Sola Stories

As we turn the page to a new year, there's one thing we know for sure, this past year threw us all some curveballs, and yet it also provided many people the opportunity to pause, pivot and proceed forward on a new path. At Sola, we want to provide a fresh start for those searching for a new salon home.

Our guest on this episode, Annie Hayes from Jacksonville, Florida, opened her own Sola studio in May 2020 after being furloughed by her previous salon. Since then, Sola has helped her get back on her feet and turn her career dreams into her career reality. We wanted to bring Annie on the Sola Stories podcast to share her story and help anyone out there who needs a bit of inspiration to dream again.

Listen as Annie shares her journey from her start in the hair industry to going independent and opening up her Sola studio amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Annie talks about building her book of business before and after going Sola, the tools and resources she’s used to create a seamless transition to salon ownership, and why she says it’s the best decision she has ever made for her career.

In This Episode

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

[04:23] Annie speaks about getting started in her career.

[05:46] How did the COVID-19 closures affect your career?

[07:38] Annie discusses looking for options when salons were able to reopen and why she chose Sola.

[11:39] Annie chats about being furloughed from Ulta.

[13:54] Annie speaks about getting new clients because of her private, one-on-one salon suite and how every one of her clients followed her.

[14:43] Annie talks about her most powerful marketing tool to build her book of business, Instagram.

[16:23] Jennie talks about the power of hashtags.

[18:17] Annie talks about her clients pre-booking more since the shutdown.

[22:36] Annie discusses opening her Sola studio during the pandemic.

[24:50] Annie speaks about having the bare minimum in her studio when she opened.

[26:15] What did Sola do to help you get started?

[29:11] Jennie shares some things that Sola has to help you open your studio, the podcast, a blog, and much more.

[30:10] Annie talks about the Sola tools and resources she’s leaned into to start her Sola journey.

[32:06] Annie discusses her dreams for 2021 and what she would like to see happen with her salon in the coming year.

[35:05] Thank you for being on the show!

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Connect with Annie

@_anniehayes_

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@jenniethewolff

At Sola, education and support is at the heart of our brand promise. With the start of the new year, we want to shine a light on some of the amazing education available for independent beauty professionals through Sola education. 

Our guest on this episode, Melissa Bennett, truly puts the “Pro” in Sola Pro. She has led the charge with our Sola-exclusive Sola Pro app and worked with hundreds of brand partners to curate video content, webinars, Facebook Lives, Instagram takeovers, and much more virtual education for the Sola community. She is also the executional mastermind behind the Sola Sessions and has planned 11 amazing events for Sola across the country.

Tune in to hear Melissa and Jennie discuss the importance of education in our industry, how Sola education has evolved over the years, and what the future looks like for education for the Sola community and beyond. 

If you have an idea for a topic you’d like us to cover, a brand you’d like added to Sola Pro, or an educator you think would be valuable to our community, email Melissa at [email protected].

In This Episode

[03:08] Welcome to the show, Melissa!

[03:40] Melissa shares her role at Sola and how it has evolved over the years.

[05:32] Melissa speaks about building the Sola Pro app.

[08:23] Jennie discusses the magical experience the first Sola Session was in 2016.

[11:34] Jennie speaks about how important education has always been for Sola.

[12:59] Melissa shares some education initiatives that she has worked on for Sola.

[15:26] They discuss how important responding to the surveys they send out is to improve Sola education.

[18:52] Melissa shares how Sola has strived to bring important content to the community, even though COVID.

[20:36] Jennie speaks about the back to work program Melissa put together with Barbicide.

[22:59] Melissa discusses the Sola Pro refresh project.

[26:00] Do you feel there are any gaps in what Sola Pro is offering? Anything you would like to see?

[29:09] Melissa speaks about how she feels education can help individuals stay in the industry longer.

[33:11] Thank you so much for being on the show!

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Connect with @jenniethewolff

Email Melissa

It’s been a year of unexpected challenges, but also a year of tremendous opportunity for those who have taken the time to learn and grow through it all. For our last episode of 2020, the team behind the Sola Stories Podcast wanted to connect to reflect on the lessons this monumental, transformative year has taught us. 

Listen as Jennie, Kim and Angela share how they pivoted during 2020, both professionally and personally, the lessons they learned about relinquishing control, and how they’ve overcome the hardest moments of this pandemic. They talk about the changes they have gone through over the year and what they are looking forward to carrying with them into 2021.

After the conversation is over, keep listening to hear some amazing reviews the Sola Stories podcast has received over the last year. Remember, if you like what you’ve been hearing, please leave a review and you may hear yours read on a future episode of Sola Stories!

In This Episode

[01:34] Jennie Wolff, Kim Bennett and Angela Ribbler - thank you for joining us all as we wrap up this year with reflections and lessons. 

[03:32] Kim shares how she has had to pivot this year.

[06:20] Angela speaks about the ways she has learned to pivot during the pandemic.

[09:13] Jennie chats about some pivots she has had to make in her personal life.

[10:33] Angela talks about how planning didn’t work this last year, but things turned out great anyway.

[11:41] Kim discusses how she handled the changes on a personal level as a single mother.

[14:50] What lessons about relinquishing control have you learned that you will take into 2021 with you?

[17:57] Angela shares the biggest thing she has learned about relinquishing control.

[19:55] Jennie speaks about waiting to have a baby for the perfect time and what she learned this year.

[22:08] Kim chats about what was hardest for her during the pandemic.

[24:43] Angela shares the hardest part of 2020 was for her.

[27:13] Jennie has taken 2020 to learn to find stillness in her life.

[28:08] Kim discusses having the opportunity to move into her new house.

[32:14] Angela speaks about her new puppy she got in 2020.

[34:27] Kim, have you learned anything about being more present this year?

[37:53] Angela learned that her worth isn’t based on productivity.

[39:56] Jennie shares what she has learned about self-worth this year.

[41:56] Angela talks about all the projects she gives herself to fill her time instead of enjoying the stillness.

[44:42] Kim discusses how the Sola community has helped her in the last year.

[47:32] Kim says that the entire community became visionaries together during the pandemic.

[49:12] Angela, how did you lean on the community and gain strength through them during 2020?

[55:32] Happy New Year from everyone at Sola!

[56:10] Listen as they share some amazing reviews the podcast has received.

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Connect with Angela

@angelaribbler

Connect with Kim

@kimi_kisses

Connect with Jennie 

@jenniethewolff

Terri Cowan, inspirational speaker and owner of Professional Salon Concepts, believes success starts with excellent customer service. In this episode of Sola Stories, Terri and Kim chat about the systems you need to set up to create an A+ customer experience that will bring your salon and customer retention to the next level. 

Terri also talks about the importance of eye contact when it comes to customer service.  “Customer service is creating that absolute connection,” and you can’t do that if you are focused on your screen or thinking of your next client instead of giving your current guest your utmost attention and care.

Listen as Terri discusses the benefits of offering a limited-service menu during your busiest times of the year in order to maximize your efficiency and still maintain a high-quality customer experience. Terri also shares some dialogue to get your clients to get back in the salon more frequently and feel comfortable while in your chair.

Terri believes that when you love your job, it shows, so get out there and show your guests that you love what you do.

In This Episode

[03:01] Welcome to the show, Terri!

[05:44] Terri shares some ways you can enhance customer service and systems.

[08:05] Terri speaks about people enhancements and making sure you are at the top of your game.

[09:01] How do you enhance your facilities, and what is your safety pledge and systems?

[11:17] Terri believes that people under 40 are lost in their screens instead of looking people in the eyes.

[12:47] Terri shares that it’s very hard to deliver customer service when you don’t know how to honor or pay respect to the people around you.

[16:08] Terri says you need to know your shortcomings and remember to take a temperature read of your guests when they come in for their appointments.

[18:12] Terri speaks about losing her mom this year.

[20:13] “Customer service is creating that absolute connection.”

[23:20] Terri gives examples of how human contact is so important in customer service.

[26:17] Terri worries about individuals that don’t think they need to have a professional personal relationship.

[28:28] Listen, as Terri shares a safety pledge she believes you should have in place so that your guests know they are safe.

[33:26] Terri chats about this being the busiest season for salons; she thinks people should offer a limited menu of services because of sanitizing for COVID-19.

[36:10] What dialogue would you use to get your clients to come in more often?

[38:59] Terri says that for retention, you need to find out why they are not returning.

[41:10] Terri speaks about what she loves the most about the Sola culture.

[43:43] What are you reading right now?

[45:17] Terri shares what living the life you love means to her.

[47:33] Do you miss singing for an audience?

[50:28] If you like your job, show it in your face and what you do.

[51:53] Kim shares what her mentor Terri told her that made her a better presenter, better hairdresser, and better at Sola.

[54:29] Thank you for being on the show!

Stay Connected

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Connect with Terri

www.professionalsalonconcepts.com

Connect with Kim

@kimi_kisses

Terri Cowan, inspirational speaker and owner of Professional Salon Concepts, believes success starts with excellent customer service. In this episode of Sola Stories, Terri and Kim chat about the systems you need to set up to create an A+ customer experience that will bring your salon and customer retention to the next level. 

Terri also talks about the importance of eye contact when it comes to customer service.  “Customer service is creating that absolute connection,” and you can’t do that if you are focused on your screen or thinking of your next client instead of giving your current guest your utmost attention and care.

Listen as Terri discusses the benefits of offering a limited-service menu during your busiest times of the year in order to maximize your efficiency and still maintain a high-quality customer experience. Terri also shares some dialogue to get your clients to get back in the salon more frequently and feel comfortable while in your chair.

Terri believes that when you love your job, it shows, so get out there and show your guests that you love what you do.

In This Episode

[03:01] Welcome to the show, Terri!

[05:44] Terri shares some ways you can enhance customer service and systems.

[08:05] Terri speaks about people enhancements and making sure you are at the top of your game.

[09:01] How do you enhance your facilities, and what is your safety pledge and systems?

[11:17] Terri believes that people under 40 are lost in their screens instead of looking people in the eyes.

[12:47] Terri shares that it’s very hard to deliver customer service when you don’t know how to honor or pay respect to the people around you.

[16:08] Terri says you need to know your shortcomings and remember to take a temperature read of your guests when they come in for their appointments.

[18:12] Terri speaks about losing her mom this year.

[20:13] “Customer service is creating that absolute connection.”

[23:20] Terri gives examples of how human contact is so important in customer service.

[26:17] Terri worries about individuals that don’t think they need to have a professional personal relationship.

[28:28] Listen, as Terri shares a safety pledge she believes you should have in place so that your guests know they are safe.

[33:26] Terri chats about this being the busiest season for salons; she thinks people should offer a limited menu of services because of sanitizing for COVID-19.

[36:10] What dialogue would you use to get your clients to come in more often?

[38:59] Terri says that for retention, you need to find out why they are not returning.

[41:10] Terri speaks about what she loves the most about the Sola culture.

[43:43] What are you reading right now?

[45:17] Terri shares what living the life you love means to her.

[47:33] Do you miss singing for an audience?

[50:28] If you like your job, show it in your face and what you do.

[51:53] Kim shares what her mentor Terri told her that made her a better presenter, better hairdresser, and better at Sola.

[54:29] Thank you for being on the show!

Stay Connected

Sola Salon Studios

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Connect with Terri

www.professionalsalonconcepts.com

Connect with Kim

@kimi_kisses

At Sola, it’s our mission to inspire not only successful beauty professionals but successful entrepreneurs. While we love connecting with inspiring leaders within the beauty industry, many of the most successful people know, the best way to stay on the cutting edge of your career is to learn from leaders outside of your industry and apply their successful habits and learnings to your world.

Our guest on this episode, Alexa Rose Carlin, is an entrepreneur extraordinaire and has not only built her own personal brand, which includes an online following of over 200K but through her company, Women Empower X, Alexa also inspires thousands of other female entrepreneurs around the globe to find their own entrepreneurial success. Alexa founded WEX with the mission to help more women pursue their passions and get to the next level in their careers and life.

Tune in to hear Alexa share how to pivot with purpose to continue moving forward in the direction of your dreams when life throws you unexpected curveballs. Alexa believes that if you share your vulnerabilities, you invite others to do the same, which creates a unique, personal connection to your clients that will foster better client retention. 

In this episode, Alexa also discusses how to successfully build a personal brand and how to overcome overwhelm when starting something new.

In This Episode

[04:06] Welcome to the show, Alexa!

[04:47] Alexa views an entrepreneur as anyone passionate and determined to turn an idea into a reality.

[06:14] Where did you find the confidence to start again after experiencing failure?

[08:17] Alexa talks about pivoting with purpose.

[11:11] Alexa believes there are so many ways to empower women, even though it may look different from what you thought.

[13:50] Alexa shares that she gets ideas from other industries, not just from the industry you are in.

[15:50] Community is so important because it can help you grow your business.

[17:29] Alexa believes that if you can get to the root of your vulnerabilities and get them out, you allow others to do the same.

[19:52] Alexa discusses sharing her journey battling her autoimmune disease on social media and how her authentic vulnerability helped her following grow.

[23:22] We don’t have control over the pandemic, so focus on what you do have control over.

[25:01] Why does your brand focus on women entrepreneurs instead of all entrepreneurs?

[28:55] Alexa says that the more you give, the more will flow back to you.

[30:52] Alexa speaks about the advantage women have as business owners.

[32:56] Angela shares a funny story about posting her first Instagram.

[34:21] How do you define your personal brand? 

[37:24] Angela discusses creating authentic relationships with your clients and how they follow your journey on social media.

[40:13] Alexa speaks about what she looks for on a social media account to follow.

[42:06] Alexa discusses how to overcome overwhelm when building your brand on social media.

[45:05] With so many social media platforms out there, how do you know where to put your energy?

[48:23] Know yourself, know your brand, know your customers and put your energy where you will get the most return on your investment.

[51:00] Alexa’s last words of inspiration are - above all, trust in the journey and understand that it only takes one thing to transform your business and life for the better.

[52:48] Thank you for being on the show!

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Connect with Alexa

AlexaCarlin.com

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@angelaribbler

Our guest on this episode of Sola Stories, Joey Figueiredo, comes to us from Prairie Village, Kansas. Before he was a hairdresser, he was a professional photographer, and while growing his career behind the camera, he fell in love with the world of hairdressing. After obtaining his license through an apprenticeship in Kansas City, he continued to explore his passions outside the salon, landing gigs and working behind the scenes at Fashion Week, and so much more. Joey is a successful salon owner of a double-sized studio, an educator,one of our 2019 Faces of Sola.

On this episode, Joey shares his journey from a photographer to a Sola studio owner. He discusses how his photography background has helped him in the marketing and styling aspects of his career. Joey also shares his view on selling retail and why he became an educator for EVO. 

Listen, as Joey discusses raising his prices and how he makes sure his clients’ experience matches his price tag. He speaks about the hand painting technique he developed to cover grey called Greyage and how he is always afraid of failing, but it doesn’t keep him from pursuing his dreams.

In This Episode

[01:18] Welcome to the show, Joey!

[01:55] Joey discusses why he became a photographer.

[04:15] Listen as Joey shares his career journey.

[07:39] Joey says it took him two years to get through his apprenticeship, which is about double the hours of going to school.

[08:31] Joey shares how he found his way to Sola.

[11:26] Did you move into a double studio right away?

[13:35] He can double book during the pandemic because he has two chairs six feet apart.

[14:51] Joey discusses how his photography background is an advantage in the beauty industry.

[16:50] During his stay at home order, Joey researched new social media content strategies.

