Sola Stories

Listen up, Sola newbies! On this audio blog, we’re reading So you signed your lease, now what? 

Since becoming a #SolaBoss comes with both triumphs and challenges, it's not uncommon to take a step back from being on cloud nine and ask, “What next?” Tune in for a list of to-dos and priorities you should focus on in the first few weeks of your new life as a Sola salon owner. 

Start by leaning into the tools and resources Sola has created to help you set up and streamline your systems. Download the Sola Pro app (available on Apple App Store or Google Play) to update your own Sola webpage, access exclusive deals, education, perks, and more. Then, sign up for SolaGenius to help you run your Sola like a boss. 

Don't forget to take care of your new studio's business, like getting your business license and insurance in order. We’ll also walk you through the fun parts, like creating your salon’s brand, culture and decor! 

You’ll want to make sure you choose a product line and products that align with your brand (and personal) values, stock your shelves, and get your marketing plan in order so you can start filling your books right away.

Tune in to get all these invaluable tips and more! Go get ‘em, #SolaBoss.  

In This Episode

[00:33] Tune in as we read ‘So you signed your lease, now what?' from the Sola blog.

[00:58] Lean into Sola tools like the Sola Pro app.

[01:09] Sign up for SolaGenius.

[01:20] Create your Sola webpage.

[01:50] Visit the Sola blog.

[01:57] Subscribe to the Sola Stories Podcast.

[02:18] Take the initiative and walk around and meet the people in your Sola community.

[03:10] Make sure you get all the business stuff taken care of.

[03:35] You get to create your salon's culture and identity.

[04:19] Listen for tips on the best way to create your brand.

[05:25] This is the fun part, choose how you want to design your studio.

[07:07] Are you ready to choose your product line and products?

[08:13] Make sure to stock your back bar and shelves with BeautyHive.

[09:01] Marketing is the key to your success.

[12:14] Thank you for listening!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Financial guru Michael Cole and 2020 Faces of Sola Steven Wren teamed up to teach us four steps to embody the "Millionaire Mindset" and create a thriving, long-lasting business. Steven, owner of Steven Brandon Hair Studio in Chicago, IL, shares his journey to becoming an independent salon owner and how he makes it work in this COVID whirlwind we call. He also talks about his dreams and goal of opening his own barber school to give back and inspire the next generation of barbers.

Listen, as Michael shares strategies to create good financial habits and walks us through the four-rule “millionaire mindset.” The four-step process is: 

1. Give yourself a raise
2. Pay yourself first
3. Pay down your debt 
4. Spend less than you make

Steven also shares how he has specifically leaned into these tools to support his finances through the pandemic. As a salon owner, Steven has continued to bet on himself, and once he saw success, growth, and prosperity, it gave him the courage to continue moving forward with the mindset of these four rules. Steven has allowed himself to pivot and reach for his dreams, because how you handle your money is how you handle your life.

Watch the full webinar with Michael and Steven here or in the Sola Pro app.

In This Episode

[00:39] Welcome to the show, Steven! 

[02:05] Steven shares his journey to Sola.

[04:46] How nerve-wracking was it to walk away from healthcare and go to barber school?

[07:09] Steven saw the potential in the beauty industry and made sure he got to know the right people to help mentor him.

[08:26] Steven discusses why he took the leap to Sola.

[10:44] Steven shares what his next steps are and his goals.

[14:31] The four-rule mindset is giving yourself a raise, paying yourself first, paying down your debt, and spending less than you make.

[15:45] What does giving yourself a raise look like to you?

[19:00] Steven discusses what paying himself first means to him.

[21:40] Steven shares how he handles debt in his life.

[23:55] Steven talks about the discipline he uses to control his spending.

[25:13] How we handle our money is how we handle our life.

[26:37] Steven speaks about what he would say to someone hesitant about leaping to work for themselves.

[28:56] Thank you for being on the show!

Stay Connected

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Connect with Steven

@mrwrencuts

Michael Cole

Facebook

Customer loyalty is arguably the most important ingredient to a long-lasting successful business. On this Quick Tip, we are reading 9 Tips For Increasing Client Loyalty from the Sola Blog. 

