In the past few weeks, the entire world has been turned upside down. We have gone from a thriving, social, robust society and economy to one that looks very different for many people. Like all industries, we understand the impact that this crisis is having on our beloved salons. Maybe your salon closed. Maybe you were let go. Maybe you’re simply feeling like it’s time to make a change. We know there is fear and struggle, but we also know that in discomfort, there is growth. Right now, in this moment, growth is something to celebrate. The biggest triumphs and the most beautiful stories are written during the hardest of times. And Sola is here to help you write the next chapter of your story. If you’ve ever thought about going independent and opening your own salon studio – there is no better time than now! We are a community 15,000 beauty professionals strong ready to welcome you with open arms and give you the support, guidance, love, and push you need to come out of this successful and thriving on the other side. Let us be your bright light in this time of chaos and help you create the salon environment that you love and the safe space your clients need. Interested in learning more? We will be hosting a full panel discussion with a few of our independent salon owners and Faces of Sola, Lindsey Couch, Steven Wren, Kelsey Morris, and Ashley Lantz, moderated by Sola’s CMO, Jennie Wolff, on Thursday, April 23rd at 2 pm MST. Click here to register! They will discuss where they were on their journey when they decided to go independent and what their experience has been since taking the leap. We will answer any questions you may have, in real-time, and have a discussion about your hopes, fears, questions and dreams for the future. To get the conversation started, we wanted to introduce you to our panelists: Lindsey Couch, Arrow Salon, Louisville, KY Steven Wren, Steven Brandon Hair Studio, Bloomingdale, IL Kelsey Morris, Studio K, Colombus, OH Ashley Lantz, Tress Passing Studio, Avondale, AZ How would you describe a salon studio to someone who is unfamiliar with the concept? Lindsey Couch: I tell people to imagine an art studio, but with hair salons. We all have our own individual room to be creative. Steven Wren: A salon suite is a mini salon/barbershop that allows the owner to have complete control and direction of the clients’ experience. You have the luxury of flexible scheduling with low overhead costs compared to traditional salons and barbershops. Kelsey Morris: A salon studio is the best way to mix your individual brand with a community of like-minded business professionals. In your studio, you are able to run your own business YOUR WAY! You have the ability to control every piece of your clients’ experience from decor, services to music. This is your vibe, your brand! Ashley Lantz: A salon studio is an intimate space in which a beauty professional can create their own small business vibe while offering a one-of-a-kind luxury experience for their guest. Fully customized. Fully you. Fully p