Sola Stories

As an independent salon owner, you wear many hats, and sometimes it may feel challenging to juggle all of your day-to-day tasks, stay organized and maintain a healthy work-life balance. But we've got you covered... because, with Sola, you can have it all. Here are 4 ways you can streamline your business and stay organized in 2022.

In This Episode

[1:01] - Manage your business with SolaGenius.

[2:09] - What can you do with SolaGenius in just a few clicks?

[3:05] - Stock your back bar and retail shelves with BeautyHive.

[4:26] - Create and schedule social media content using tools like Canva.

[5:56] - Keep your social media branded with your colors and fonts interspersed with real photos of your craft.

[7:17] - Pre-planning and post scheduling give you more time and freedom.

[8:06] - Sola Sessions are back in person! Join us in Denver in May!

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

SolaGenius

BeautyHive

Are you ready to make 2022 your best year yet? Our guests on this episode are here to help you create a solid action plan to keep your business healthy and growing. 

In this episode, we are joined by Faces of Sola Drew Inge and Genia Church along with industry experts Michael Cole and Nina Tulio to talk all things budgeting, raising prices, growing your clientele, goal-setting and goal getting. Drew and Genia demonstrate how to connect with others to build each other up while Michael and Nina provide the details on what to look for in your 2022 business and financial plans. 

Press play on this episode to start celebrating your wins, both big and small, and find out how to integrate these best practices to make this your best year yet! 

In This Episode

[0:36] - All the guests are introduced. Learn about Drew, Genia, Michael, and Nina.

[3:50] - When planning for the future, it is important to reflect on the previous year. Genia shares what she was most proud of from 2021.

[6:18] - For Drew, 2021 was very transformative.

[7:48] - Start your reflection with celebrating your wins. Be still for a moment and see how far you’ve come.

[9:20] - Part of growing is trying new things. Some of these things won’t work so take them out of your plan and move forward.

[10:01] - Michael lists five important questions he asks himself when reflecting on the past and planning for a new year.

[12:18] - Although there have been countless challenges, sometimes crisis creates opportunity. Drew and Genia describe the positive outcomes they’ve experienced.

[15:02] - How can independent salon owners benefit from changes?

[16:00] - No matter how proficient we were at using digital tools prior to COVID, we are all far better now.

[17:50] - Sola is at the forefront of innovation in hair color and styles as a result of creative ideas to survive COVID.

[19:21] - COVID heightened business awareness for independent salon owners. With that, comes boundaries.

[20:29] - Keep your goals simple. Growth in your business does not have to be complicated.

[21:50] - Make the commitment to yourself to maintain consistency while implementing new things.

[23:40] - Genia addresses burnout and explains how she integrates doing more of what she loves into her business goals.

[26:02] - Drew’s main goal is to become more financially healthy and explains how he wants to better integrate technology to do so.

[28:08] - What is the millionaire mindset?

[31:19] - Part time is the new full time.

[32:14] - Building a brand strategy and digital strategy is a focus this year for Genia.

[33:44] - Nina shares a lot of information for budgeting in the new year.

[35:44] - A healthy business is a profitable business.

[37:28] - Michael shares what salon owners should be looking at financially in the new year.

[40:36] - Consultations with clients can be an opportunity to make sure you are making the profits you need and giving the client precisely what they need.

[42:00] - For Genia, the KPI that makes a difference for her is her Daily Ticket Average. What other KPIs are helpful to look at consistently?

[46:01] - Keep your books open to new clients and if you can’t, put clients on a wait list rather than turning anyone away.

[47:40] - If you are booked solid back to back, Michael suggests increasing your prices as the demands for your services are high.

[50:26] - Every decision you make has to be in alignment with your business and brand. 

[53:17] - Even if you don’t charge for a virtual consultation, the tickets wind up being more profitable.

[56:23] - May 2022 Sola Sessions in Denver, Colorado announcement!

