Sola Stories

On this audio blog, we're reading Understanding Your Sola Business. 

Are you trying to set new goals to help your business grow? Knowing and understanding your numbers are the fastest way to make positive changes that impact your bottom line. To see significant growth in your business, you need to understand the parts of your business that show whether you are meeting or exceeding your guests' expectations, improving guests' loyalty, and increasing your overall revenue.

What are KPIs and what do they do? KPIs, or “Key Performance Indicators,” take the guesswork out of prioritizing what you should work on. Like a mirror to show you your strengths and opportunities for growth, KPIs guide you in setting clear and realistic goals and knowing if and when you’ve reached them.

Three KPIs you should be tracking are: 

• Total clientele
• Frequency of visit
• Average amount spent per client

Listen as we break each one down and how to use them to your advantage. 

In This Episode

[00:33] Tune in as we read ‘Understanding Your Sola Business' from the Sola blog.

[01:00] What numbers should I look at?

[01:26] Assessing your business is important in so many ways.

[02:04] KPIs are key performance indicators.

[05:00] Retail dollars per guest is the average your clients spend each visit.

[07:03] Three ways to use KPIs to help you work smarter, not harder.

[08:01] Let’s talk about the service cycle.

[08:34] Booking and arrival.

[10:31] We explain service completion.

[11:49] Try SolaGenius free for 30 days to see how it can affect your business.

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Today we are talking about setting up your systems. Whether you are on the fence about going independent, a Sola newbie, or been at it for years, it’s always a good idea to pause and take a look at your systems to ensure they are set up for you to work smarter, not harder. Systems are the vehicles that are going to take you to your goals.

Our guest on this episode is a master at setting up systems to run an efficient business, and when it comes to using the tools and resources Sola has put forth, she leans in 100%. Tahesa Nelson, owner of Studio 406 Hair Salon owner in Huntsville, Alabama, specializes in color, cutting, extensions and textured hair. While she is passionate about her craft and creating an incredible client experience, she is most passionate about showing up in her role as a mom. Listen as we talk about the key systems that allow her to balance her salon and personal life to feel fulfilled behind the chair and at home with her son.

Tahesa makes it a priority to lean into all the tools Sola provides, including BeautyHive, SolaGenius and the Sola Pro app. Tahesa believes that online booking is one of the most important systems she has in place. This feature, through SolaGenius, creates a great experience for client while booking and also allows her to stay present, both while in the salon and at homem, without being bothered by incoming calls and text messages with requests to book or change appointments. If you are a new salon owner, Tahesa says the first system you should get is SolaGenius and then the Sola Pro app because they work hand in hand to increase your online presence and drive new customers to you.  Tune in to hear all of Tahesa’s tips to streamline your Sola systems!

In This Episode

[02:57] Welcome to the show, Tahesa!

[03:06] Tahesa shares how she got into hairdressing and her journey to Sola.

[04:18] Tahesa says she is the mom of an eight-year-old boy and a very active parent.

[05:30] When you first went out on your own, what were the first systems you knew you needed to get in place? 

[07:00] Tahesa shares how she prepares her salon inventory for a week.

[08:47] How big is your client book?

[10:40] Tahesa speaks about why she opens her books one month at a time.

[12:30] Tahesa discusses SolaGenius and how she books her personal time and merges it with her salon schedule.

[14:21] Tahesa talks about her favorite features of SolaGenius.

[15:50] When going independent, filing taxes and tracking your numbers can be one of the scariest parts.

[18:10] Online booking frees up time both in and out of the salon.

[19:16] Tahesa discusses how she stocks her backbar

[21:08] How has your experience been shopping through BeautyHive?

[22:05] Tahesa shares how the systems Sola has available saves her time so she has more time to spend with her son.

[22:43] Tahesa speaks about the system she has in place that makes it easier to be present for her son.

[24:50] Tahesa talks about homeschooling her son during the pandemic.

[25:58] What do you do to stay at the top of your craft?

[28:46] Signing up for SolaGenius is the first thing when first going independent at Sola. 

[30:03] What are your goals for 2021?

[30:44] Thank you so much for being on the show!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Connect with Jennie

@jenniethewolff

Connect with Tahesa

@hairbytahesa

When salons first shut down at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we immediately turned to our friends at Barbicide to educate our community on how to safely return to their salon as soon as governments allowed. Barbicide’s National Director of Education, Leslie Roste, and Sola’s Kim Bennett co-hosted a webinar on sanitation best practices, and we worked alongside the Barbicide team to create a customized Back-to-Work Plan to help our independent salon owners reopen #SolaStrong. We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with Barbicide and are thrilled to welcome Leslie back to the Sola community on the Sola Stories Podcast! 

