Sola Stories

Our guest on this episode of Sola Stories, Joey Figueiredo, comes to us from Prairie Village, Kansas. Before he was a hairdresser, he was a professional photographer, and while growing his career behind the camera, he fell in love with the world of hairdressing. After obtaining his license through an apprenticeship in Kansas City, he continued to explore his passions outside the salon, landing gigs and working behind the scenes at Fashion Week, and so much more. Joey is a successful salon owner of a double-sized studio, an educator,one of our 2019 Faces of Sola.

On this episode, Joey shares his journey from a photographer to a Sola studio owner. He discusses how his photography background has helped him in the marketing and styling aspects of his career. Joey also shares his view on selling retail and why he became an educator for EVO. 

Listen, as Joey discusses raising his prices and how he makes sure his clients’ experience matches his price tag. He speaks about the hand painting technique he developed to cover grey called Greyage and how he is always afraid of failing, but it doesn’t keep him from pursuing his dreams.

In This Episode

[01:18] Welcome to the show, Joey!

[01:55] Joey discusses why he became a photographer.

[04:15] Listen as Joey shares his career journey.

[07:39] Joey says it took him two years to get through his apprenticeship, which is about double the hours of going to school.

[08:31] Joey shares how he found his way to Sola.

[11:26] Did you move into a double studio right away?

[13:35] He can double book during the pandemic because he has two chairs six feet apart.

[14:51] Joey discusses how his photography background is an advantage in the beauty industry.

[16:50] During his stay at home order, Joey researched new social media content strategies.

[18:09] Joey shares his view on selling retail products.

[20:04] How did you end up as an educator?

[23:10] Joey says being an independent business owner allows him to chase his other interests like being an educator.

[25:35] How do you know when it’s time to give yourself a raise?

[27:19] Joey discusses how raising his prices has affected his business.

[28:52] “Your service and your experience have to match your price tag.”

[29:37] Joey says that he raises his prices every year.

[30:07] How does the client experience in your studio match your prices?

[31:42] Joey talks about going to a Schwarzkopf mentorship program.

[33:27] Joey shares the hand painting technique he does, Greyage.

[36:00] Have you ever been afraid of failing?

[37:24] Thank you so much for being on the show!

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@stylistjoey

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@jenniethewolff

On this marketing Quick Tip, Angela and Jennie team up to chat all about hashtags and how this powerful, and often under-utilized, tool can take your social media marketing to a whole new level. 

A hashtag is a word or phrase following a hash sign (#) on social media platforms (primarily Instagram and Twitter) to discover content on a specific topic. Angela says hashtags are like mini “filing cabinets” for your content. When you click on a linked hashtag in a caption, it allows you to see all sorts of content that's related to that topic. When used correctly, it allows people who are interested in that topic to find you and your content. Hashtags should be used in relevant and specific ways, so listen as Angela and Jennie share tips to help you gain a following, and more importantly, new clients, solely by getting a better handle on hashtags.

Hashtags are free to use and a very powerful marketing tool when done correctly, but they can backfire if done wrong. Angela shares what shadow banning is, how you can avoid it, and how to research to ensure the hashtags you choose are getting you the best results possible.

In This Episode

[00:51] Welcome back to the show, Angela!

[01:37] Angela shares the power of hashtags.

[04:21] How should a beauty professional use hashtags?

[05:44] Listen as Angela shares why a small business or salon should have their own hashtag.

[07:16] Angela speaks about what your hashtag should be.

[10:09] Start by researching other people with similar specialties in a similar area if they have a large following.

[12:22] Use relevant and specific hashtags.

[15:02] How do hashtags help people gain a following?

[17:45] Make sure your profile is public and think about promoting your hashtag.

[20:08] Angela shares a few more tips when using hashtags.

[21:33] Angela believes hashtags are free advertising, which is why she believes they are one of the most powerful tools in marketing.

[23:40] Angela explains what shadow banning is.

[26:07] Don't hashtag everything; use them in relevant ways.

[27:31] Thank you for listening!

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@angelaribbler

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@jenniethewolff

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more.” Even though it has been a challenging year on so many levels, we want to spend some time to focus on gratitude and silver linings. 2020 Faces of Sola Steven Wren and 2018 Faces of Sola Amanda Fagan are two of the most positive people we know, so we wanted to bring them back onto the Sola Stories Podcast to share how they have been able to stay grounded in gratitude throughout this pandemic. 

