Sola Stories

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 Wolff, we have Lindsey Couch (@thehungryhairdresser) co-owner of Arrow Salon in Louisville, KY, Diana Antes (@dianaanteshair) Diana Antes Studio in Sunnyvale, CA, Tara Chilton (@merakisalonandco) co-owner of Meraki Salon & CO in Springfield, MO, and nail artist Stefanie Stair (@the_stair_way) owner of The STAIR Way in Knoxville, TN.

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. Tara and Lindsey both co-own their salons, and the two speak about their favorite and most challenging parts of working with a partner. They all share how they build relationships in their respective Sola communities and the benefits of being at Sola, both for themselves and their customers.

Learn how these Sola bosses stay at the top of their game through continuing education, what inspired them to make the move to Sola, and how mentors have had a major impact on their careers and lives. Get tips from each on how to use social media to help grow your business, as well as advice for anyone who is thinking about going out on their own.

In This Episode

[01:01] Welcome to the show, Lindsey, Diana, Tara and Stef.

[02:36] Diana shares what her fears were when she went out on her own.

[03:40] Lindsey wasn’t afraid she would fail; she was more afraid of burning out.

[05:22] Stef, what fears did you have when you went out on your own?

[05:47] Tara speaks about what someone can do to get the confidence they need to make the leap.

[06:30] Tara shares what systems she believes are essential to get a salon studio set up for success.

[07:10] Does anyone else have any systems or boundaries in place that you think is important or ones you wish you had in place?

[09:37] Stef speaks about being pre-booked three months in advance, and it’s mostly from communication strategy.

[10:22] Tara shares how she tracks her numbers and the critical KPI’s she tracks.

[12:34] Lindsey chats about the retail strategy she uses in her salon.

[14:08] Stef speaks about the cuticle oil that she makes that she sells in her salon.

[14:50] Diana talks about her retail strategy in her salon.

[15:34] Can one of you tell us about your salon studio and paint a picture of how retail is a part of that experience?

[17:52] Stef shares some unique things she has in her salon that speak to who she is and what she does.

[18:48] Lindsey chats about what her dream salon looks like, how it represents her.

[20:23] Diana speaks about having her salon look like an indoor jungle.

[21:31] Tara, what is one thing your guests love about your studio?

[22:34] Tara explains why she went into business with a partner in the same studio.

[23:18] Lindsey chats about her studio partner, and the excellent communication and support system they have.

[25:26] Diana speaks about how she developed relationships in her Sola community.

[26:24] Stef being a nail artist, how do you partner with the hairdressers in your Sola community?

[28:08] Lindsey chats about why she attends Sola Sessions and what she takes away from them.

[29:13] Tara shares where she goes to get continuing education.

[30:23] Lindsey, what inspired you to become an educator?

[31:10] Diana, what inspired you to start a program in your studio?

[32:00] Tara speaks about the mentors she has had in her life and career.

[33:29] Does anyone have advice for anyone who is looking for a mentor?

[35:58] Lindsey chats about how she shows up authentically on her social media.

[36:52] Diana shares how she uses social media to connect with clients and grow her business.

[38:18] Stef discusses being a professional photographer and how she uses her experience to showcase herself on her social media.

[41:12] Everyone shares why they believe that self-care is so crucial for independent salon owners and what they do when they have downtime.

[44:31] They speak about their animals that help them with their mental wellbeing and self-care.

[46:21] Lindsey’s piece of advice is to stay hungry, never stop growing.

[46:40] Diana says always to trust your gut if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.

[47:02] Tara believes that you should love what you do and show your love to those around you.

[47:30] Stef says to take care of yourself and enjoy the ride.

[47:48] Jennie shares a quote she loves ‘it always seems impossible until it’s done.’

[48:52] Thank you for being here, ladies!!

Stay Connected with Sola 

@solasalons

Connect with Jennie 

@jenniethewolff

Connect with Lindsey

@thehungryhairdresser

Connect with Diana

@dianaanteshair

Connect with Tara

@merakisalonandco

Connect with Stef

@the_stair_way

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.

Steven speaks about his Sola journey, where he was able to build his business enough in four months that he needed to transition from a standard studio to a much larger one.

He talks about staying busy during the downtime and how he has coped with not working over the past few weeks. Steven shares about his family and how he is staying positive and motivated while spending time with his children.

In this episode, listen as Jennie and Steven discuss how the Sola family can stay in touch through social media and what Sola is doing to keep everyone educated while waiting to go back to their studios. Additionally, Steven shares how he is planning for a grand reopening.

