Published: 29 May 2026

Last update: 29 May 2026

What's a Salon Studio, Anyway? Everything You Need to Know About Going Independent with Sola

Marketing & Business Tips

All About Sola

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by Sola Salons

Sola Salons


For many beauty professionals, making the transition to salon ownership feels like a leap of faith. When you run your own business, you wear a lot of hats — marketer, bookkeeper, and everything in between.

At Sola, we make that transition seamless. With move-in-ready salon studios, cutting-edge technology, and a support system built specifically for independent beauty pros, we give you everything you need to build a business you're truly proud of.

So what exactly is a Sola location? Imagine ~20 to 40 boutique salons all under one roof. That's the magic of Sola.

Read on to learn why taking that leap might be the best decision you ever make.

What's Inside a Sola Salon?

Sola Salon Studios are beautiful, fully customizable, and move-in-ready — designed to work for all types of beauty professionals, from hairstylists and colorists to nail techs, estheticians, makeup artists, and more.

Every studio comes equipped with:

  • High-end cabinetry, client chairs, sinks, and a shampoo bowl

  • Retail shelving, oversized mirrors, and ample storage

  • Floor-to-ceiling walls with sliding glass doors for total privacy

  • Utilities and WiFi included

  • Building maintenance handled for you — completely off your plate

The Freedom to Run Your Business Your Way

Being your own boss means no one is managing your time, your prices, or your vision. At Sola, you can:

  • Set your own pricing and service menu

  • Sell the retail products you actually believe in and keep every dollar

  • Build one-on-one client relationships in a distraction-free, private space

  • Create your own schedule — whether that means school pickup, passion projects, or weekends off

  • Access your studio 24/7, 365 days a year

"Owning my studio gives me the freedom to create my hours. That's huge! I allow time for other things, like going to school while still working full-time." — Morgan Cameron, Esthetician

Create a Space That's Totally You

Your studio should feel like your brand. At Sola, you have full creative control:

  • Decorate to match your aesthetic — we'll even supply the paint

  • Choose your own artwork, furniture, music, and salon name

  • Personalize the experience for every single client

"I have always worn red lipstick, and a lot of people and clients know and remember me by that. I knew I had to include this pop of red in my space." — Shaila Paredes

Sola Support: You're Never In It Alone

The rewards of running your own business are priceless — and you don't have to figure it out without backup. Sola professionals get access to:

Education & Resources Sola offers a robust webinar series covering everything from business and marketing to artistry and motivation. Dive deeper with the Sola Blog for ongoing Sola news, and get your business off the ground with our comprehensive start-up manual covering licensing, taxes, marketing tips, and more.

Salon Management Technology — Powered by Vagaro Sola has partnered with Vagaro to give you all-in-one salon management tools — 24/7 online booking, client management, payment processing, text marketing, analytics, and reliable support. Everything you need to run a modern salon business, in one place.

Your Own Sola Webpage Every Sola pro gets a dedicated page on solasalons.com featuring your bio, gallery, hours, and booking link — a polished web presence without the cost of building a full website.

Exclusive Brand Deals Access deals and discounts from major beauty brands, available only to Sola professionals.

Health & Wellness Benefits — A Game Changer for Independent Pros

One of the biggest barriers to going independent has always been losing access to employer-sponsored health insurance. Sola has solved that.

Through our partnership with Ep6ix, Sola professionals can enroll in a comprehensive group benefits program including:

  • Medical insurance powered by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield — PPO and high-deductible plan options, in-network coverage in all 50 states, and access to a dedicated concierge team

  • Dental and vision coverage

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Lifestyle benefits including identity protection and pet insurance

You spend your career taking care of others. It's time someone took care of you, too.

Ready to Make the Leap?

With 750+ locations and more than 21,000 beauty professionals already living the salon life they love, there's never been a better time to go independent.

"Given the coaching, support, and education — plus the all-around good vibes you get from Sola — it's really hard not to be successful." — Mahogany Plautz

Schedule a tour at your nearest Sola location and see what's possible. Salon ownership is totally attainable — and at Sola, you'll find mentors, support, and a community all under the same roof.

Find a Sola Near You | Download Our Guide to Going Independent


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