Creating client loyalty starts by going back to the basics. You want to create a strong, trusting relationship with each client off the bat. Do this by showing gratitude, being punctual, always listening to your client’s needs and having fun. When you enjoy what you do, you give off an irresistible vibe that keeps them coming back.

Making each client feel valued goes a long way, so give them small tokens of gratitude every once in a while, like a travel-sized shampoo or hairspray. This not only makes them happy, but it gives them a sample of the products you carry, which can lead to increased retail sales.

Remember, new business is great, but don’t neglect your existing customers. Your clients that have been with you for a while have a loyalty to you that will take time to build with new clients, so keep in touch and let them know you appreciate them.

In This Episode

[00:36] Tune in to hear our 9 tips to increase client loyalty.

[01:03] New business is great, but don't neglect your existing clients.

[01:15] Tip #1 - Create strong relationships.

[02:28] Tip #2 - Say thank you.

[03:26] Tip #3 - Be prompt!

[03:58] Tip #4 - Partner with other beauty professionals.

[04:55] Tip #5 - Be consistent and predictable.

[05:40] Tip #6 - Show the love.

[06:14] Tip #7 - Keep in touch.

[07:19] Tip #8 - Listen.

[08:11] Tip #9 - Have fun!

[08:43] Thank you for listening.

Stay Connected

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We often talk about how Sola is home to over 16,000 independent salon owners. In addition to our incredible group of beauty professionals, as a franchise brand, Sola is also made up of 160+ franchise groups who own and operate our 550+ locations across the United States, Canada and Brazil. On this episode, we dive into Sola's business model and give you a behind-the-scenes look into what makes our group of franchisees and managers so integral to the success of our community. 

To introduce you to our group of franchisees and managers, we are joined by Austin Campbell, one of the very first Sola franchisees who joined the brand in 2005. Since opening his first Sola location in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, Austin and his family have since opened 15 Solas all across San Diego, providing salon homes to over 600 independent salon owners.

Listen, as Austin shares why he was first inspired to join the Sola family, what motivates him to continue his Sola journey and how he ensures the Sola professional always comes first. 

Austin describes how he has fostered such a strong Sola San Diego culture over the years and how the most challenging year they ever faced strengthened his community more than ever. He also discusses what makes our franchisees and managers so unique compared to other franchise brands. Austin believes that the real difference at Sola is the people.

Even after an extremely challenging year, Austin believes Sola has a very bright future. Because of that, his team has signed leases for more locations so they can continue to share the Sola Difference with beauty professionals for years to come. 

In This Episode

[01:58] Welcome to the show, Austin!

[02:21] Austin shares why he decided to become a Sola franchisee.

[05:30] Austin speaks about always putting the beauty professional first.

[08:07] When did you know you were going to expand and open more than one franchise?

[11:40] Austin discusses how he has built community and culture over the years.

[14:27] Austin believes that how they reacted during COVID shows they walk the walk and stand by their people.

[17:26] The real difference at Sola is the people.

[19:53] Austin believes Sola has a very bright future, which is why he has signed leases on two more locations.

[21:52] How would you describe our community of franchisees and managers?

[25:20] Sola provides solutions to people's problems.

[26:02] What inspires you to continue on your Sola journey?

[28:58] Jennie shares how Austin and his family celebrate every new Sola pro.

[32:47] Thank you so much for being part of the Sola family.

[34:19] Thank you for listening!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Connect with Austin

@solasandiego

Email Austin at Austin@solasandiego

Connect with Jennie

@jenniethewolff

It’s one thing to dream about all the goals you want to accomplish, and it’s another to actually get there. On this Quick Tip, we are reading How to Be a Goal-Getter This Year from the Sola Blog. 

Tune in to hear Sola’s 5 steps to not only be a goal-setter but a goal-getter this year.

Start with your “why,” be SMART, hold yourself accountable, and last but not least, remember Sola has your back. 

Here's to goal getting in 2021.