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

Ashlie on Instagram

Drew on TikTok

Drew’s Instagram

Genia’s Instagram

Michael Cole Millionaire Stylist on Instagram

Nina Tulio on Instagram

A new year is a perfect opportunity to get organized. After the holidays, things may feel a bit chaotic. Be patient with yourself as you get things back in order after the holiday rush. From self-care to schedule mastery, we've got the steps every independent salon owner should take to self yourself up for success in 2022. 

In This Episode

[1:01] - Self-care is crucial. Fill up your own cup before you help fill others’.

[2:37] - Spruce up the salon! The new year is a great time to clean things out that are not in alignment.

[3:21] - Start or restart a healthy routine. During the holidays, we veer away from our usual routine and the transition back can be challenging.

[5:01] - Consider mindfulness, movement, and nourishment for your morning routine to help set you up for success.

[5:36] - Time blocking and task batching are strategies that help you manage your time and can majorly increase productivity.

[6:30] - This is the time of year where hydration is tougher. Be mindful of hydration as part of your routine.

[7:31] - This is the year of the Sola boss! With the right routines and self care routines, you can set yourself up for success

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

As we are still celebrating the magic of the New Year, we wanted to bring two of the most inspiring people in the Sola family to talk about setting intentions and goals for 2022. Kim Bennett and Steven Wren have offered hope and relentless positivity to our community when we needed it most… and we couldn’t think of anyone more fitting to help us ring in the New Year on The Sola Stories Podcast than these two!

Setting intentions is all about putting your energy into what you want. When you can find or create some clarity around what you want, you invite your heart and your mind to focus and support you in getting closer to what you truly desire – in life or in your business. This time of year is a chance to start fresh, dream just a little bit bigger, and imagine with intention.

Press play on this episode to join the conversation with Kim and Steve, and discover how to take achievable action steps to reach your goals and fulfill your 2022 intentions!

In This Episode

[2:54] - Kim shares how 2021 impacted her and how wearing the salon owner hat changed her maturity.

[4:29] - It is important to embrace change and recognize things as a new normal.

[5:16] - For Steve, 2021 made him realize how important the client/barber relationship really is and the need to create a safe space for people.

[7:05] - You can set intentions, goals, and resolutions at any point in the year. Making them small is key to success.

[8:01] - Kim and Steve share their intentions for 2021 and how they differed from 2020.

[11:49] - Sometimes we set a goal, but then don’t think about the small actions that will help you achieve them. How can you make the actionable steps a habit?

[13:09] - Kim describes new opportunities that came her way in 2021 that she is excited to develop further in the new year.

[16:00] - Steve also had new opportunities in 2021 and explains how his desire to impact his community and working with Sola helped him cast a larger net.

[19:01] - The ability to present virtually has made the world smaller. This has created new opportunities, education, and relationships more accessible.

[20:07] - When setting up goals and intentions for a new year, Steve breaks his year up into personal and business and into quarters.

[21:40] - Kim shares what she is looking forward to the most in 2022.

[23:37] - For 2022, Kim isn’t concerned about change anymore. 

[24:58] - Don’t be afraid to fail. The fear of failure holds you back from trying new things.

[27:04] - Kim explains how she sets business goals and her previous fear of raising prices.

[30:14] - The webinar that Kim hosted is available through the Sola Pro app.

[33:40] - Steve describes his goals for 2022 through the lens of a business owner.

[36:26] - It is recommended to incorporate times of rest into your goals.

[39:01] - A goal without a plan is just a wish. You have to have an action plan.

[42:30] - Steve separates his goals into categories and has action steps for every single day to help reach them.

[44:23] - Steve’s word for 2022 is evolution and Kim’s is influence.

[46:46] - Take the time to reflect on the past year before you look at your goals for the future in depth.

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

Kimi_Kisses on Instagram

Kimi_Kisses on TikTok

MrWrenCuts on Instagram

Mr. Wren Cuts on Facebook

As 2021 comes to an end, it’s time to take a deep breath and recharge. But with the added pressure of setting goals for the new year, taking time to rest after the holiday rush is often easier said than done. Our guest, Dawn Bradley, is here to help remind us that we can’t take care of others before taking care of ourselves first.

