So much knowledge was dropped at 2024 Sola Sessions: Level Up in Las Vegas that we just couldn’t keep it all to ourselves! Whether or not you were able to attend, read on for our top 7 takeaways from the 2-day business-focused, immersive educational event. 1 – Take Risks The one and only Cash Lawless was our 2024 Sola Sessions keynote speaker, and he couldn’t have been more spot-on with our Sessions theme. He kicked off our event with the most insightful story and motivation, setting the stage for the next two days of Sessions to Level Up. One of our biggest takeaways from his presentation: take risks! Listen to the voice inside you, do what you want to do, and there are no mistakes you can’t come back from. Want more from Cash? Listen to his podcast “The Millionaire Hairstylist” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! 2 – Invest In Yourself & Charge Accordingly For the first time ever, Nina Tulio and John Mosley joined forces to bring us the collab of an independent salon owner’s dreams. Together they shared actionable business, pricing and marketing tips that our attendees can immediately implement to their businesses - including the fact the only 3% of consumers choose a new salon based on a discounted price, so why would you discount yourself for the 3%? Instead, add value for the 97%! The best investment you can make is always within you. 3 – Prioritize Your Time “When people say I don’t have time or I can’t make the time, rephrase it to I don’t make it a priority and that will shift your perspective in how you arrange your time” says Eric Vaughn, sharing his advice on leveraging social media, starting your business, and persevering through the doubt. We were thrilled to partner with the Tease Media who recorded the discussion between Eric and Monica Hickey, co-founder of the Tease, for an episode for their Volume Up podcast – so you can catch the whole thing on Spotify or on Apple Podcasts! 4 – You Are the One You Are Waiting For Leading personal and professional coach, Jasna Burza, took the main stage in a stunning yellow dress that she had handmade herself. She went on to tell us her story, how she got to where she is now, and how "you are the one you are waiting for.” From our community: “@jasna.burza you were the speaker I didn’t know I needed this year! You pulled out emotions in me I didn’t realize I was holding onto & opened my eyes to how much I need to tune out the noise! Thank you for the reminder to be present and live for the moments that life is worth living for! 🫶 Also your handmade dress was stunning but the woman in it made the dress shine ✨” - @aliyahbeautybabes Want more from Jasna? Check out her popular bestseller, Healer in Heels. 5 – Our Community is Super Talented We started the Sole Pro Awards competition last year to recognize the talent within our 20K strong community; and as we grew into year 2, so did our categories! We were proud to honor 10 winners in the respective categories: Studio Design - Kinley Hurst, Madison, AL @skinby.kin Blondes - Eric Kelley, Baton Rouge, LA @hairbyerickelley Nail Art Design - Raeanna Walterson, Owings Mills, MD @raeanna_nails Transformation - Miko Gemechu, Portland, OR @crownedbymiks Barber Cut - Quera Williams, San Diego, CA @pocketsticks Texture - Dezarai Chadwick, Wichita, KS @dezarai.stylist Braids - Claudia – Ann Arthur, Garden City, NY @claudifiedhair Skin - Niamh O'Connell, Dedham, MA @facesbyniamh Extensions - Jade Nicole, Wellington, FL @jadenicolehairart Vivids - Lauren Espino, Ogden, UT @jessicapowerspaints Plus, our latest Faces of Sola Ambassadors sat down for a panel discussion where they hit on allll the hot topics of owning and operating their independent salon businesses. From pricing, to overcoming imposter syndrome, to finding your niche, this conversation was relatable for all beauty pros alike. Feeling FOMO? Keep an eye out on the Sola Stories Podcast... we may have recorded this discussion for you! 6 - “A Year From Now, You’ll Wish You Started Today.” We’ve always loved this quote, but it was so inspiring to see it ring true first-hand. Last year, Rashleigh Beaton joined us at Sola Sessions as a cosmetology student. He won a contest through our partnership with CanvasMe, landing him a mentorship with John Mosley. A year later, at the 2024 Sola Sessions, he joined us not only as an active Sola barber, but also as an educator with the one and only John Mosley. A full circle moment and a true testament to the power of education, mentorship, and how much can happen in a year when you are ready to work for it. 7 - There's Nothing Like Learning Together in Person But don’t just take it from us! Hear from a handful of Sola pros on how they felt after attending the two-day immersive event. “Wow this past week was amazing, and I didn’t realize how much I needed this event – not just for my business, but for my soul! My cup is overflowing now, and I can’t wait to bring everything back to the salon. I am truly