In This Episode

[01:10] Sola's five tips for being a goal-getter.

[01:49] Write down your goals.

[02:17] Be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Specific. 

[03:53] Hold yourself accountable.

[04:36] Remember that Sola has your back.

[05:57] Thank you for listening!

Stay Connected

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As we turn the page to a new year, there's one thing we know for sure, this past year threw us all some curveballs, and yet it also provided many people the opportunity to pause, pivot and proceed forward on a new path. At Sola, we want to provide a fresh start for those searching for a new salon home.

Our guest on this episode, Annie Hayes from Jacksonville, Florida, opened her own Sola studio in May 2020 after being furloughed by her previous salon. Since then, Sola has helped her get back on her feet and turn her career dreams into her career reality. We wanted to bring Annie on the Sola Stories podcast to share her story and help anyone out there who needs a bit of inspiration to dream again.

Listen as Annie shares her journey from her start in the hair industry to going independent and opening up her Sola studio amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Annie talks about building her book of business before and after going Sola, the tools and resources she’s used to create a seamless transition to salon ownership, and why she says it’s the best decision she has ever made for her career.

In This Episode

[02:10] Welcome to the show, Annie!

[04:23] Annie speaks about getting started in her career.

[05:46] How did the COVID-19 closures affect your career?

[07:38] Annie discusses looking for options when salons were able to reopen and why she chose Sola.

[11:39] Annie chats about being furloughed from Ulta.

[13:54] Annie speaks about getting new clients because of her private, one-on-one salon suite and how every one of her clients followed her.

[14:43] Annie talks about her most powerful marketing tool to build her book of business, Instagram.

[16:23] Jennie talks about the power of hashtags.

[18:17] Annie talks about her clients pre-booking more since the shutdown.

[22:36] Annie discusses opening her Sola studio during the pandemic.

[24:50] Annie speaks about having the bare minimum in her studio when she opened.

[26:15] What did Sola do to help you get started?

[29:11] Jennie shares some things that Sola has to help you open your studio, the podcast, a blog, and much more.

[30:10] Annie talks about the Sola tools and resources she’s leaned into to start her Sola journey.

[32:06] Annie discusses her dreams for 2021 and what she would like to see happen with her salon in the coming year.

[35:05] Thank you for being on the show!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Connect with Annie

@_anniehayes_

Connect with Jennie

@jenniethewolff

At Sola, education and support is at the heart of our brand promise. With the start of the new year, we want to shine a light on some of the amazing education available for independent beauty professionals through Sola education. 

Our guest on this episode, Melissa Bennett, truly puts the “Pro” in Sola Pro. She has led the charge with our Sola-exclusive Sola Pro app and worked with hundreds of brand partners to curate video content, webinars, Facebook Lives, Instagram takeovers, and much more virtual education for the Sola community. She is also the executional mastermind behind the Sola Sessions and has planned 11 amazing events for Sola across the country.

Tune in to hear Melissa and Jennie discuss the importance of education in our industry, how Sola education has evolved over the years, and what the future looks like for education for the Sola community and beyond. 

If you have an idea for a topic you’d like us to cover, a brand you’d like added to Sola Pro, or an educator you think would be valuable to our community, email Melissa at [email protected].

In This Episode

[03:08] Welcome to the show, Melissa!

[03:40] Melissa shares her role at Sola and how it has evolved over the years.

[05:32] Melissa speaks about building the Sola Pro app.

[08:23] Jennie discusses the magical experience the first Sola Session was in 2016.

[11:34] Jennie speaks about how important education has always been for Sola.

[12:59] Melissa shares some education initiatives that she has worked on for Sola.

[15:26] They discuss how important responding to the surveys they send out is to improve Sola education.

[18:52] Melissa shares how Sola has strived to bring important content to the community, even though COVID.

[20:36] Jennie speaks about the back to work program Melissa put together with Barbicide.

[22:59] Melissa discusses the Sola Pro refresh project.

[26:00] Do you feel there are any gaps in what Sola Pro is offering? Anything you would like to see?

[29:09] Melissa speaks about how she feels education can help individuals stay in the industry longer.