[18:09] Joey shares his view on selling retail products.

[20:04] How did you end up as an educator?

[23:10] Joey says being an independent business owner allows him to chase his other interests like being an educator.

[25:35] How do you know when it’s time to give yourself a raise?

[27:19] Joey discusses how raising his prices has affected his business.

[28:52] “Your service and your experience have to match your price tag.”

[29:37] Joey says that he raises his prices every year.

[30:07] How does the client experience in your studio match your prices?

[31:42] Joey talks about going to a Schwarzkopf mentorship program.

[33:27] Joey shares the hand painting technique he does, Greyage.

[36:00] Have you ever been afraid of failing?

[37:24] Thank you so much for being on the show!

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Connect with Joey

@stylistjoey

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@jenniethewolff

On this marketing Quick Tip, Angela and Jennie team up to chat all about hashtags and how this powerful, and often under-utilized, tool can take your social media marketing to a whole new level. 

A hashtag is a word or phrase following a hash sign (#) on social media platforms (primarily Instagram and Twitter) to discover content on a specific topic. Angela says hashtags are like mini “filing cabinets” for your content. When you click on a linked hashtag in a caption, it allows you to see all sorts of content that's related to that topic. When used correctly, it allows people who are interested in that topic to find you and your content. Hashtags should be used in relevant and specific ways, so listen as Angela and Jennie share tips to help you gain a following, and more importantly, new clients, solely by getting a better handle on hashtags.

Hashtags are free to use and a very powerful marketing tool when done correctly, but they can backfire if done wrong. Angela shares what shadow banning is, how you can avoid it, and how to research to ensure the hashtags you choose are getting you the best results possible.

In This Episode

[00:51] Welcome back to the show, Angela!

[01:37] Angela shares the power of hashtags.

[04:21] How should a beauty professional use hashtags?

[05:44] Listen as Angela shares why a small business or salon should have their own hashtag.

[07:16] Angela speaks about what your hashtag should be.

[10:09] Start by researching other people with similar specialties in a similar area if they have a large following.

[12:22] Use relevant and specific hashtags.

[15:02] How do hashtags help people gain a following?

[17:45] Make sure your profile is public and think about promoting your hashtag.

[20:08] Angela shares a few more tips when using hashtags.

[21:33] Angela believes hashtags are free advertising, which is why she believes they are one of the most powerful tools in marketing.

[23:40] Angela explains what shadow banning is.

[26:07] Don't hashtag everything; use them in relevant ways.

[27:31] Thank you for listening!

Stay Connected

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Connect with Angela

@angelaribbler

Connect with Jennie 

@jenniethewolff

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more.” Even though it has been a challenging year on so many levels, we want to spend some time to focus on gratitude and silver linings. 2020 Faces of Sola Steven Wren and 2018 Faces of Sola Amanda Fagan are two of the most positive people we know, so we wanted to bring them back onto the Sola Stories Podcast to share how they have been able to stay grounded in gratitude throughout this pandemic. 

Amanda believes that practicing gratitude not only makes her feel good, but throughout this year has become integral to her survival. And while gratitude doesn’t always come easy, especially during a global pandemic, these positivity pros share how they have made it a habit to actively practice gratitude every single day. 

Listen as Jennie, Amanda and Steven talk about silver linings and how they plan to stay positive through the holidays, even though their holiday celebrations will look much different this year. They also share their ideas for showing the love to their clients and how they have learned to savor every moment and find meaning and joy in the simple things.

In This Episode

[01:26] Welcome to the show, Steven and Amanda.

[03:26] Amanda speaks about how she has been able to find positivity this last year.

[05:08] Amanda talks about processing grief and feelings that have resurfaced during this pandemic.

[06:06] Steven discusses how he stays positive during this crazy year.

[09:38] Steven speaks about focusing on what he is grateful for.

[10:38] Amanda says that practicing gratitude is part of her survival.

[13:32] “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more.” 

[14:11] Steven shares why he believes gratitude is so important.

