Sola Stories

This time of year, it is easy to get so wrapped up in the holiday spirit that we completely forget about ourselves. It’s important to remember that as a Solapreneur, you need to make sure to fill up your cup first before pouring into others’ cups (and making them feel oh so good!). 

As a beauty professional, you are catering to others’ happiness all day, and with the holidays on top of your normal routine, your very full plate can overflow. 

Best way to prevent burnout and overwhelm? Deep self-care. Take some time for yourself. Nourish yourself - body, mind and spirit - so that you can truly take on the world from a grounded and resourced place.

We want to offer ways to turn the holiday spirit inward and love yourself up before the season’s frenzy takes hold. These self-care practices will help you feel supercharged from Thanksgiving all the way through the New Year so that you can better serve clients, connect with friends and family, and maintain balance during the busiest time of the year. 

In This Episode

[1:50] - Find a way to take some time for rest and relaxation.

[2:52] - Schedule “Me Time.” This is a scheduled commitment to spend time for yourself.

[3:49] - You can schedule time for yourself and clients with the Sola Genius app.

[4:18] - Picking up a journaling practice is a great way to connect with yourself and stay mindful.

[5:17] - Here are some ideas of things you can write about when you feel stuck.

[6:01] - Stay hydrated. We forget this during the colder winter months.

[7:15] - Meal prep to keep things healthy when time gets away from you.

[8:47] - Be sure to have enough Vitamin D during the darker winter months.

[10:01] - Take yourself to the spa. Your books are filled with making others look and feel their best. You should take that time for yourself, too!

[11:25] - Remember that you are not alone. Self care does not have to be isolating.

[12:28] - Give yourself kudos for showing up and being ready for the holiday rush.

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

On this episode of the Sola Stories Podcast, we are joined by Face of Sola Serina Battaglini! Serina’s journey is both unique and relatable and she’s here - all the way from Ontario, Canada - to share it all with us. From a young age, she knew what she wanted to do but over time she discovered that what was holding her back was her inability to trust the process. Once she determined that she was the one standing in her own way, she took that leap of faith, and joined us in what she describes as the place she’s meant to be. 

Listen now to hear more about Serina’s journey and her advice on trusting the process, whatever that may look like. No matter what step you are at in your salon ownership journey - even if you have yet to take the first step - Sola is there for you and Serina’s story is proof that you can find where you are meant to shine.

In This Episode

[1:02] - Welcome to the show, Serina! Serina shares the beginnings of her journey as a stylist.

[3:50] - Serina is driven by education and learning as much as she can.

[5:00] - In Canada, the salon landscape is a lot different than in the US. Serina explains why she made the decision to go with Sola Salon Studios.

[7:38] - After spending 4 years in a salon, Serina realized she had reached the amount of growth she was supposed to make there and needed to move on.

[9:54] - The second Serina went into the Sola studio and met the owner, she knew it was where she was meant to be.

[11:37] - The amount of support or lack thereof has a huge impact on your direction.

[13:50] - Everything about shifting to Sola has been positive for Serina and her clients.

[15:01] - Even if you have a low number of clients or are just getting started as a young stylist, Sola can be a right fit for the growth of your business.

[16:20] - Take the leap of faith and trust the process. It is scary to make a change.

[18:12] - Because of the rarity of salon studios in Canada, Serina shares client reactions.

[20:25] - You just have to go in and see to understand the special experience.

[22:30] - Serina heard what she needed to hear and something she kept in mind throughout her journey.

[23:48] - Learn to trust the process.

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

Serina’s Styles on Instagram

The holiday season is officially upon us... are you ready? Take a deep breath because you don't have to do it all on your own. At Sola, we have your back when you need it most - whether it’s during a global pandemic or when you could use some extra support during the busiest time of the year. Tune in to hear the Sola resources and support available at your fingertips to help you sleigh this holiday season. 