[33:11] Thank you so much for being on the show!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Connect with @jenniethewolff

Email Melissa

It’s been a year of unexpected challenges, but also a year of tremendous opportunity for those who have taken the time to learn and grow through it all. For our last episode of 2020, the team behind the Sola Stories Podcast wanted to connect to reflect on the lessons this monumental, transformative year has taught us. 

Listen as Jennie, Kim and Angela share how they pivoted during 2020, both professionally and personally, the lessons they learned about relinquishing control, and how they’ve overcome the hardest moments of this pandemic. They talk about the changes they have gone through over the year and what they are looking forward to carrying with them into 2021.

After the conversation is over, keep listening to hear some amazing reviews the Sola Stories podcast has received over the last year. Remember, if you like what you’ve been hearing, please leave a review and you may hear yours read on a future episode of Sola Stories!

In This Episode

[01:34] Jennie Wolff, Kim Bennett and Angela Ribbler - thank you for joining us all as we wrap up this year with reflections and lessons. 

[03:32] Kim shares how she has had to pivot this year.

[06:20] Angela speaks about the ways she has learned to pivot during the pandemic.

[09:13] Jennie chats about some pivots she has had to make in her personal life.

[10:33] Angela talks about how planning didn’t work this last year, but things turned out great anyway.

[11:41] Kim discusses how she handled the changes on a personal level as a single mother.

[14:50] What lessons about relinquishing control have you learned that you will take into 2021 with you?

[17:57] Angela shares the biggest thing she has learned about relinquishing control.

[19:55] Jennie speaks about waiting to have a baby for the perfect time and what she learned this year.

[22:08] Kim chats about what was hardest for her during the pandemic.

[24:43] Angela shares the hardest part of 2020 was for her.

[27:13] Jennie has taken 2020 to learn to find stillness in her life.

[28:08] Kim discusses having the opportunity to move into her new house.

[32:14] Angela speaks about her new puppy she got in 2020.

[34:27] Kim, have you learned anything about being more present this year?

[37:53] Angela learned that her worth isn’t based on productivity.

[39:56] Jennie shares what she has learned about self-worth this year.

[41:56] Angela talks about all the projects she gives herself to fill her time instead of enjoying the stillness.

[44:42] Kim discusses how the Sola community has helped her in the last year.

[47:32] Kim says that the entire community became visionaries together during the pandemic.

[49:12] Angela, how did you lean on the community and gain strength through them during 2020?

[55:32] Happy New Year from everyone at Sola!

[56:10] Listen as they share some amazing reviews the podcast has received.

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Connect with Angela

@angelaribbler

Connect with Kim

@kimi_kisses

Connect with Jennie 

@jenniethewolff

Terri Cowan, inspirational speaker and owner of Professional Salon Concepts, believes success starts with excellent customer service. In this episode of Sola Stories, Terri and Kim chat about the systems you need to set up to create an A+ customer experience that will bring your salon and customer retention to the next level. 

Terri also talks about the importance of eye contact when it comes to customer service.  “Customer service is creating that absolute connection,” and you can’t do that if you are focused on your screen or thinking of your next client instead of giving your current guest your utmost attention and care.

Listen as Terri discusses the benefits of offering a limited-service menu during your busiest times of the year in order to maximize your efficiency and still maintain a high-quality customer experience. Terri also shares some dialogue to get your clients to get back in the salon more frequently and feel comfortable while in your chair.

Terri believes that when you love your job, it shows, so get out there and show your guests that you love what you do.

In This Episode

[03:01] Welcome to the show, Terri!

[05:44] Terri shares some ways you can enhance customer service and systems.

[08:05] Terri speaks about people enhancements and making sure you are at the top of your game.

[09:01] How do you enhance your facilities, and what is your safety pledge and systems?

[11:17] Terri believes that people under 40 are lost in their screens instead of looking people in the eyes.

[12:47] Terri shares that it’s very hard to deliver customer service when you don’t know how to honor or pay respect to the people around you.