Dawn is a hairstylist, educator, business coach and host of The Anxious Creative Podcast where she regularly has conversations about living with anxiety and the dreaded imposter syndrome. Dawn joins us today to talk about recovering from the holiday craze in a time where we’re still adjusting to a constantly changing new normal. She shares best practices for setting and keeping solid boundaries to avoid career burnout — post-holiday and year-round. Listen now to find out how you can practice active rest, hit the reset button and make 2022 the year of you!

In This Episode

[1:56] - Dawn is the host of The Anxious Creative Podcast and today’s topic is a needed conversation especially this time of year.

[3:42] - This year it is going to be easy to overextend yourself and tempting to take on more.

[5:20] - There is more pressure surrounding this year’s holiday season than in the past.

[6:17] - Dawn describes the shame spiral and how this can happen when there’s added pressure right now.

[9:11] - Dawn explains the difference between doing nothing and active rest.

[12:01] - Find the thing that makes you forget you have a phone.

[14:15] - What works for one person won’t always work for others. Remember that if you feel exhausted after doing something, it isn’t rest.

[16:07] - Some people recharge by being alone and during the holidays this is challenging. Dawn explains that it is important to take care of yourself first.

[20:40] - Book yourself an appointment at the spa. You spend your year making others feel good and you deserve it, too.

[22:20] - Your worth and value are so much more than what you can do for other people.

[23:53] - Creating hard boundaries and sticking to a vacation schedule can make a huge difference in your self care and recharging.

[25:04] - No one will respect your boundaries if you don’t respect them yourself.

[27:02] - The starting signs of burnout are bitterness and feeling annoyed with your clients and internal negativity towards something you used to love.

[29:41] - Visualization is a simple tool you can use to keep yourself from feeling drained from certain clients.

[32:15] - Life and business are interconnected.

[34:17] - Dawn writes down and speaks aloud mantras that have been impactful.

[35:18] - Dawn is hosting a free five day business building bootcamp. It is all from a perspective of growing your business while taking care of yourself.

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

Dawn Bradley’s Website

Dawn on YouTube

The Anxious Creative Podcast

Build Your Business Bootcamp

You may recognize 2021 Face of Sola Alyssa Wiener from her vibrant creations on Instagram, or from being published in Modern Salon, Behind the Chair, and Beauty Launchpad. But we know Alyssa as a kind, genuine person who is able to make her clients look on the outside the way they feel on the inside.

Alyssa joins us on this Sola Stories episode to share her story about what intrigued her to join the beauty industry, why she was drawn to vibrant hair colorations, and what it was like opening her Sola salon studio during the height of the pandemic. Find out how in her salon, Lucky 13, she can create a safe space where everyone feels welcome, heard, and seen. With Alyssa’s authenticity and empathy, her clients can feel confident embracing their authentic selves.

In This Episode

[0:55] - In 8th grade, Alyssa colored her hair black and was sent to a school therapist. Here’s how that experience shaped her path for the future.

[2:55] - Alyssa explains how a visit with her hairstylist opened her eyes to the world of Cosmetology and nothing else made sense to her afterward.

[4:34] - Was Alyssa’s salon built around a sense of retribution for her childhood experiences?

[5:54] - Alyssa tells us about her journey to becoming a Sola salon owner during the height of a pandemic.

[8:00] - Alyssa reveals where she conjured up her confidence despite all the fear, paralyzation, and uncertainty that the pandemic brought.

[10:40] - “Collaboration over competition” is a rare mindset for the beauty industry. We learn how Alyssa came to embrace that ideology.

[12:10] - Angela gives us a visualization of how Alyssa dressed for the interview and drives home the point that we are our own brand.

[13:51] - How networking and authenticity helped Alyssa gain a massive following on social media.

