sure the lessons we learned last year don’t get left behind.

[35:39] Are you feeling stuck and confused right now?

[37:46] Andrew shares what he has learned from burnout.

[40:25] So many people look back now and think about how much they needed to slow down.

[42:55] Jennie’s grandma told her, “The work stops when you do.”

[45:17] What are you looking forward to most during 2021 and this new chapter of your life?

[48:34] Thank you for being on the show!

 

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Connect with Jennie

@jenniethewolff

Connect with Andrew

@andrew.carruthers

The Journeyist

As a salon owner, you wear so many hats. Systems help you create more efficiency in your business so you can spend more time doing the things you love most. On this episode (originally recorded as a webinar), Faces of Sola Ashley White and Steven Wren share how they lean into the tools created by Sola to set themselves up for success and, if you're not already leaning into any of these tools, how you can get started. 

 

One of the Sola tools we cover is Sola Pro - a Sola-exclusive app to help you stay educated and inspired in the palm of your hand. Using Sola Pro (which recently got a total makeover), you can quickly and easily update your free Sola webpage. Tune in to hear Sola’s Chief Marketing Officer, Jennie Wolff, explain how to take advantage of your Sola webpage to significantly grow your clientele. 

 

Ashley also speaks about SolaGenius and how she leans into features like the color-coded calendar and text and email marketing to save hours each week and keep her books full. 

 

Sola has you covered from online booking to streamlining your backbar ordering with our new online distributor, BeautyHive, which offers perks like free next-day delivery and rewards points. At Sola, whether you want to increase your revenue, become an educator or spend more time with your family, we’ve got your back with tools and systems to help you succeed. 

 

In This Episode

[00:39] Welcome to the show, Steven and Ashley! 

[01:02] Steven shares a quick background.

[01:10] Ashley shares a little about herself.

[04:18] Ashley believes that really good booking software was most important when she first started her studio.

[04:54] Steven agrees that the online booking system is key.

[06:41] Ashley has added new systems over the last six years.

[07:32] Steven maximizes his time management with systems.

[09:14] Steven discusses his web presence and where he can be found.

[09:42] Ashley says that she gets the most traffic off her Sola webpage.

[11:00] When was the last time you Googled yourself?

[13:53] Jennie talks about setting up your free Sola webpage.

[15:44] Steven shares why he believes websites are so important.

[18:09] Steven believes that with Sola, there is so much great cross-promotion from non-competing businesses.

[19:03] Steven and Ashley share where they promote their webpages.

[21:45] There are over 500 on-demand educational videos, almost 100 different special offers from brands in the industry on the Sola Pro app.

[23:22] Ashley talks about SolaGenius.

[27:34] Ashley discusses the calendar on SolaGenius.

[29:47] Listen as Ashley talks about the Book Now feature.

[32:25] Switching to SolaGenius using the White Glove Service takes the stress out of changing platforms.

[35:13] Steven has over 500 clients on his books.

[35:56] SolaGenius sends you a message once a client checks out to ask if you want to add notes on the client.

[38:18] Steven speaks about how he keeps his backbar and retail stocked.

[39:53] Ashley likes to have her products ordered and delivered.

[40:39] Jennie discusses BeautyHive with their real-time inventory.

[42:05] Ashley speaks about her first shopping experience using BeautyHive.

[45:59] Steven shares how he stays up on his education while running his barbershop.

[48:35] Jennie speaks about the new Sola Sessions virtual experience.

[49:09] How do you track what you need to order for your retail bar?

[50:50] “How did you find Sola?”

[52:54] Thank you so much for being on the show!

 

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Connect with Steven

@mrwrencuts

Ashely White

@ashleywhitestudio

Let’s talk retail! We brought Ashley Lantz, 2018 Faces of Sola and the queen of paying her rent in retail, back on the Sola Stories podcast to talk about how she uses retail to positively impact her bottom line.

 

Listen as Ashley discusses how leaning into the tools provided by Sola, like SolaGenius and BeautyHive, have helped her retail business grow. Ashley says that retail is not only a way to increase your revenue, but is critical to creating a well-rounded, positive experience for your guests.

 

Tune in to hear Jennie and Ashley discuss setting up systems for retail success, how to sell without being “salesy” and how to use KPIs to set your retail goals and make more informed purchasing decisions.