Amanda believes that practicing gratitude not only makes her feel good, but throughout this year has become integral to her survival. And while gratitude doesn’t always come easy, especially during a global pandemic, these positivity pros share how they have made it a habit to actively practice gratitude every single day. 

Listen as Jennie, Amanda and Steven talk about silver linings and how they plan to stay positive through the holidays, even though their holiday celebrations will look much different this year. They also share their ideas for showing the love to their clients and how they have learned to savor every moment and find meaning and joy in the simple things.

In This Episode

[01:26] Welcome to the show, Steven and Amanda.

[03:26] Amanda speaks about how she has been able to find positivity this last year.

[05:08] Amanda talks about processing grief and feelings that have resurfaced during this pandemic.

[06:06] Steven discusses how he stays positive during this crazy year.

[09:38] Steven speaks about focusing on what he is grateful for.

[10:38] Amanda says that practicing gratitude is part of her survival.

[13:32] “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more.” 

[14:11] Steven shares why he believes gratitude is so important.

[14:28] Amanda believes gratitude is important because it creates a frame to look out into life with.

[17:21] Amanda shares that journaling and writing are her go-to ways to practice gratitude.

[18:45] Steven starts his day by staying away from negativity.

[22:14] Steven speaks about the silver linings he sees because of the pandemic.

[24:51] Listen as Steven shares how his perspective has changed about taking time off.

[25:11] Amanda sees the silver lining in how connected everyone is through social media and reinventing her business from now on.

[28:24] “Forced stillness is the only way growth ever happens.”

[30:14] Steven discusses how his family is staying positive this holiday season.

[32:37] Amanda shares their approach to positivity during the holidays.

[36:00] Amanda will decorate her studio this holiday and show gratitude for her clients by savoring every moment they have together.

[38:29] Steven agrees with Amanda; he also wants to savor every moment he has with his guests.

[38:56] Steven shares a story about a client he has been cutting hair for the last 12 years.

[41:50] Jennie speaks about some ways you can show the love to your clients.

[44:27] Thank you for being on the show!

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@mrwrencuts

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@amandainreverie

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@jenniethewolff

Our guest on this episode of Sola Stories is Canadian business coach, Dawn Bradley. Dawn has been in the beauty industry for nearly two decades and spent the last ten years as a business owner. Through her coaching business, Dawn hosts tons of classes and online courses, including “Become a 6-Figure Hairstylist Stress-Free” and “Raise Your Prices Like a Pro.” She also hosts her own podcast called The Anxious Creative. We’ve previously had the honor to partner with Dawn for some Sola-exclusive education on How To Set Back to Work Boundaries, and we are thrilled to bring her on to the Sola Stories Podcast to discuss how to work smarter, not harder, set boundaries, avoid burnout, raise your prices, and live a balanced life as a small business owner.

Listen, as Dawn shares her journey into the beauty industry and why she made the brave decision to go out on her own, even though she was repeatedly told that she wouldn't make it. She discusses how to overcome the fear of raising your prices and how to stay financially fluid without double booking clients.

Tune in to hear Dawn’s five key points to communicating change and how to successfully set boundaries that will help you get through the holiday season without burning out. Dawn believes that a lack of boundaries does not equal excellent customer service. “Boundaries aren't slamming a door in someone's face. It's telling them you can't enter here, but you can come through this other door.” 

In This Episode

[01:26] Welcome to the show, Dawn!

[02:43] Dawn shares her story and her journey into the beauty industry.

[04:28] Dawn speaks about why she went out on her own.

[06:07] "People don't like it when you step outside of their comfort zone."

[07:36] Listen as Dawn discusses when and why she started educating on setting boundaries.

[09:44] Dawn shares that your lack of boundaries does not equal excellent customer service.

[13:43] Do you crave balance? Do you feel like it is a constant struggle?

[16:12] Dawn discusses the rollercoaster of emotions she had when her dog died and she took time off to reevaluate her business and goals. 

[18:10] Dawn has rebuilt her clientele multiple times in the last five or six years.

[20:05] Listen as Dawn speaks about overcoming the fear of raising your prices.

[23:16] How do stylists stay prosperous without double booking?

[27:04] Dawn believes we are learning through this pandemic the importance of personal connection.

[28:20] Dawn discusses her morning Instagram Live series called Business, Breakfast, and Bedheads.

[30:57] Creating a community has to be intentional.