[16:20] - While Alyssa believes the followers on social media are cool, deep down she doesn’t define herself by her social media following.

[18:29] - Alyssa is happy to be at a place where she can be more selective of the clients that join her tribe.

[20:25] - What would Alyssa say to someone who is on the fence about going independent or joining Sola?

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

Alyssa Wiener on Facebook - @lucky13ct

Alyssa Wiener on Instagram - @alyssawiener

Alyssa’s Website

In this episode, Face of Sola Drew Inge joins us to spread the holiday spirit. You might know him as Do My Hair Drew on Instagram and TikTok where you can find some of the most hilarious and entertaining hairdresser themed TikToks and Reels, but Drew is so much more than a rock star educator or social media influencer. Drew has become a source of inspiration for thousands in the beauty industry. He continues to show up for everyone in his life: from his clients and his Sola neighbors, to his own friends and family. He hosts donation drives, Secret Santa gift exchanges for his Sola location, and even just leaves nice little snacks in the breakroom just to make someone’s day. We couldn’t think of anyone more fitting to join us on the Sola Stories Podcast to spread a little cheer and joy than Drew! 

In this episode, Drew shares the meaning of the holidays for him and why he chooses to have and share so much joy. The reality is that the holidays can be a difficult time for some people, and a little love, light and laughter can go a long way. 

In This Episode

[2:01] - It is so important to Drew to show up for everyone and completed this interview from his car!

[3:25] - The holidays in general are special to Drew and he decked everything out in his salon in November. He shares a personal story that changed his perspective.

[5:43] - You never know what someone is going through and many people suffer in silence during the holidays.

[6:24] - The way we show up is a decision. Where does Drew find the strength to show up consistently?

[8:05] - Drew shares some of the things he does in his salon to boost the holiday spirit.

[9:48] - Drew keeps a tight schedule and explains how he prioritizes.

[11:47] - In order to show up for others, you have to prioritize self care.

[13:24] - Ways to bring cheer to the salon do not have to be complicated. Drew shares some easy ideas to get you started off small.

[15:41] - Drew shares a tip on keeping books full without having last minute cancellations as well as some things he does to keep the holiday spirit alive with his clients.

[17:08] - Knowing how he manages the holidays, Drew plans ahead so his investments don’t hit the bottom line.

[18:03] - Drew loves using music and lights for the holiday experience.

[19:03] - Think about what someone else is going through behind closed doors and help spread joy through your awareness and understanding.

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

Drew Inge on Instagram - @domyhairdrew

Drew Inge on TikTok - @domyhairdrew

Drew’s Website

Retail is a huge opportunity for you to increase your bottom line without spending more hours behind the chair. So even if you've never dabbled in the retail game before, there is no better time to hop on the train than when sales are at an all-time high. Take advantage of the holiday splurge-fest and give yourself the end-of-year business boost you deserve with these holiday retailing tips:

In This Episode

[1:28] - Create festive retail-focused displays. It’s the time of year to package products.

[2:07] - Save time and earn rewards and deals by ordering on Beauty Hive.

[2:26] - Decorate with retail and turn your salon into a festive oasis.

[3:20] - Create ready-to-open gift sets and baskets. Save your clients time and hassle.

[5:00] - Make sure your deals don’t hurt your bottom line. Offer specials and bundles but don’t lose money.

[5:48] - Offer product samples as gifts.

[6:34] - Use social media posts and text blasts to market your holiday deals.

[7:21] - Clients will begin to associate your salon not only as their favorite place for their self care, but also as a way to give to others.

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

Register for a BeatyHive Account

The holiday season is in full swing, which means back-to-back appointments, text and email marketing, gift card promotions, and one final retail push. With so much going on, things can feel hectic... but you don’t have to do it all alone - SolaGenius, the all-in-one salon management app, is here to help you during the busiest time of the year. 

