Our Blog

As exciting as it is to reopen, it's no secret that life inside the salon will look (and feel) vastly different. But, as we've said from the beginning - you're not in this alone. The best thing we can do right now is to share and learn from one another and lean on each other to help all of our #SolaFam open as strong as possible.  As exciting as it is to reopen, it's no secret that life inside the salon will look (and feel) different in our post COVID world. But, as we've said from the beginning - you're not in this alone. The best thing we can do right now is to share and learn from one another in our community to help each other get back to business as strong as possible. From mask comfort to client connection, check out these tried and true tips that our Sola pros shared for a successful reopening!   Read More

Are you ready to reopen your salon? Listen, as Jennie and her guest, 2020 Faces of Sola Katie Oakes, discuss what the new normal looks like after returning to her salon since reopening after her state-mandated shutdown. Katie is from Savannah, Georgia, and just reopened her salon on April 27th, after being shut down for COVID-19. We wanted to bring her on the Sola Stories Podcast to share her experience with us about her reopening journey.    Read More

In this episode of Sola Stories, listen as Jennie chats with the woman in charge and the ultimate #SolaBoss, Christina Russell, CEO of Sola Salon Studios. Christina shares her journey from a small business owner to eventually taking her seat in executive leadership, what she loves most about working with the Sola team, and how she’s pivoted the company’s focus once the COVID-19 pandemic hit.  Read More

Is taking care of yourself something you prioritize or put on the back burner? On this episode of Sola Stories, listen as Jennie chats with Amanda Fagan, one of our 2018 Faces of Sola, about the importance of self-care, especially through the COVID-19 pandemic. Amanda shares how she is approaching the reopening of her studio and what changes she is making to ensure both her needs and the needs of her clients are being cared for. Listen as Amanda shares what tools she’s using to help streamline and supercharge her grand reopening.  Read More

You might be thinking – is now the right time to raise my prices? Should I be charging a COVID-19 fee? What will my customers think? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer here, and only you know what is best for your business and your clients, we laid out some pricing options to help you find one that feels best for your business and ensure you are staying safe and profitable during this time.  Read More

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 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

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

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

As a Sola studio owner, it’s important to not only keep your studio disinfected and sanitized, but also to tell your clients that you are taking full precaution to prevent the spread of the virus. You have the advantage of not working in a high volume area, so you are poised to maintain a more isolated and sanitized zone. As long as you are continuing to service clients in your studio, you should let them know what you are doing to keep your space safe, clean and healthy.   Read More