Listen while this positive, inspiring, uplifting barber helps you get prepped and ready to re-enter the world for your greatest comeback.

In This Episode

[02:10] Welcome to the show, Steven!

[02:56] Steven shares his background and how he became a barber.

[05:10] Steven started barber school when he was thirty, and it surprised him he wasn't the oldest one there.

[07:45] Steven shares the transition from a more conventional barbershop to his own Sola studio.

[09:36] Steven speaks about his one-year anniversary with Sola.

[13:57] What has your experience been with this COVID-19 and shelter at home situation?

[15:35] Steven shared what it felt like when his barbershop closed.

[17:59] Steven speaks about what he is doing during this downtime.

[19:49] He shared how much Sola is doing to keep people educated during this time.

[20:30] What are you doing with your family during this time?

[22:54] Steven speaks about how the Sola family can stay in touch with each other while salons are closed.

[24:02] How are you staying in communication with your customers?

[26:16] Steven chats about being able to stay positive by getting outside and going for a walk or run.

[28:55] Steven shares how he will celebrate his grand reopening.

[31:41] It's not about the hair; it's about what the person needs at that moment.

[32:22] Any last positive words for our listeners?

[33:36] Thank you so much for being on the show today!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Connect with Jennie 

@jenniethewolff

Connect with Steven (@mrwrencuts)

Steven Brandon Hair Studio

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Calling Kelsey Morris a go-getter is an understatement. Her career started on a very different path when she initially pursued a degree in criminology and law enforcement. But while in school, Kelsey learned she was pregnant, and after earning her criminology degree realized that a life of crime wasn’t conducive to raising a baby. So, she made a decision to follow another calling she had - going to beauty school. With a newborn on the way and a bartending gig on the side, she balanced it all like a total boss.

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.

Listen as Kelsey gives advice on running a successful business while trying to be the best parent possible. She talks about how technology has given her the gift of time which allows her to have an active role in her family’s life as well as pursue other dreams outside of the salon, like opening her own clothing boutique. Kelsey shares how becoming an educator has influenced the way she works behind the chair and how she interacts with her clients. Kelsey also shares advice for anyone who is thinking of becoming an educator, and what she does in her role as GlossGenius Gloss Boss.

If you are looking for inspiration to dream bigger, take chances, and take your career to the next level, this is the episode you can't miss. So grab a pen and paper, sit back and take note of how this #MomBoss does it all.

In This Episode

[01:06] Kelsey, thank you so much for being on the show today!

[02:45] Kelsey shares how she got into hairdressing and how she used to cut her friend's hair.

[05:33] Kelsey speaks about her mentors and what inspires her in life and business.

[07:34] She chats about her brand and getting her presence known on social media.

[08:43] Kelsey shares that within six months of graduating beauty school, she was renting a booth.

[10:43] She started at Sola in a double room with three other stylists and then moved into her own studio, which she calls Studio K Salon.

[12:20] Did you have any fears when you stepped out into your first suite salon?

[13:42] Kelsey shares how she stays inspired in the independent setting and how she knows when it's time to take another step forward.

[16:07] Has working independently in a salon studio impacted your life outside of the salon?

[17:08] Kelsey speaks about giving everything her all with her daughter by her side.

[18:32] They discuss giving yourself grace because you can't be the best at everything every day.

[20:29] Kelsey gives her advice for someone who wants to run a successful business while still being a great parent.

[22:38] How has technology given you back your personal time?

[25:55] Kelsey shares how the features of Sola Genius help her run her business.

[27:30] Kelsey believes that the text or feature is her favorite feature of Sola Genius.

[28:10] Kelsey speaks about what she does in her role as a Gloss Boss for GlossGenius.

[29:49] What would you say to someone that still uses their paper book and will not give it up?

[31:30] Kelsey discusses how being an educator has influenced her as a hairdresser.

[34:26] Kelsey shares why she has focused on social media and how that has impacted her business overall. 

[36:02] Kelsey's tip for pictures on Instagram is to find a background that you like.

[38:23] What is your advice for any listeners that are thinking about becoming an educator?

[41:05] Kelsey speaks about what is next for her and how she can continue to grow.

[41:57] Kelsey shares her most significant piece of advice, just believe in yourself.