 

Have you heard the buzz about BeautyHive? Ashley talking about her first experience shopping on BeautyHive, how easy the site was to navigate and why she can’t wait to order again. 

 

In This Episode

[01:28] Welcome to the show, Ashley!

[01:55] Ashley shares a little about herself and when she first leased her studio.

[05:45] Ashley discusses how leaning into the tools provided by Sola has helped her business grow.

[08:29] Ashley believes that retail is very important to her business; she pays her rent with revenue she makes from retail.

[11:48] Retail is a way to enhance the experience of your guest.

[13:44] Sales fuels education. Education fuels sales.

[16:03] How do you position the consultation for that retail recommendation at the end?

[19:01] Ashley treats retail like she is a doctor, so she prescribes products to them and lets them know how it will help them maintain their look created in the salon.

[21:28] Ashley talks about the importance of your average ticket.

[24:23] Why do you believe it’s so important to sell retail to your guests?

[27:01] Jennie shares an experience she had at a salon during the pandemic.

[31:05] Ashley talks about using BeautyHive and what her experience was.

[34:19] Everything Sola creates is meant to solve a problem for our beauty professionals.

[36:51] How do you use data from SolaGenius to help you make purchasing decisions?

[38:33] You can track all your inventory through SolaGenius.

[40:04] Thank you for listening!

 

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Connect with Jennie

@jenniethewolff

Connect with Ashley

@ashleylantzhair

On this audio blog, we're reading Understanding Your Sola Business. 

 

Are you trying to set new goals to help your business grow? Knowing and understanding your numbers are the fastest way to make positive changes that impact your bottom line. To see significant growth in your business, you need to understand the parts of your business that show whether you are meeting or exceeding your guests' expectations, improving guests' loyalty, and increasing your overall revenue.

 

What are KPIs and what do they do? KPIs, or “Key Performance Indicators,” take the guesswork out of prioritizing what you should work on. Like a mirror to show you your strengths and opportunities for growth, KPIs guide you in setting clear and realistic goals and knowing if and when you’ve reached them.

 

Three KPIs you should be tracking are: 

• Total clientele
• Frequency of visit
• Average amount spent per client

 

Listen as we break each one down and how to use them to your advantage. 

 

In This Episode

[00:33] Tune in as we read ‘Understanding Your Sola Business' from the Sola blog.

[01:00] What numbers should I look at?

[01:26] Assessing your business is important in so many ways.

[02:04] KPIs are key performance indicators.

[05:00] Retail dollars per guest is the average your clients spend each visit.

[07:03] Three ways to use KPIs to help you work smarter, not harder.

[08:01] Let’s talk about the service cycle.

[08:34] Booking and arrival.

[10:31] We explain service completion.

[11:49] Try SolaGenius free for 30 days to see how it can affect your business.

 

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Today we are talking about setting up your systems. Whether you are on the fence about going independent, a Sola newbie, or been at it for years, it’s always a good idea to pause and take a look at your systems to ensure they are set up for you to work smarter, not harder. Systems are the vehicles that are going to take you to your goals.

 

Our guest on this episode is a master at setting up systems to run an efficient business, and when it comes to using the tools and resources Sola has put forth, she leans in 100%. Tahesa Nelson, owner of Studio 406 Hair Salon owner in Huntsville, Alabama, specializes in color, cutting, extensions and textured hair. While she is passionate about her craft and creating an incredible client experience, she is most passionate about showing up in her role as a mom. Listen as we talk about the key systems that allow her to balance her salon and personal life to feel fulfilled behind the chair and at home with her son.

 

Tahesa makes it a priority to lean into all the tools Sola provides, including BeautyHive, SolaGenius and the Sola Pro app. Tahesa believes that online booking is one of the most important systems she has in place. This feature, through SolaGenius, creates a great experience for client while booking and also allows her to stay present, both while in the salon and at homem, without being bothered by incoming calls and text messages with requests to book or change appointments. If you are a new salon owner, Tahesa says the first system you should get is SolaGenius and then the Sola Pro app because they work hand in hand to increase your online presence and drive new customers to you.  Tune in to hear all of Tahesa’s tips to streamline your Sola systems!

 

In This Episode

[02:57] Welcome to the show, Tahesa!

[03:06] Tahesa shares how she got into hairdressing and her journey to Sola.