In This Episode

[1:10] - The Sola Pro App provides resources and support on demand.

[1:42] - The Sola Blog has everything you need to rock the holidays.

[2:14] - Your own Sola Salons website can always be updated.

[2:50] - Sola Genius is a life saving management app.

[4:07] - Book Now is an online booking service provided by Sola.

[4:50] - Beauty Hive will help you stock your shelves quickly and accurately.

[5:28] - Sola has taken virtual education to a whole new level.

[6:38] - The Sola Stories podcast is full of education and inspiration. Leave a review!

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

Our guest on this Sola Stories episode is the one and only Tish Clark. Tish is one of 2021 Faces of Sola, the owner of Phormula 708 Studios and has been in the beauty industry for 15 years. Believe it or not, Tish started her education and career as a chef, but over the years discovered that she was meant for more than being behind-the-scenes. Through continued education and a hunger for standing out as her true authentic self, Tish found her home and a sense of belonging with Sola and has never looked back.

Listen to hear all about Tish’s inspiring story and feel her joy and contagious energy. Starting your own business and becoming an independent salon owner can be scary, but Tish chose to lean into courage. She had faith and took the first step, and now her dream of freedom, education and independent salon ownership have come true.

In This Episode

[1:05] - Tish shares her background and how she entered into the beauty industry.

[3:55] - She realized she wasn’t meant for being behind-the-scenes.

[5:03] - Tish knows her calling is to make sure people are taken care of.

[7:00] - Growing up, Tish wanted to stand out and be in charge. She had a strong sense of self.

[9:34] - Working in various salons, Tish stood out as she does, but the salons didn’t see how she fit them. That was a driving force for Tish to go independent with Sola.

[12:03] - It is okay to be excited and scared at the same time. Decide which one to lean into.

[14:44] - From the first time Tish discovered Sola, she felt the courage of the tribe stepping out on their own.

[16:56] - Tish attributes her motivation and lack of burnout to constant education and trying new things.

[19:34] - Tish is an educator for Matrix. She shares why she was drawn to this brand.

[22:10] - Think, dream, dare is a slogan for Matrix and Tish lives it. 

[23:41] - If you are thinking about it, you already want it. Get started with Sola.

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

Tish Clark Phormula 708 on Instagram

Phormula 708 Website

Phormula 708 Studio Facebook

As Halloween quickly approaches, the rest of the holiday season is just around the corner. We wanted to offer you some holiday marketing tips that will help you maximize the cheer and minimize the stress. These tips may also help you to bridge the gap on any year-end financial goals. Don’t let the pumpkin spice lull you into winter hibernation - let’s make these last three months your most profitable (and fun) yet.

In This Episode

[0:59] - Through major challenges, comes major triumphs.

[2:08] - Plan ahead. The holidays tend to sneak up on us and they are busy. Avoid the panic.

[3:09] - Set end of year goals. Be realistic and reassess your goals as this was a crazy year.

[4:43] - Plan holiday promotions and include all the right information for success.

[6:10] - Holiday flash sales are great for “out with the old and in with the new.”

[7:05] - Stock the walls. Prepare for that increased salon traffic.

[8:25] - Decor can turn up the vibe and direct clients to the holiday product displays.

[9:22] - You do not have to do everything. Honor the holidays that you want to celebrate.

[9:57] - Here are some ideas for easy vibe-setting for each upcoming holiday.

[11:23] - Give clients the opportunities to buy gift cards for their loved ones.

[13:20] - Whatever you decide to do or not to do, honor yourself and practice self care.

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

This episode is all about how one of our 2021 Faces of Sola went from self-doubt to success, and doubling her income seemingly overnight. Ashlie Garner from Ashlie Ann Hair is a self-proclaimed “education junkie” and is a true testament to the freedom and opportunities Sola has to offer. Ashlie not only runs her own business, but also offers education courses with even more in the works. 