Listen, as Leslie and Kim chat about setting up sanitation systems that will make your salon safety efficient and effective as you continue to navigate the pandemic and beyond. Curious on what systems should you keep and what should you leave behind? Tune in to hear Leslie and Kim answer all your burning questions and more!

Leslie also shares dialogue you can use with your clients when discussing sanitation and how to show, not just tell, them you care about their health and safety. As Leslie says, you are a service first and a luxury second. 

Leslie also reminds us that you can't take care of others if you neglect taking care of yourself. Whether it’s using the 10 minutes you have while sanitizing your tools in between clients to get a drink of water, step outside to take a mask break, or simply sit down and ground yourself, taking care of yourself should be as much of a priority as taking care of your clients.

In This Episode

[01:24] Welcome to the show, Leslie!

[03:55] Kim gives her perspective when going through the first shutdown.

[05:36] Leslie speaks about some systems to put in place in your studio for your and your client's safety.

[08:09] Messaging that you are trying to do the right thing and then follow through.

[11:03] To set up your systems, go to the Covid-19 Resource Center or check out our webinars.

[11:46] Leslie discusses having new dialogue around the pandemic with your clients.

[13:34] Remember, you are a service first and luxury second.

[16:31] Kim speaks about her Barbicide recertifications.

[18:16] When you go home each night, you should feel confident you aren't taking the virus home to your family.

[20:14] Leslie shares that she got COVID, and so did her husband. Doing everything right just means you are safer, not 100% safe.

[21:35] Leslie discusses what happens when she talks to states to keep licensure in place.

[23:16] On the “2021...Now What” webinar Leslie did for Sola, she gave a checklist to make sure you are taking care of yourself.

[25:28] It takes 10 mins for your disinfectant to work, so take that 10 mins and center yourself.

[27:01] When you wear a mask, it's harder to remember to drink as much water as you should.

[29:11] Leslie believes that you should do what works best for you regarding efficiency with infection control.

[30:59] Labeling things is a great way to let people know that you have a sanitization process.

[33:42] It's the little things that say ‘I care about you.’ 

[36:40] Kim discusses the amazing partnership the Sola Pro app has with Barbicide.

[39:02] Leslie speaks about the new certification Barbicide is doing for 2021.

[41:13] Thank you for being on the show!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Connect with Kim

@kimi_kisses

Connect with Leslie Roste

Barbicide

Email

YouTube | Facebook 

When salons first shut down at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we immediately turned to our friends at Barbicide to educate our community on how to safely return to their salon as soon as governments allowed. Barbicide’s National Director of Education, Leslie Roste, and Sola’s Kim Bennett co-hosted a webinar on sanitation best practices, and we worked alongside the Barbicide team to create a customized Back-to-Work Plan to help our independent salon owners reopen #SolaStrong. We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with Barbicide and are thrilled to welcome Leslie back to the Sola community on the Sola Stories Podcast! 

Listen, as Leslie and Kim chat about setting up sanitation systems that will make your salon safety efficient and effective as you continue to navigate the pandemic and beyond. Curious on what systems should you keep and what should you leave behind? Tune in to hear Leslie and Kim answer all your burning questions and more!

Leslie also shares dialogue you can use with your clients when discussing sanitation and how to show, not just tell, them you care about their health and safety. As Leslie says, you are a service first and a luxury second. 

Leslie also reminds us that you can't take care of others if you neglect taking care of yourself. Whether it’s using the 10 minutes you have while sanitizing your tools in between clients to get a drink of water, step outside to take a mask break, or simply sit down and ground yourself, taking care of yourself should be as much of a priority as taking care of your clients.

In This Episode

[01:24] Welcome to the show, Leslie!

[03:55] Kim gives her perspective when going through the first shutdown.

[05:36] Leslie speaks about some systems to put in place in your studio for your and your client's safety.

[08:09] Messaging that you are trying to do the right thing and then follow through.

[11:03] To set up your systems, go to the Covid-19 Resource Center or check out our webinars.

[11:46] Leslie discusses having new dialogue around the pandemic with your clients.

[13:34] Remember, you are a service first and luxury second.

[16:31] Kim speaks about her Barbicide recertifications.

[18:16] When you go home each night, you should feel confident you aren't taking the virus home to your family.

[20:14] Leslie shares that she got COVID, and so did her husband. Doing everything right just means you are safer, not 100% safe.

[21:35] Leslie discusses what happens when she talks to states to keep licensure in place.

[23:16] On the “2021...Now What” webinar Leslie did for Sola, she gave a checklist to make sure you are taking care of yourself.

[25:28] It takes 10 mins for your disinfectant to work, so take that 10 mins and center yourself.

[27:01] When you wear a mask, it's harder to remember to drink as much water as you should.