[04:18] Tahesa says she is the mom of an eight-year-old boy and a very active parent.

[05:30] When you first went out on your own, what were the first systems you knew you needed to get in place? 

[07:00] Tahesa shares how she prepares her salon inventory for a week.

[08:47] How big is your client book?

[10:40] Tahesa speaks about why she opens her books one month at a time.

[12:30] Tahesa discusses SolaGenius and how she books her personal time and merges it with her salon schedule.

[14:21] Tahesa talks about her favorite features of SolaGenius.

[15:50] When going independent, filing taxes and tracking your numbers can be one of the scariest parts.

[18:10] Online booking frees up time both in and out of the salon.

[19:16] Tahesa discusses how she stocks her backbar

[21:08] How has your experience been shopping through BeautyHive?

[22:05] Tahesa shares how the systems Sola has available saves her time so she has more time to spend with her son.

[22:43] Tahesa speaks about the system she has in place that makes it easier to be present for her son.

[24:50] Tahesa talks about homeschooling her son during the pandemic.

[25:58] What do you do to stay at the top of your craft?

[28:46] Signing up for SolaGenius is the first thing when first going independent at Sola. 

[30:03] What are your goals for 2021?

[30:44] Thank you so much for being on the show!

 

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Connect with Jennie

@jenniethewolff

Connect with Tahesa

@hairbytahesa

When salons first shut down at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we immediately turned to our friends at Barbicide to educate our community on how to safely return to their salon as soon as governments allowed. Barbicide’s National Director of Education, Leslie Roste, and Sola’s Kim Bennett co-hosted a webinar on sanitation best practices, and we worked alongside the Barbicide team to create a customized Back-to-Work Plan to help our independent salon owners reopen #SolaStrong. We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with Barbicide and are thrilled to welcome Leslie back to the Sola community on the Sola Stories Podcast! 

 

Listen, as Leslie and Kim chat about setting up sanitation systems that will make your salon safety efficient and effective as you continue to navigate the pandemic and beyond. Curious on what systems should you keep and what should you leave behind? Tune in to hear Leslie and Kim answer all your burning questions and more!

 

Leslie also shares dialogue you can use with your clients when discussing sanitation and how to show, not just tell, them you care about their health and safety. As Leslie says, you are a service first and a luxury second. 

 

Leslie also reminds us that you can't take care of others if you neglect taking care of yourself. Whether it’s using the 10 minutes you have while sanitizing your tools in between clients to get a drink of water, step outside to take a mask break, or simply sit down and ground yourself, taking care of yourself should be as much of a priority as taking care of your clients.

 

In This Episode

[01:24] Welcome to the show, Leslie!

[03:55] Kim gives her perspective when going through the first shutdown.

[05:36] Leslie speaks about some systems to put in place in your studio for your and your client's safety.

[08:09] Messaging that you are trying to do the right thing and then follow through.

[11:03] To set up your systems, go to the Covid-19 Resource Center or check out our webinars.

[11:46] Leslie discusses having new dialogue around the pandemic with your clients.

[13:34] Remember, you are a service first and luxury second.

[16:31] Kim speaks about her Barbicide recertifications.

[18:16] When you go home each night, you should feel confident you aren't taking the virus home to your family.

[20:14] Leslie shares that she got COVID, and so did her husband. Doing everything right just means you are safer, not 100% safe.

[21:35] Leslie discusses what happens when she talks to states to keep licensure in place.

[23:16] On the “2021...Now What” webinar Leslie did for Sola, she gave a checklist to make sure you are taking care of yourself.

[25:28] It takes 10 mins for your disinfectant to work, so take that 10 mins and center yourself.

[27:01] When you wear a mask, it's harder to remember to drink as much water as you should.

[29:11] Leslie believes that you should do what works best for you regarding efficiency with infection control.

[30:59] Labeling things is a great way to let people know that you have a sanitization process.

[33:42] It's the little things that say ‘I care about you.’ 

[36:40] Kim discusses the amazing partnership the Sola Pro app has with Barbicide.

[39:02] Leslie speaks about the new certification Barbicide is doing for 2021.

[41:13] Thank you for being on the show!

 

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Connect with Kim

@kimi_kisses

 

Connect with Leslie Roste

Barbicide

Email

YouTube | Facebook