In today’s episode, Ashlie shares her inspiring and relatable journey. She tells her story and how once she believed in herself, she realized that she is worthy of her success. As someone so passionate about education, Ashlie has the drive to help others create their own success through Sola, and is on a mission to guide them on the path to loving and believing in themselves. And even if you don’t feel 100% ready to face whatever obstacle is in front of you, Ashlie encourages listeners to just do it - even if you have to do it scared. 

In This Episode

[1:01] - Ashlie shares her journey and drive to get into the industry.

[2:09] - In an attempt to fit in, Ashlie changed her appearance. But she realizes now that the beauty industry can help you love yourself.

[3:04] - Ashlie’s salon is plus size and wheelchair accessible.

[4:10] - Everybody deserves the opportunity to feel and know that they are beautiful.

[5:12] - She had started for 4 years in a traditional salon but now wishes she had gone the route of a Sola Studio from the start.

[7:01] - Ashlie considers herself an “education junkie.”

[8:02] - In February 2021, Ashlie’s Instagram blew up with a need for education. She launched a full course called Employee to Empire in March.

[9:29] - Ashlie is already inspiring and educating others as one of the Faces of Sola.

[10:19] - Through re-evaluating everything and being her own boss, Ashlie doubled her income.

[13:21] - Ashlie is creating a course around self-work, self-worth, and personal growth.

[14:43] - If you are scared to do something, it is probably because you are on the verge of something great.

[15:53] - Ashlie works with her best friend and went into Sola together.

[17:35] - Fake it till you make it. Affirmations start when you don’t believe them but eventually, you will begin to believe in yourself.

[19:16] - Get out of your own way and just do it.

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

Ashlie on Instagram

On this episode of Sola Stories, we are joined by four new Faces of Sola - Ashlie Inman, Tish Clark, Serina Battaglini and Alyssa Weiner. These ladies all have unique experiences with Sola, but all share one vision of the future: their future with Sola. From feeling the freedom, confidence, and support of being a Sola entrepreneur, to the hopeful and positive impact of diversity and inclusivity for their clients, Ashlie, Tish, Serena, and Alyssa share their excitement for the future.

The last 18 months have been filled with challenges, fear, and uncertainty. Listen now to discover how these ladies made it through the pandemic, how they were able to shift and grow as salon owners. Find out what Sola means to them and how their future is looking brighter everyday.

In This Episode

[1:21] - Alissa and Tish share what excites them most about her future with Sola.

[2:22] - Serena has gained a lot of confidence since starting with Sola. She knows she can accomplish more and has no limits on her dreams.

[3:09] - With Sola, Ashley knows she wants to dive into education and knows she can with Sola.

[4:14] - All four ladies share when and why they started with Sola.

[5:05] - During lockdowns in the Covid-19 pandemic, Sola was extremely supportive.

[6:47] - Tish has been with Sola for five years and shares her journey and confidence.

[8:30] - Alissa describes her fight or flight mode and her draw to Sola.

[11:30] - The industry has experienced huge shifts, especially in mindset. Tish expresses her vision for the future of Sola.

[12:20] - Serena thinks the future will hold lower maintenance and natural looks.

[14:00] - Sola encourages everyone to love themselves and this includes clients.

[15:35] - Being diverse and size inclusive is important and impactful.

[17:00] - Because of being one-on-one, clients feel physically safe and love the connection with their stylist.

[18:30] - With Sola Suites, you’re able to make these important connections and share these special moments with their clients.

[20:07] - The future of Sola is freedom to be who you are and to deliver an experience that is catered to you and your clientele.