[16:08] Terri says you need to know your shortcomings and remember to take a temperature read of your guests when they come in for their appointments.

[18:12] Terri speaks about losing her mom this year.

[20:13] “Customer service is creating that absolute connection.”

[23:20] Terri gives examples of how human contact is so important in customer service.

[26:17] Terri worries about individuals that don’t think they need to have a professional personal relationship.

[28:28] Listen, as Terri shares a safety pledge she believes you should have in place so that your guests know they are safe.

[33:26] Terri chats about this being the busiest season for salons; she thinks people should offer a limited menu of services because of sanitizing for COVID-19.

[36:10] What dialogue would you use to get your clients to come in more often?

[38:59] Terri says that for retention, you need to find out why they are not returning.

[41:10] Terri speaks about what she loves the most about the Sola culture.

[43:43] What are you reading right now?

[45:17] Terri shares what living the life you love means to her.

[47:33] Do you miss singing for an audience?

[50:28] If you like your job, show it in your face and what you do.

[51:53] Kim shares what her mentor Terri told her that made her a better presenter, better hairdresser, and better at Sola.

[54:29] Thank you for being on the show!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Connect with Terri

www.professionalsalonconcepts.com

Connect with Kim

@kimi_kisses

At Sola, it’s our mission to inspire not only successful beauty professionals but successful entrepreneurs. While we love connecting with inspiring leaders within the beauty industry, many of the most successful people know, the best way to stay on the cutting edge of your career is to learn from leaders outside of your industry and apply their successful habits and learnings to your world.

Our guest on this episode, Alexa Rose Carlin, is an entrepreneur extraordinaire and has not only built her own personal brand, which includes an online following of over 200K but through her company, Women Empower X, Alexa also inspires thousands of other female entrepreneurs around the globe to find their own entrepreneurial success. Alexa founded WEX with the mission to help more women pursue their passions and get to the next level in their careers and life.

Tune in to hear Alexa share how to pivot with purpose to continue moving forward in the direction of your dreams when life throws you unexpected curveballs. Alexa believes that if you share your vulnerabilities, you invite others to do the same, which creates a unique, personal connection to your clients that will foster better client retention. 

In this episode, Alexa also discusses how to successfully build a personal brand and how to overcome overwhelm when starting something new.

In This Episode

[04:06] Welcome to the show, Alexa!

[04:47] Alexa views an entrepreneur as anyone passionate and determined to turn an idea into a reality.

[06:14] Where did you find the confidence to start again after experiencing failure?

[08:17] Alexa talks about pivoting with purpose.

[11:11] Alexa believes there are so many ways to empower women, even though it may look different from what you thought.

[13:50] Alexa shares that she gets ideas from other industries, not just from the industry you are in.

[15:50] Community is so important because it can help you grow your business.

[17:29] Alexa believes that if you can get to the root of your vulnerabilities and get them out, you allow others to do the same.

[19:52] Alexa discusses sharing her journey battling her autoimmune disease on social media and how her authentic vulnerability helped her following grow.

[23:22] We don’t have control over the pandemic, so focus on what you do have control over.

[25:01] Why does your brand focus on women entrepreneurs instead of all entrepreneurs?

[28:55] Alexa says that the more you give, the more will flow back to you.

[30:52] Alexa speaks about the advantage women have as business owners.

[32:56] Angela shares a funny story about posting her first Instagram.

[34:21] How do you define your personal brand? 

[37:24] Angela discusses creating authentic relationships with your clients and how they follow your journey on social media.

[40:13] Alexa speaks about what she looks for on a social media account to follow.

[42:06] Alexa discusses how to overcome overwhelm when building your brand on social media.

[45:05] With so many social media platforms out there, how do you know where to put your energy?

[48:23] Know yourself, know your brand, know your customers and put your energy where you will get the most return on your investment.

[51:00] Alexa’s last words of inspiration are - above all, trust in the journey and understand that it only takes one thing to transform your business and life for the better.

[52:48] Thank you for being on the show!

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Connect with Alexa

AlexaCarlin.com

Instagram

TikTok

Connect with Angela

@angelaribbler