Our Blog

As the world continues to change and salon doors are slowly re-opening, it’s no secret that salon studios offer an ideal environment for a post-coronavirus world. This is why we gathered four of our rock star Faces of Sola (past and present) for a panel discussion hosted by Jennie Wolff, Sola’s Chief Marketing Officer, on their unique journeys to salon studio ownership.  Read More

In addition to in-depth interviews with Solepreneurs and industry thought-leaders, Sola Stories brings you Quick Tips to give you bite-sized pieces of valuable information that you can use to improve your business when you have a few minutes between clients or driving to work. On this first Quick Tip, listen as Sola’s Chief Marketing Officer, Jennie Wolff, shares some marketing tips to help you find fun over fear when marketing your business. Jennie eases us into the sometimes frightening world of marketing and teaches us the importance of knowing how to tell your story.   Read More

When the world presents us with challenges, the Universe responds with opportunities to grow. Yes, this is an unprecedented time and no one knows what the future looks like post-COVID-19, but within the DNA of the entrepreneurial spirit is the power to rise above challenges. We’ve compiled 8 steps you can take in your finances to weather this difficult time.  Read More

On this episode of Sola Stories, we are joined by four Faces of Sola to share their stories, tips and advice they have learned as independent salon owners at Sola. Joining Jennie, we have Lindsey Couch (@thehungryhairdresser), Diana Antes (@dianaanteshair), Tara Chilton (@merakisalonandco), and nail artist Stefanie Stair (@the_stair_way). Listen, as these amazing women share how they overcame their fears of going out on their own, the systems they believe are essential to success, how they handle retail in their studios and the importance of caring for your mental health when working behind the chair.  Read More

At Sola, we have so many resources to help make this process easier for you. From your Sola webpage to tips and tricks on the Sola Blog to a new guide regarding sanitization best practices, we have thought of everything to make your transition to Sola as seamless and strong as it can possibly be. Follow the below checklist to make sure you are set up for success.  Read More

To our beloved #SolaFam, we are so excited to get you back into your studios! As we look toward mandates lifting, we want to make sure that you are set to reopen your doors #SolaStrong. At Sola, we have so many resources to help make this process easier for you. From your Sola webpage to tips and tricks on the Sola Blog to a new guide regarding sanitization best practices, we have thought of everything to make your transition back to your studio as strong as it can possibly be.   Read More

On this episode of Sola Stories, host Jennie Wolff chats with Steven Wren, one of Sola's 2020 Faces of Sola. Listen as they discuss why he made the career change to become a barber at 30 and how going independent has given him freedom, growth and control in his career.  Steven, owner of Steven Brandon Hair Studio in Chicago, first caught our attention right when he joined the Sola family a little over a year and a half ago. We have been following him on social media and love watching him inspire others through education, mentorship and by being a great member of our community.  Read More

As the world continues to adjust to the effects of COVID-19, one thing is certain: Life post-pandemic will be different. Expectations are changing around social interactions and attention to cleanliness will be incredibly important. Customers want to feel safe and secure in your salon, and you want to feel comfortable and confident having clients in your chair. Now is the time to adjust, adapt and implement new sanitation practices and procedures. When it's time to reopen your salon doors, follow the below best practices to keep your studio as clean as possible for you and your guests.   Read More

As we continue to adjust to life amidst COVID-19 and navigate this time of uncertainty, now more than ever is the time to save money. We know that this pandemic is inviting everyone to re-evaluate spending and adjust budgets. But the reality is that even by cutting back significantly, we still have expenses. Because of this, we encourage you to take advantage of our partnership with PerkSpot and lean into discounts for everyday essentials.  Read More

The global COVID-19 pandemic has forced the majority of our Sola locations to close, leaving customers scrambling to rebook appointments. While none of us can control the government mandates and when they will lift, what we can control is how we prepare to open the salon back up with full books. Your clients will be eager to visit you when they come out of their COVID-hiding - make sure they know how to re-book efficiently and well in advance! Check out these awesome tips from the Faces of Sola and get ready to open your studio #SolaStrong.   Read More

Hopefully, during the time your salon has been closed, you’ve found ways to stay in touch with your clients and keep them in the loop. Remember, keeping your salon top-of-mind for guests is crucial to maintaining their business when it’s time to reopen. Consistent and frequent communications are also so important to nurturing relationships and building trust with your clients.   Read More

If you’ve ever thought about going independent and opening your own salon studio – there is no better time than now! 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.  Read More