[21:14] - Serena being in Canada, she shares how uncommon it is where she is located to

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

Alyssa Wiener on Instagram

Tish Phormula 708 Studio on Instagram

Serena’s Style on Instagram

Ashlie Ann Hair on Instagram

Today’s episode is a panel discussion on all things retail. The panelists today are all Sola business owners doing the job everyday. What are their tips, tricks, and secrets to using retail products to increase their profits and improve the guest experience? Joining the discussion today are Shea Johnson - owner of North and State Esthetics Studio, Joey Figueiredo - Daicy / Figueiredo salon studio, Lindsey Couch - Paul Mitchell Educator, and Tahesa Nelson - owner of Studio 406 Hair Salon.

Join us as the panel explains their wins in retail, how to develop relationships with distributors, and how all five senses play an integral role in an excellent guest experience. With the holidays around the corner, take the opportunity to learn how to better serve your clients while helping pay your rent at the same time. 

In This Episode

[1:06] - Panelists interview themselves, where they are located as Sola business owners, and how retail has made a big impact on their business.

[4:22] - Creating an immersive experience using all five senses helps build trust and increases sales.

[5:51] - Shea explains why it is important to educate the client about products you’re using.

[6:29] - Lindsey shares a story about a guest experience with a take home product that demonstrates how retail products can actually change lives.

[7:44] - Creating the work at home is sometimes a challenge. Retail products can help clients recreate their look from the salon at home.

[8:56] - What are some good ways to strategically place retail products?

[10:00] - Another idea is to have a product of the month on this one showcased shelf to make it extra noticeable.

[12:08] - Covid has created a shift for many salons and guest experiences. Joey explains a couple of changes in the industry.

[15:41] - Online ordering with a distributor can also have major benefits and helps develop a relationship.

[19:08] - Joey explains why you may need to be proactive to ask and develop relationships with distributors.

[20:01] - Joey asks clients to bring in their own products to see why his are better.

[21:18] - As an esthetician, Shea explains how she sells retail without coming across as “salesy.”

[22:20] - How can you educate guests in the sales process? Rephrasing the guest’s concern, using “because,” and following up with a recommendation impacts sales.

[24:55] - It is really important to sell the products that you love.

[26:00] - With holidays coming, the panel encourages offering products as gifts.

[29:14] - Think of retail as an opportunity to throw in the extra things you love and to make extra income.

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

Shea Johnson Instagram - @northandstate_estheticsstudio

Joey Figueiredo Instagram - @stylistjoey

Lindsey Couch Instagram - @thehungryhairdresser

Tahesa Nelson Instagram - @hairbytahesa

Today’s episode is a panel discussion on all things retail. The panelists today are all Sola business owners doing the job everyday. What are their tips, tricks, and secrets to using retail products to increase their profits and improve the guest experience? Joining the discussion today are Shea Johnson - owner of North and State Esthetics Studio, Joey Figueiredo - Daicy / Figueiredo salon studio, Lindsey Couch - Paul Mitchell Educator, and Tahesa Nelson - owner of Studio 406 Hair Salon.

Join us as the panel explains their wins in retail, how to develop relationships with distributors, and how all five senses play an integral role in an excellent guest experience. With the holidays around the corner, take the opportunity to learn how to better serve your clients while helping pay your rent at the same time. 

In This Episode

[1:06] - Panelists interview themselves, where they are located as Sola business owners, and how retail has made a big impact on their business.

[4:22] - Creating an immersive experience using all five senses helps build trust and increases sales.

[5:51] - Shea explains why it is important to educate the client about products you’re using.

[6:29] - Lindsey shares a story about a guest experience with a take home product that demonstrates how retail products can actually change lives.

[7:44] - Creating the work at home is sometimes a challenge. Retail products can help clients recreate their look from the salon at home.

[8:56] - What are some good ways to strategically place retail products?

[10:00] - Another idea is to have a product of the month on this one showcased shelf to make it extra noticeable.

[12:08] - Covid has created a shift for many salons and guest experiences. Joey explains a couple of changes in the industry.

[15:41] - Online ordering with a distributor can also have major benefits and helps develop a relationship.

[19:08] - Joey explains why you may need to be proactive to ask and develop relationships with distributors.