In this episode, we are joined by 2021 Faces of Sola Drew Inge, Ashlie Garner and Kim Pags, as well as Dani Ostrove, Account Manager with our partners at GlossGenius. They discuss how SolaGenius has changed their businesses for the better, especially during the holidays. Tune in to find out how SolaGenius can set and protect your boundaries, and about all the customizable content, including: social media templates, custom booking links, and even reports and metrics specific to your business. 

Whether you are already an avid SolaGenius user or are considering making the switch, this episode is a must-listen. Find out how our professionals are using the app in creative and profitable ways and how you, too, can use this digital assistant to sleigh the holidays!

In This Episode

[1:11] - Our guests, Kim, Drew and Ashlie, introduce themselves and share their favorite features of SolaGenius.

[3:41] - Your time and policies are protected with SolaGenius.

[5:16] - Kim shares why she loves the appointment approval feature.

[7:30] - Another huge time saver is sharing your customizable booking link on your social media to allow clients to book straight from Instagram.

[9:08] - There’s a step-by-step guide on the Sola blog that will show you how to add your links to different types of sites.

[10:01] - Your own forms and waivers can be added into SolaGenius.

[11:31] - The gift card feature in SolaGenius is a great tool to slay the holidays.

[13:01] - Promotional gift cards help boost sales and give existing clients an incentive to purchase them.

[14:57] - Text marketing is helpful to promote gift card purchasing straight through an online link.

[16:41] - You can use each feature of SolaGenius in your own way that meets the needs of your unique business.

[17:41] - Learn how to set up a text blast campaign with customizable templates.

[19:30] - You can also set up criteria to target specific clients for different promotions or services.

[21:17] - The text campaign feature will also track how many people you’ve reached and how much money it has brought in.

[23:06] - Text messages are more successful in being read and acted upon rather than emails.

[24:36] - Through trial and error, Drew has decided on how often to text or email clients.

[27:15] - SolaGenius also has preloaded social media templates that can be customized for your brand.

[30:01] - The templates are great when time is limited to create something from scratch.

[31:30] - Drew, Ashlie and Kim share their strategies and what they focus on during the holidays.

[35:01] - It is very easy to add a discount and add in retail products at checkout through SolaGenius.

[37:09] - There are several reports and analytics to look through to help with tracking data.

[38:40] - Drew, Ashlie and Kim share their most important metrics and why they focus on tracking them.

[41:03] - The reports are easy to customize and filter which takes a lot of guesswork out of the numbers and metrics.

[42:07] - Dani shares the SolaGenius Holiday promo offer

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

Redeem SolaGenius Holiday Offer

With the end of the year quickly approaching, we wanted to help you think of creative ways to end your year #SolaStrong. Even if things seem to get more and more hectic each day as the holidays approach, there are simple ways to increase your revenue in these last few weeks of 2021 and even propel you into the new year! 

Sales trends and data are showing that people are making up for the lack of “normal” holiday celebrations in 2020  in big ways and that could mean an opportunity for you to help your clients while bringing in more revenue for yourself as well. It’s the little things that keep people coming back, spending more and helping to increase your overall bottom line. Tune in to this Quick Tip to learn ways to boost your end-of-year revenue and end this year with a bang.

In This Episode

[1:03] - This is the time of year to make a big portion of your revenue.

[2:30] - Your revenue is the result, not the reason.

[4:00] - The first tip is to make sure you are communicating to your clients that you have openings and get them coming back in.

[4:40] - Gift cards are an excellent way to boost your revenue. There are a lot of gift card promotions you could offer as well.

[6:59] - Referrals are great, but what if your client gets someone a giftcard to see you?

[8:06] - Added retail options are a good idea during this time of year as well to give people the opportunity to shop for gifts in your salon.

[10:29] - The way you decorate and arrange products can make a huge difference on sales.

[12:29] - You can also offer incentives for purchasing gift baskets.

[14:28] - Jennie shares a charity raffle basket idea that has been very successful.

[15:55] - How can you use the holiday season to pre-book for 2022?

[17:20] - Think about upselling to have your clients show themselves a little more love.

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website