Like many of you, over the past month, I’ve left my house only a handful of times - primarily to go to the grocery store, usually wearing a bandana or ski mask around my face, my glasses, hair in a ponytail or messy bun, and what I like to refer to as my “day pajamas.” I’ve been working from home for the past four weeks and although we have a lot of video conference meetings, I haven’t really put any effort into my appearance.  Read More

On this episode of Sola Stories, 2019 Faces of Sola Kelsey Morris shares why she decided to become a hairdresser and tells us about the mentors who advised her along the way. She speaks about her Sola journey, starting in a double studio with two other stylists, then eventually moving to her own studio to pursue mentorship. She shares how being in a salon studio has impacted her life outside of the salon, giving her the ability to be more present with her children and husband.  Read More

A global pandemic. Certainly not what we all planned for in 2020…When I awoke this morning, the snow was falling in Denver. I decided to start my day off peacefully, with a cup of coffee, a few chapter’s in Marie Forleo’s book “Everything is Figureoutable” and I even mixed up a pumpkin bread mix to put in the oven. After my relaxing morning, I decided to “be productive.” I cleaned the house for 45 minutes and scheduled a call for my husband and me to connect with our Doula.  Read More

When you can't connect in-person with your clients, it's more important than ever to find new ways to create connection through virtual platforms. We teamed up with SalonCentric educator, celebrity hairdresser, and social media guru, Daniel Mason-Jones, on a Facebook Live to share his tried and true tips for implementing successful and engaging Facebook and Instagram Lives.  Read More

Episode 1: Going Independent + Getting Started In A Salon Studio Episode 2: Creating Connection + The Importance of Education Featuring Kim Bennett, Sola Culture Ambassador and the first-ever Sola professional with host Jennie Wolff  Read More

How is your salon handling the invasion of the coronavirus? Listen in as host, Jennie Wolff, Chief Marketing Officer at Sola Salon Studios, and her guest Kim Bennett, Sola’s Culture Ambassador and the first-ever Sola stylist, discuss how the COVID-19 crisis is affecting Sola Salon Studios’ independent salon owners and the greater beauty industry.   Read More

The Center for Disease Control has made several recommendations that can help prevent spreading the virus. One of the measures that the CDC has implemented is that people maintain at least a 6-foot distance from others. Not only is this 6-foot rule important now, but it will be equally important upon Sola locations re-opening their doors to the public.    Read More

The coronavirus COVID-19 has become the major focus on the news, in conversation, and on the brain. Amid the chaos, it is important to self soothe and protect your energy. During a challenging time, the best thing we can do is to ground ourselves with self-care and positive habits. This list is meant to inspire and not pressure, as we are all coping however we can with the shifting conditions of social distancing, cancellations and business closures. Above all, be good to yourself.   Read More

Salon doors may be closed right now, but that doesn’t mean you have to push pause on client relations. Now more than ever is the time to keep clients top of mind and strengthen brand loyalty. We partnered with one of our favorite industry luminaries and wise soul, Sam Villa, on a Facebook Live last week, where he shared tips and tricks for Sola professionals to nurture client relations – all from the comfort of their homes.  Read More

In changing tides, resilience and proactivity are key. Summit Salon Business Center founder, Michael Cole, teaches an inspiring webinar for Sola salon professionals to help strategize amidst the financial uncertainty of the times.   Read More

Gift cards are a wonderful way to keep in contact with your clients, create a revenue stream while you’re not behind the chair and give your customers something to look forward to. The client experience is quick and easy and funds are delivered to you on the normal transfer schedule.   Read More

While there is no doubt that we are in an uncertain time, salon closures should not get in the way of continually building your business.  In fact, there is a silver lining to the current cloud that we are all under. This situation is setting aside downtime for salon professionals, which presents a unique opportunity to refocus attention on your marketing efforts. While marketing tends to fall by the wayside amongst busy schedules and day-to-day hustle, we can take this step back as a chance to build a stronger foundation for business as a beauty professional.  Read More

Years ago, I was told of a salon interview process where the candidate was required to assist for an entire day with nothing to eat and only drinking coffee. The owner of the salon wanted to test their ability to handle the working conditions that were typical on a busy day, which often meant working non-stop with no breaks to eat. I believed they had the strength, skill and poise that would guarantee happy clients and a six-figure income. I also admired what I perceived as a strong work ethic and resilience; two main ingredients for success, as I was taught by those who came before me. What I didn’t understand at the time was that there was a key element missing from that equation: self-care.  Read More