[32:51] Dawn speaks about the struggles she is seeing her clients and peers facing right now.

[35:41] Dawn discusses her five key points of communicating change.

[39:16] How can an independent salon owner get through this end of the year craze without facing burnout?

[42:38] Boundaries aren't slamming a door in someone's face. It's telling them you can't enter here, but you can come through this other door.

[44:25] Dawn talks about The Anxious Creative podcast.

[46:03] Thank you for being on the show!

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@dawnbradleyhair

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@jenniethewolff

On this episode of Sola Stories, we are talking about all things social media, and who better to have on the show than Sola’s Social Media and Content Strategist, or as we like to call her our Content Queen, Angela Ribbler. Angela joined the Sola team in August 2018 after working 5 years in the music industry. It was her thirst for more creativity in her job that led her to Sola and today, she is the creative brain behind Sola’s blog, social media content, email newsletters, and so much more. It was also her passion that led to the creation of Sola Stories podcast! 

Tune in to this episode to get tips from this social media savant to help grow your business. Angela shares her insights about each social media platform - from Facebook to Instagram to TikTok - and how to utilize and create content for each to maximize your goals and objectives. 

Angela also shares valuable tips like how to write a compelling caption, how to take a great Instagram photo and advice for social media beginners. She even shares some secret tips to get your content shared on Sola’s social media! 

If you’re looking to up your salon’s social media game, this episode will turn your social not-working into successful social networking in no time 💯

In This Episode

[01:50] Welcome to the show, Angela!

[03:07] Angela shares her background and journey to Sola.

[05:54] Jennie speaks about all the things Angela is involved in behind-the-scenes at Sola.

[06:58] Angela discusses why she loves social media.

[09:33] Jennie says that she loves tools like Instagram Stories and how social media is like a stage.

[11:36] Angela shares her favorite social media platforms.

[15:06] Listen as Angela discusses which social media platform is the best one for you to grow your business.

[17:38] Jennie and Angela speak about how important Facebook is when it comes to search engine optimization.

[19:05] Angela shares her insights on Instagram and how it serves as a visual look book.

[22:10] Angela speaks about TikTok and why she likes this platform.

[24:43] The most important thing is to be where your customers are. 

[25:39] What do you think the components are of a great post?

[28:46] Angela shares how you can create a content strategy based on what your objectives are.

[30:08] Angela speaks about what makes a great photo.

[33:40] Test out different areas of your studio and see which area takes the best photos.

[36:15] Angela shares some hacks for writing good captions.

[38:56] Inspiration can strike at any time, so keep a notebook to write down captions you might use on those days you face writer’s block.

[41:01] Listen as Angela discusses what someone should do if they want to capture her attention to be featured on Sola’s social media.

[42:57] The best hashtag you can use is #solasalons or to tag @solasalons in your posts .

[44:20] Angela gives her best advice for someone just starting out on social media.

[46:31] Don't let the fear of trying something new keep you from doing it.

[47:08] Find Sola blogs at www.solasalonstudios.com/blog.

[48:15] Thank you for listening!

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@angelaribbler

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@jenniethewolff

Today we are excited to have Lindsey Couch, one of our 2020 Faces of Sola, on the show to share some quick tips about marketing your salon on Yelp. Lindsey is a big Yelp advocate and believes many salon owners are missing opportunities if you aren’t leaning into the powerful, free marketing from Yelp. 

Tune in to hear Lindsey talk about how she got started with Yelp, how her salon made it to the number 3 position in her city, and how many new clients she gets each week from Yelp while spending $0 on Yelp advertising. She always shares tips for anyone who is ready to get started setting up your Yelp page for the first time. 

Still not sure if Yelp is right for you? Lindsey talks about how to overcome that fear of that dreaded negative review and why they aren’t as scary as you may think. Lindsey believes that if you are doing a good service and giving your clients 100% of yourself, there is no reason to be afraid to put yourself out on Yelp and miss out on all the positive benefits of the platform.

In This Episode

[01:04] Welcome to the show, Lindsey!

[01:49] Lindsey shares why she is a Yelp advocate.

[02:49] Listen, as Lindsey speaks about how Arrow Salon got to be the number three position on Yelp.

[04:00] How many reviews do you have on Yelp?

[04:33] Lindsey discusses why people are afraid of being on Yelp.

[06:50] Jennie believes that a positive review far outweighs the downside of a negative review.

[09:36] Lindsey speaks about using Yelp as a consumer and says that she looks at the pictures more than the reviews.

[10:49] What do you have control of on your Yelp page, and what parts of your Yelp page do your clients control?

[11:44] Lindsey says they are getting four to five new client inquiries a week from Yelp.

[13:51] Lindsey talks about what they have on their Yelp page about their salon to get people's attention during this pandemic.

[14:23] Lindsey shares her tips for someone who is getting started on Yelp.

[15:55] If you know you are doing good service, don't be afraid of Yelp reviews.

[17:01] Thank you for being on the show!

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@jenniethewolff

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@thehungryhairdresser

Full-spectrum colorist and 2020 Faces of Sola, Morgan Abernathy, has truly created a career that spans the spectrum of the beauty industry. She has gone from being told she wasn’t good enough to ever be a “great hairdresser,” to owning her own salon, educating for brands like Pulp Riot, Brazilian Bond Builder and Colortrak, and has grown an Instagram following of nearly 50K followers. But beyond all of her aspirational accomplishments, what we love most about Morgan is the fact that she is always authentic, wholehearted and unapologetically herself. 

Tune in to this inspirational episode of Sola Stories to hear Morgan share how she went from being homeless and living in her car, to being the flourishing owner of her salon, Colored in Chaos. 

Listen, as Morgan discusses how she grew her social media following and her advice to overcome writer’s block and nail that perfect Instagram caption. 

In This Episode

[01:20] Thank you so much for joining us on the show, Morgan!

[01:35] Morgan shares her background and her start in the hair industry.

[03:21] Morgan speaks about being homeless during beauty school. 

[06:53] How did you climb out of the hole you fell into while being homeless?

[10:47] Morgan discusses the excitement of opening up her Sola studio and how she had the confidence to go out independently.

[13:00] She shares that it took about two years to create the culture and vibe she wanted in her salon.

[14:15] How did you build your book of business?

[16:47] Morgan shares some tips for anyone wanting to build their business using social media.

[20:45] Morgan speaks about using models for her photos and using those for her Instagram posts.

[22:54] Morgan says that she is a night owl and uses her evenings to post to social media.

[24:36] How do you get over your anxiety when posting on social media?

[27:51] Morgan shares how she came up with chaos as her brand.

[30:45] Morgan says that being in a Sola studio allows her to be independent, creative and true to herself.

[33:29] Listen as Morgan shares some advice for hairdressers wanting to start out on their own.

[35:23] Thank you so much for being on the show!

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@jenniethewolff

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@colored.in.chaos

To fully span the extent of Geno Stampora’s impressive career in the beauty industry, we’d need a much longer podcast. Before becoming the successful owner of multiple salons and beauty academies, as well as one of the most celebrated and sought-after motivational speakers in the industry, Geno learned first-hand what it meant to be successful working behind the chair. Geno will tell you himself, he’s not the best hairdresser in the industry, but his inept ability to understand people is what has kept his career thriving for decades. We are thrilled to bring this vivacious industry expert, mentor and true friend to the Sola family, onto the Sola Stories podcast. 

Listen, as Geno speaks about the skills you need to create meaningful connections with your clients, as well as three invaluable pieces of advice for salon owners to ensure your career continues to grow and evolve with the times.

Geno believes that the beauty industry is a blank slate, “a place where we can recreate the future and actually recreate the way we are seen in and actually do business.” Tune in for this conversation that will keep you on the edge of your seat and on the cutting edge of your career. 

In This Episode

[00:57] Thank you so much for joining us on the show, Geno!

[01:43] Geno shares how he fell into the beauty industry.

[04:10] Geno speaks about the practice of giving 100%, 100% of the time.

[05:42] Listen as Geno discusses how he gained the skill to connect with everyone he meets.

[07:16] After being an educator for 35 years, Geno believes in the beauty industry and says that “everyone can be and do what they want to be and do.”

[09:11] What were your biggest takeaways from the Nashville Sola Sessions?

[12:55] Geno shares the advice he would give Sola professionals at this point in time.

[15:00] Geno believes this is a great time of learning.

[17:08] Listen as Geno discusses what he wants every salon owner to brush up on during this time of COVID.

[19:38] Geno speaks about the problems people have with communication.

[21:55] Kim shares how she set her salon up so that guests could see that she was sanitizing and keeping everyone safe.

[23:01] Geno says that we are in a “blank slate where we can recreate the future and actually recreate the way we are seen in and actually do business.”