[20:01] - Joey asks clients to bring in their own products to see why his are better.

[21:18] - As an esthetician, Shea explains how she sells retail without coming across as “salesy.”

[22:20] - How can you educate guests in the sales process? Rephrasing the guest’s concern, using “because,” and following up with a recommendation impacts sales.

[24:55] - It is really important to sell the products that you love.

[26:00] - With holidays coming, the panel encourages offering products as gifts.

[29:14] - Think of retail as an opportunity to throw in the extra things you love and to make extra income.

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

Shea Johnson Instagram - @northandstate_estheticsstudio

Joey Figueiredo Instagram - @stylistjoey

Lindsey Couch Instagram - @thehungryhairdresser

Tahesa Nelson Instagram - @hairbytahesa

Our guest on this episode is exactly what she says she is: a Chief Awesomeness Empowerer. Nina Kovner joins us as someone dear to us at Sola - she was our first ever keynote speaker at Sola Sessions and since then we have collaborated on so much education. From webinars, live events, to in-person intimate workshops, we’ve covered so many important topics ranging from branding, social media, authenticity, storytelling, boundaries and mental health. 

Nina Kovner is the founder of Passion Squared, where she turned a challenging experience into one of inspiration for herself and others. At Passion Squared, they go straight to the heart of the matter to help entrepreneurs find clarity and eliminate confusion and chaos around how to create, build, and grow a creative small business. Prior to that, Nina spent 25 years working for John Paul Mitchell Systems and there found herself in marketing, a side of the business she never thought she’d be in.

Nina has been such an inspiration to the Sola family through the years as a coach, mentor and friend. She describes her true passion as empowering others, and she does just that in this episode and beyond.

In This Episode

[2:29] - Welcome to the show, Nina!

[5:24] - Nina shares her journey in the industry and how her career evolved.

[7:18] - She was with John Paul Mitchell Systems for 25 years and discovered her workaholism. She checked herself into a program for depression and had to make a difficult decision.

[8:26] - Her experience in marketing and her need to start from scratch led to the creation of Passion Squared.

[11:24] - Nina does not have a degree in marketing but found herself there as someone who is passionate about serving others.

[12:55] - One of Nina’s strengths is her ability to follow her intuition and connect with people.

[14:40] - People don’t want to be sold to. They want to be connected with.

[16:15] - Humans are inherently social beings. Hairdressers specifically are gifted in building relationships. This knowledge made a difference for Nina in marketing.

[17:40] - Passion Squared is celebrating 10 years next year and Nina admits that the first couple of years were a struggle on social media.

[19:01] - Tools and technology are always changing and you have to be where your customers are. But branding can stay consistent.

[21:22] - Word of mouth is a result of great experience. That is the best kind of marketing.

[22:42] - Nina explains the difference between brand and business. People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.

[24:38] - The industry did not jump on social media early on and Nina explains that it’s because it’s uncomfortable.

[26:07] - Without the foundation of a brand story, you will run into problems.

[27:47] - Be where your clients are and where you can stay consistent. Consistency builds trust.

[29:04] - Yelp and Google Business are sometimes even more important and impactful than social media platforms.

[31:10] - Become clear about your brand in the beginning.

[32:33] - Nina shares the questions to ask yourself when defining the clarity around your brand.

[34:42] - Which is better? The generalist or the specialist?

[36:11] - Nina gives an example of how to find a niche to brand and tell your story.

[38:49] - You can be general in your services, but your story should be focused.

[40:58] - Keep your brand promise which goes back to being completely clear on what that is.

[43:40] - You are not the center of the story. It is all about the client.

[46:14] - Nina shares what she’ll be sharing at the upcoming Sola Sessions.

Links and Resources

Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page

Sola Salons Studios – Website

Purchase Ticket to September 27th Sola Sessions

Passion Squared Website

Passion Squared on Instagram

Passion Squared on Facebook