[14:28] Amanda believes gratitude is important because it creates a frame to look out into life with.

[17:21] Amanda shares that journaling and writing are her go-to ways to practice gratitude.

[18:45] Steven starts his day by staying away from negativity.

[22:14] Steven speaks about the silver linings he sees because of the pandemic.

[24:51] Listen as Steven shares how his perspective has changed about taking time off.

[25:11] Amanda sees the silver lining in how connected everyone is through social media and reinventing her business from now on.

[28:24] “Forced stillness is the only way growth ever happens.”

[30:14] Steven discusses how his family is staying positive this holiday season.

[32:37] Amanda shares their approach to positivity during the holidays.

[36:00] Amanda will decorate her studio this holiday and show gratitude for her clients by savoring every moment they have together.

[38:29] Steven agrees with Amanda; he also wants to savor every moment he has with his guests.

[38:56] Steven shares a story about a client he has been cutting hair for the last 12 years.

[41:50] Jennie speaks about some ways you can show the love to your clients.

[44:27] Thank you for being on the show!

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@mrwrencuts

Connect with Amanda

@amandainreverie

Connect with Jennie 

@jenniethewolff

Our guest on this episode of Sola Stories is Canadian business coach, Dawn Bradley. Dawn has been in the beauty industry for nearly two decades and spent the last ten years as a business owner. Through her coaching business, Dawn hosts tons of classes and online courses, including “Become a 6-Figure Hairstylist Stress-Free” and “Raise Your Prices Like a Pro.” She also hosts her own podcast called The Anxious Creative. We’ve previously had the honor to partner with Dawn for some Sola-exclusive education on How To Set Back to Work Boundaries, and we are thrilled to bring her on to the Sola Stories Podcast to discuss how to work smarter, not harder, set boundaries, avoid burnout, raise your prices, and live a balanced life as a small business owner.

Listen, as Dawn shares her journey into the beauty industry and why she made the brave decision to go out on her own, even though she was repeatedly told that she wouldn't make it. She discusses how to overcome the fear of raising your prices and how to stay financially fluid without double booking clients.

Tune in to hear Dawn’s five key points to communicating change and how to successfully set boundaries that will help you get through the holiday season without burning out. Dawn believes that a lack of boundaries does not equal excellent customer service. “Boundaries aren't slamming a door in someone's face. It's telling them you can't enter here, but you can come through this other door.” 

In This Episode

[01:26] Welcome to the show, Dawn!

[02:43] Dawn shares her story and her journey into the beauty industry.

[04:28] Dawn speaks about why she went out on her own.

[06:07] "People don't like it when you step outside of their comfort zone."

[07:36] Listen as Dawn discusses when and why she started educating on setting boundaries.

[09:44] Dawn shares that your lack of boundaries does not equal excellent customer service.

[13:43] Do you crave balance? Do you feel like it is a constant struggle?

[16:12] Dawn discusses the rollercoaster of emotions she had when her dog died and she took time off to reevaluate her business and goals. 

[18:10] Dawn has rebuilt her clientele multiple times in the last five or six years.

[20:05] Listen as Dawn speaks about overcoming the fear of raising your prices.

[23:16] How do stylists stay prosperous without double booking?

[27:04] Dawn believes we are learning through this pandemic the importance of personal connection.

[28:20] Dawn discusses her morning Instagram Live series called Business, Breakfast, and Bedheads.

[30:57] Creating a community has to be intentional.

[32:51] Dawn speaks about the struggles she is seeing her clients and peers facing right now.

[35:41] Dawn discusses her five key points of communicating change.

[39:16] How can an independent salon owner get through this end of the year craze without facing burnout?

[42:38] Boundaries aren't slamming a door in someone's face. It's telling them you can't enter here, but you can come through this other door.

[44:25] Dawn talks about The Anxious Creative podcast.

[46:03] Thank you for being on the show!

Stay Connected

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Connect with Dawn

@dawnbradleyhair

Connect with Jennie 

@jenniethewolff