[23:44] What would you say to a new entrepreneur coming to Sola for the first time?

[26:59] Geno speaks about how to give back to the industry.

[29:25] The answer is to believe in yourself!

[30:52] Geno says that he is so proud of what Kim has accomplished, but he’s even prouder of what she’s going to accomplish.

[31:14] Geno shares some final words for the listeners.

[32:42] Thank you for being on the Sola Stories Podcast!

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@kimi_kisses

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@genostampora

On this Sola Stories Quick Tip, we're helping you get a jumpstart on your holiday marketing. Tune in to get all of our best holiday marketing tips and tricks for salon owners, because no matter what 2020 brought, you can still cross this year's finish line with a bang. 

Before you begin your marketing, and especially before the holidays are here, make sure to jot down all the important dates during the holiday season so you don’t miss a valuable holiday marketing opportunity. You can find a list of all the important holiday dates here. 

For most beauty professionals, the holiday season is the busiest and most profitable time of the year. It's a time when you will see most of your clientele, so don’t forget to send your clients reminders to book their appointments before your book fills up! And when your guests arrive at your salon, transport them into a winter wonderland with decorations and holiday specials that will put them in the mood for some extra holiday spending. You can easily do this with a festive retail display that showcases your products, holiday gift sets and gift cards. 

This has been a crazy year and your clients will appreciate the little things you do to help them have a relaxing, cheerful experience in your salon. 

Looking for more holiday tips? Check out this article on the Sola blog.

In This Episode

[00:26] Welcome to the show!

[01:12] Jennie shares some dates you should consider for holiday promotions. 

[02:24] Jennie speaks about getting your salon in the holiday spirit.

[03:47] Don't forget the stocking stuffers!

[04:12] Jennie discusses some add-on services that can add to your bottom line and make your guests' lives easier during the busy holiday season.

[04:45] Vow to spread a little love and light this year by involving your clients in a clothing, gift, or food drive.

[05:18] Jennie shares how to get the word out on the special offers you have available.

[05:58] Give your clients some incentives if they book for 2021.

[06:23] Happy Holidays!

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@jenniethewolff

We are thrilled to bring our special guest and Breast Cancer Thriver, Barbara Violo, onto the Sola Stories podcast. Barbara owns a hair and wig studio in Sola in Long Island, New York. Barbara’s studio is a safe haven for women experiencing hair loss, primarily due to cancer as well as other causes. In her studio, she takes her clients on a journey - from shaving their heads to hair recovery and beyond. Barbara’s client experience is all about the peaceful, healing energy she is able to create for her clients, whether it’s the  fresh flowers she brings from her garden every morning or the bright, vibrant colors on her wall.  

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we wanted to bring Barbara on the Sola Stories Podcast to share her journey as both a breast cancer survivor and tell us about the unique niche she has created in her Sola studio. Listen to hear Barbara share her beautiful, thoughtful process creating the perfect wig for each of her clients. 

Because Barbara has the only wig studio in her Sola location, she is the go-to person if any of her Sola neighbors have a client with thinning hair. She started her Sola business in her 50s and has been able to build a thriving book of business. Listen to this inspirational woman, stylist and wig connoisseur as she talks about the passion she has for helping and healing women.

In This Episode

[01:22] Thank you so much for joining us on the show!

[01:56] Barbara shares her journey into cosmetology.

[04:35] Barbara discusses why she transitioned from cuts, colors, and perms into the niche markets she now serves.

[06:34] Listen as Barbara shares how much her mom and aunt enjoyed going to the wig salon and where she got her start.

[08:49] It’s a very emotional beginning of the journey for women, cancer diagnosis along with hair loss.

[12:33] Barbara speaks about why she started her wig salon at Sola.

[15:42] How do you protect your energy when doing this type of work?

[18:34] Listen as Barbara discusses her process from start to finish with her clients.

[20:49] Barbara talks about the wig studios in her area and why hers is unique.

[23:28] Having the right wig helps a woman’s confidence when fighting for her life.

[25:30] Barbara discusses the referrals she gets from other stylists at her Sola.

[27:20] Wouldn’t it be great to have a wig studio in every Sola?

[30:05] Barbara speaks about how she built a book of business in her 50s and how she keeps it growing.

[32:20] Listen as Barbara shares some words of encouragement to listeners who are going through the healing process.

[35:10] Thank you so much for joining us on the podcast today.

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@jenniethewolff

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@hairhealthcoach