[29:11] Leslie believes that you should do what works best for you regarding efficiency with infection control.

[30:59] Labeling things is a great way to let people know that you have a sanitization process.

[33:42] It's the little things that say ‘I care about you.’ 

[36:40] Kim discusses the amazing partnership the Sola Pro app has with Barbicide.

[39:02] Leslie speaks about the new certification Barbicide is doing for 2021.

[41:13] Thank you for being on the show!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Connect with Kim

@kimi_kisses

Connect with Leslie Roste

Barbicide

Email

YouTube | Facebook 

Listen up, Sola newbies! On this audio blog, we’re reading So you signed your lease, now what? 

Since becoming a #SolaBoss comes with both triumphs and challenges, it's not uncommon to take a step back from being on cloud nine and ask, “What next?” Tune in for a list of to-dos and priorities you should focus on in the first few weeks of your new life as a Sola salon owner. 

Start by leaning into the tools and resources Sola has created to help you set up and streamline your systems. Download the Sola Pro app (available on Apple App Store or Google Play) to update your own Sola webpage, access exclusive deals, education, perks, and more. Then, sign up for SolaGenius to help you run your Sola like a boss. 

Don't forget to take care of your new studio's business, like getting your business license and insurance in order. We’ll also walk you through the fun parts, like creating your salon’s brand, culture and decor! 

You’ll want to make sure you choose a product line and products that align with your brand (and personal) values, stock your shelves, and get your marketing plan in order so you can start filling your books right away.

Tune in to get all these invaluable tips and more! Go get ‘em, #SolaBoss.  

In This Episode

[00:33] Tune in as we read ‘So you signed your lease, now what?' from the Sola blog.

[00:58] Lean into Sola tools like the Sola Pro app.

[01:09] Sign up for SolaGenius.

[01:20] Create your Sola webpage.

[01:50] Visit the Sola blog.

[01:57] Subscribe to the Sola Stories Podcast.

[02:18] Take the initiative and walk around and meet the people in your Sola community.

[03:10] Make sure you get all the business stuff taken care of.

[03:35] You get to create your salon's culture and identity.

[04:19] Listen for tips on the best way to create your brand.

[05:25] This is the fun part, choose how you want to design your studio.

[07:07] Are you ready to choose your product line and products?

[08:13] Make sure to stock your back bar and shelves with BeautyHive.

[09:01] Marketing is the key to your success.

[12:14] Thank you for listening!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Financial guru Michael Cole and 2020 Faces of Sola Steven Wren teamed up to teach us four steps to embody the "Millionaire Mindset" and create a thriving, long-lasting business. Steven, owner of Steven Brandon Hair Studio in Chicago, IL, shares his journey to becoming an independent salon owner and how he makes it work in this COVID whirlwind we call. He also talks about his dreams and goal of opening his own barber school to give back and inspire the next generation of barbers.

Listen, as Michael shares strategies to create good financial habits and walks us through the four-rule “millionaire mindset.” The four-step process is: 

1. Give yourself a raise
2. Pay yourself first
3. Pay down your debt 
4. Spend less than you make

Steven also shares how he has specifically leaned into these tools to support his finances through the pandemic. As a salon owner, Steven has continued to bet on himself, and once he saw success, growth, and prosperity, it gave him the courage to continue moving forward with the mindset of these four rules. Steven has allowed himself to pivot and reach for his dreams, because how you handle your money is how you handle your life.

Watch the full webinar with Michael and Steven here or in the Sola Pro app.

In This Episode

[00:39] Welcome to the show, Steven! 

[02:05] Steven shares his journey to Sola.

[04:46] How nerve-wracking was it to walk away from healthcare and go to barber school?

[07:09] Steven saw the potential in the beauty industry and made sure he got to know the right people to help mentor him.

[08:26] Steven discusses why he took the leap to Sola.

[10:44] Steven shares what his next steps are and his goals.

[14:31] The four-rule mindset is giving yourself a raise, paying yourself first, paying down your debt, and spending less than you make.

[15:45] What does giving yourself a raise look like to you?

[19:00] Steven discusses what paying himself first means to him.

[21:40] Steven shares how he handles debt in his life.

[23:55] Steven talks about the discipline he uses to control his spending.

[25:13] How we handle our money is how we handle our life.

[26:37] Steven speaks about what he would say to someone hesitant about leaping to work for themselves.

[28:56] Thank you for being on the show!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Connect with Steven

@mrwrencuts

Michael Cole

Facebook

Customer loyalty is arguably the most important ingredient to a long-lasting successful business. On this Quick Tip, we are reading 9 Tips For Increasing Client Loyalty from the Sola Blog. 