[43:44] Thank you so much for taking the time with me on this show!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Connect with Jennie 

Jennie Wolff (@jenniethewolff)

Connect with Kelsey

Kelsey Morris Studio K

Facebook | Instagram

Do you long for belonging to something bigger than yourself? Listen as your host Jennie and Sola’s Culture Ambassador, Kim Bennett, continue discussing the benefits of a career with Sola Salon Studios, Kim’s nearly 16-year-long journey at Sola, and much more on this part 2 episode of the Sola Stories Podcast. If this is the first time you are tuning in, Jennie Wolff is the Chief Marketing Officer at Sola Salon Studios, and Kim is Sola’s first-ever Sola professional. 

Kim shares why she believes it's so important to create and harness relationships in the beauty industry and the work you have to put in to build trust and honor. She also speaks about how she has established relationships within the Sola community all across the country using social media. Kim discusses how her local Sola community has impacted her business and tips on how a new Sola professional can create those meaningful relationships with their own Sola community.

Kim speaks about the importance of education in the beauty industry, especially for independent salon owners. She shares ways Sola helps to educate stylists and the tools she and other Sola professionals can use to grow their businesses. Kim chats about why she became a Paul Mitchell educator and how she has parlayed that partnership in her salon.

Do you want to become an educator? Listen as Kim shares advice for listeners who are thinking about becoming educators and the steps they can take to make it happen. She also stresses how important it is to make the most of your partnership with Sola. The Sola team has dedicated themselves to ensuring Sola professionals have everything they need to be successful as long as you are willing to put in the work.

If you haven't listened to part 1, you should definitely check it out, but you can also listen to this as a stand-alone conversation. So sit back, relax, and enjoy.

In This Episode

[00:26] Welcome to the Sola Stories Podcast!

[00:42] Kim, thank you for being here!

[01:01] Kim shares why it is so essential for her to have connections with people.

[03:14] Kim chats about how connecting people can be a lot of work; build trust and honor.

[07:13] How have you established relationships with your Sola community, and how has it impacted your business?

[10:25] Kim shares how she has built relationships with Sola communities all across the country.

[12:21] Kim gives tips to new Sola stylists for using social media to connect with the Sola community across the country.

[15:01] How did you build your clientele and nurture those relationships? How do you continue to grow year after year?

[17:10] Kim shares ways to confort a problematic client, and when that might be appropriate.

[19:47] Kim speaks about why continuing education is so important to independent business owners.

[21:56] How do you think Sola can help people stay educated at this time in their career?

[23:31] Kim shares why she became an educator with Paul Mitchell.

[26:17] Kim believes that combining her position as an educator with Paul Mitchell and being a salon owner at Sola is the magic she needed to be successful.

[28:58] You don't just educate on stage, but also every day with the client in your chair.

[30:08] What advice do you have for any listeners who want to become educators?

[31:56] Kim speaks about how to become an educator.

[33:34] Kim chats about how a stylist can make the most of their partnership with a brand.

[34:49] How has partnering with a brand like Paul Mitchell helped build a more substantial business for Kim Bennett Studios?

[37:05] Kim shares how people can make the most out of their relationship with the Sola brand.

[39:40] Shout out to Angela, who is producing the podcast for us.

[41:30] Kim chats about why she says you have to get uncomfortable to grow.

[43:16] Kim's last words of wisdom are for everyone to find their balance of gratitude and perspective.

Links and Resources

Jennie Wolff

Sola Salon Studios

@solasalons

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Find Kim

Kim Bennett Studios

@kimi_kisses

Instagram

It all started nearly 16 years ago on a napkin at a Starbucks... Listen as your host, Jennie Wolff, and Sola’s first-ever Sola stylist, Kim Bennett, discuss why and how Kim started her nearly 16-year journey with Sola and much more on this episode of the Sola Stories Podcast.

Kim first opened her Sola studio in Denver, Colorado in 2004. Even though salon studios weren’t as common in the industry as they are now, Kim saw the opportunity, saw the heart of the company, and took a leap of faith that changed her life forever. Kim has been a sounding board for the company since the beginning to ensure that at Sola, the beauty professionals always come first.

Listen as Kim shares what inspired her to become a hairdresser, how she became a national educator for Paul Mitchell, and why she moved to Denver. Kim describes what led her to Sola, what inspires her in life and business, and how instrumental her mentors were to where she is today. She also speaks about mentorship, how seriously she takes it, and the responsibility she feels toward anyone who seeks her advice.

On this episode, Kim shares what it was about the Sola Salon Studios concept that appealed to her, her fears when she first opened, and what she was most excited as she embarked on her journey. She speaks about how her salon has evolved over the last nearly 16 years and how the redesign of her studio has given her inspiration for continued growth. Kim opens up about being a single mom and how being her own boss allows her the freedom she needs to be there for her daughter.

Kim believes that she is who she is today because of that meeting at Starbucks. Her salon at Sola isn’t just a job for Kim. Sola is her family. Jennie’s conversation with Kim isn’t over, stay tuned for part 2 because there is so much more to discuss.

In This Episode

[00:26] Welcome, everyone!

[00:41] Jennie shares her background and why she accepted the position at Sola Salon Studios.

[01:39] Jennie introduces Kim and shares a little of her inspirational journey with Sola.

[04:15] Kim, thank you so much for being on the show!

[06:43] Kim shares how she got into hairdressing and why it appealed to her.

[08:41] Kim speaks about becoming a national educator for Paul Mitchell, who led her to move to Denver.

[09:39] What led you to want to work with Sola?

[11:06] Jennie chats about what she learned from Kim, about how different types of salons are to the industry.

[12:21] Kim believes that what inspires her in life is just life. She loves the life she has and shares her joy.

[13:31] What inspires you in business? 

[14:51] Kim discusses her mentors, how instrumental they are to her success, and how she feels about mentorship.

[17:35] Kim shares that Jennie has been a big part of her journey because of the fresh eyes she brought to the industry.

[19:42] Kim speaks about how she found her mentors and how she approached them.

[21:25] They chat about how social media enables you to connect with mentors that before seemed untouchable.

[22:42] What does being a mentor mean to you? How do you respond to people that reach out to you?

[24:19] Kim shares what appealed to her about the Sola model.

[26:48] Kim speaks about her fears when she first started looking to join Sola.

[28:39] What were you most excited about when you were setting up your studio that first day?

[30:02] Kim describes what has changed since the recent redesign of her studio.

[33:01] Kim shares how her business has evolved and how she continues to stay inspired to grow.

[36:10] How has Sola as a company evolved?

[38:25] Jennie speaks about the Sola Pro app, SolaGenius, and other Sola tools and programs that have helped Kim grow her business.

[39:17] Kim shares what she would say to someone who is on the fence about opening their own studio.

[41:03] Kim describes how having her studio has impacted her life outside of the salon, helping her create work-life balance.

[43:26] When you have a salon studio, you can control everything about how you work. There are no limitations.

[44:57] What one piece of advice would you give your twenty-something self if you had the chance?

[46:24] Tune in to part 2 to hear more about Kim’s journey and evolution with Sola.

Links and Resources

Jennie Wolff

Sola Salon Studios

@solasalons

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Connect with Kim

Kim Bennett Studios

@kimi_kisses

Instagram

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. 

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. 

Kim (@kimi_kisses) shares how the mandated salon closures have affected her salon and her need to make sure her clients were all right. She also speaks about being lost the first few days she was home and how clearing her head helped her come up with some new ideas for the salon and how having a plan has kept her motivated.

Listen as Jennie and Kim discuss ways to generate income for your salon while you are closed and to make sure you are communicating with your clients. Kim shares how she's used Sola's salon management technology, SolaGenius, especially the app's customizable reports to help her take an in-depth look into her salon business. They speak about taking this time to set up technology to help you run your business more efficiently if you don't already have it in place, as well as the Sola Blog, resources and education that you can turn to help you navigate the COVID-19 crisis.

Have you been thinking about restructuring your business? You have the time now, so use it to change what you have wanted to change, let your new ideas shine, and get ready to be the busiest you've probably ever been once your salon doors reopen. Your clients have no other place to go, so once the mandate is lifted, they will line up to cover those roots and get back to normal.

Jennie has been focusing on supporting the Sola community from the Sola Home Office, while Kimi is on the front lines as an independent salon owner, and together, they hand out some much-needed inspiration and ideas to keep you going during his unprecedented time. If you are looking for guidance to support you through these uncharted waters, you don't want to miss this episode.

In This Episode

[00:24] Welcome, everyone!

[02:27] Kimi, thank you for being on the show.

[04:08] Kimi shares what she experienced after the state of Colorado mandated salon closures for six weeks.

[05:46] Jennie speaks about the COVID-19 task force they assembled at the Sola home office.

[07:11] Kimi's first thought was to make sure her clients were being handled.

[08:48] After the virus outbreak was your salon busy with people trying to get in before it forced them to stay home?

[09:37] Jennie tells a story about her 91-year-old grandma's willingness to stop everything except getting her hair done.

[12:14] Kimi shares how she stays motivated now that her salon is closed.

[15:56] What are you doing to generate revenue in your salon during the shutdown?

[18:21] Kimi speaks about Sola gift cards and how they are helping to generate revenue.

[20:15] Kimi chats about the plan she has for when the salon reopens.

[23:19] Are you learning how to communicate in a new way? Are you communicating with your clients?

[24:18] Kimi shares how the SolaGenius reports are helping her work on her business while she can't work in it.

[27:16] Jennie believes now is the time to set up technology for your business if you don't already have it.

[28:01] Kimi says that working with Sola has elevated her in every aspect of her life.

[29:33] Jennie shares about all the tools you can get through Sola and the blog they started.

[32:00] Kim, how are you homeschooling, communicating with your clients and taking care of your family?

[34:41] They recap taking the time now to restructure your business, change things you've wanted to change, and be ready to be very busy when you reopen.

[37:33] Make connections with each other during this time, connect with Sola on Instagram, blogs with tips, and education videos.

[38:58] Jennie reads some inspiring quotes from Faces of Sola.

[39:58] Kim gives some final thoughts for the listeners.

[41:13] Kim, thank you for sharing your words of wisdom with us.

Links and Resources:

Jennie Wolff

Sola Salon Studio COVID-19 Resource Center

Sola Salon Studios

Follow Sola on Social:

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Connect with Kim:

Kim Bennett Studios

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. 

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. 

Kim (@kimi_kisses) shares how the mandated salon closures have affected her salon and her need to make sure her clients were all right. She also speaks about being lost the first few days she was home and how clearing her head helped her come up with some new ideas for the salon and how having a plan has kept her motivated.

Listen as Jennie and Kim discuss ways to generate income for your salon while you are closed and to make sure you are communicating with your clients. Kim shares how she's used Sola's salon management technology, SolaGenius, especially the app's customizable reports to help her take an in-depth look into her salon business. They speak about taking this time to set up technology to help you run your business more efficiently if you don't already have it in place, as well as the Sola Blog, resources and education that you can turn to help you navigate the COVID-19 crisis.

Have you been thinking about restructuring your business? You have the time now, so use it to change what you have wanted to change, let your new ideas shine, and get ready to be the busiest you've probably ever been once your salon doors reopen. Your clients have no other place to go, so once the mandate is lifted, they will line up to cover those roots and get back to normal.

Jennie has been focusing on supporting the Sola community from the Sola Home Office, while Kimi is on the front lines as an independent salon owner, and together, they hand out some much-needed inspiration and ideas to keep you going during his unprecedented time. If you are looking for guidance to support you through these uncharted waters, you don't want to miss this episode.

In This Episode

[00:24] Welcome, everyone!

[02:27] Kimi, thank you for being on the show.

[04:08] Kimi shares what she experienced after the state of Colorado mandated salon closures for six weeks.

[05:46] Jennie speaks about the COVID-19 task force they assembled at the Sola home office.

[07:11] Kimi's first thought was to make sure her clients were being handled.

[08:48] After the virus outbreak was your salon busy with people trying to get in before it forced them to stay home?

[09:37] Jennie tells a story about her 91-year-old grandma's willingness to stop everything except getting her hair done.

[12:14] Kimi shares how she stays motivated now that her salon is closed.

[15:56] What are you doing to generate revenue in your salon during the shutdown?

[18:21] Kimi speaks about Sola gift cards and how they are helping to generate revenue.

[20:15] Kimi chats about the plan she has for when the salon reopens.

[23:19] Are you learning how to communicate in a new way? Are you communicating with your clients?

[24:18] Kimi shares how the SolaGenius reports are helping her work on her business while she can't work in it.

[27:16] Jennie believes now is the time to set up technology for your business if you don't already have it.

[28:01] Kimi says that working with Sola has elevated her in every aspect of her life.

[29:33] Jennie shares about all the tools you can get through Sola and the blog they started.

[32:00] Kim, how are you homeschooling, communicating with your clients and taking care of your family?

[34:41] They recap taking the time now to restructure your business, change things you've wanted to change, and be ready to be very busy when you reopen.

[37:33] Make connections with each other during this time, connect with Sola on Instagram, blogs with tips, and education videos.

[38:58] Jennie reads some inspiring quotes from Faces of Sola.

[39:58] Kim gives some final thoughts for the listeners.

[41:13] Kim, thank you for sharing your words of wisdom with us.

Links and Resources:

Jennie Wolff

Sola Salon Studio COVID-19 Resource Center

Sola Salon Studios

Follow Sola on Social:

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Connect with Kim:

Kim Bennett Studios