Creating client loyalty starts by going back to the basics. You want to create a strong, trusting relationship with each client off the bat. Do this by showing gratitude, being punctual, always listening to your client’s needs and having fun. When you enjoy what you do, you give off an irresistible vibe that keeps them coming back.

Making each client feel valued goes a long way, so give them small tokens of gratitude every once in a while, like a travel-sized shampoo or hairspray. This not only makes them happy, but it gives them a sample of the products you carry, which can lead to increased retail sales.

Remember, new business is great, but don’t neglect your existing customers. Your clients that have been with you for a while have a loyalty to you that will take time to build with new clients, so keep in touch and let them know you appreciate them.

In This Episode

[00:36] Tune in to hear our 9 tips to increase client loyalty.

[01:03] New business is great, but don't neglect your existing clients.

[01:15] Tip #1 - Create strong relationships.

[02:28] Tip #2 - Say thank you.

[03:26] Tip #3 - Be prompt!

[03:58] Tip #4 - Partner with other beauty professionals.

[04:55] Tip #5 - Be consistent and predictable.

[05:40] Tip #6 - Show the love.

[06:14] Tip #7 - Keep in touch.

[07:19] Tip #8 - Listen.

[08:11] Tip #9 - Have fun!

[08:43] Thank you for listening.

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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We often talk about how Sola is home to over 16,000 independent salon owners. In addition to our incredible group of beauty professionals, as a franchise brand, Sola is also made up of 160+ franchise groups who own and operate our 550+ locations across the United States, Canada and Brazil. On this episode, we dive into Sola's business model and give you a behind-the-scenes look into what makes our group of franchisees and managers so integral to the success of our community. 

To introduce you to our group of franchisees and managers, we are joined by Austin Campbell, one of the very first Sola franchisees who joined the brand in 2005. Since opening his first Sola location in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, Austin and his family have since opened 15 Solas all across San Diego, providing salon homes to over 600 independent salon owners.

Listen, as Austin shares why he was first inspired to join the Sola family, what motivates him to continue his Sola journey and how he ensures the Sola professional always comes first. 

Austin describes how he has fostered such a strong Sola San Diego culture over the years and how the most challenging year they ever faced strengthened his community more than ever. He also discusses what makes our franchisees and managers so unique compared to other franchise brands. Austin believes that the real difference at Sola is the people.

Even after an extremely challenging year, Austin believes Sola has a very bright future. Because of that, his team has signed leases for more locations so they can continue to share the Sola Difference with beauty professionals for years to come. 

In This Episode

[01:58] Welcome to the show, Austin!

[02:21] Austin shares why he decided to become a Sola franchisee.

[05:30] Austin speaks about always putting the beauty professional first.

[08:07] When did you know you were going to expand and open more than one franchise?

[11:40] Austin discusses how he has built community and culture over the years.

[14:27] Austin believes that how they reacted during COVID shows they walk the walk and stand by their people.

[17:26] The real difference at Sola is the people.

[19:53] Austin believes Sola has a very bright future, which is why he has signed leases on two more locations.

[21:52] How would you describe our community of franchisees and managers?

[25:20] Sola provides solutions to people's problems.

[26:02] What inspires you to continue on your Sola journey?

[28:58] Jennie shares how Austin and his family celebrate every new Sola pro.

[32:47] Thank you so much for being part of the Sola family.

[34:19] Thank you for listening!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

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Connect with Austin

@solasandiego

Email Austin at Austin@solasandiego

Connect with Jennie

@jenniethewolff

It’s one thing to dream about all the goals you want to accomplish, and it’s another to actually get there. On this Quick Tip, we are reading How to Be a Goal-Getter This Year from the Sola Blog. 

Tune in to hear Sola’s 5 steps to not only be a goal-setter but a goal-getter this year.

Start with your “why,” be SMART, hold yourself accountable, and last but not least, remember Sola has your back. 

Here's to goal getting in 2021.

In This Episode

[01:10] Sola's five tips for being a goal-getter.

[01:49] Write down your goals.

[02:17] Be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Specific. 

[03:53] Hold yourself accountable.

[04:36] Remember that Sola has your back.

[05:57] Thank you for listening!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

It’s one thing to dream about all the goals you want to accomplish, and it’s another to actually get there. On this Quick Tip, we are reading How to Be a Goal-Getter This Year from the Sola Blog. 

Tune in to hear Sola’s 5 steps to not only be a goal-setter but a goal-getter this year.

Start with your “why,” be SMART, hold yourself accountable, and last but not least, remember Sola has your back. 

Here's to goal getting in 2021.

In This Episode

[01:10] Sola's five tips for being a goal-getter.

[01:49] Write down your goals.

[02:17] Be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Specific. 

[03:53] Hold yourself accountable.

[04:36] Remember that Sola has your back.

[05:57] Thank you for listening!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram