Sola Stories

On this episode of Sola Stories, we are talking about all things social media, and who better to have on the show than Sola’s Social Media and Content Strategist, or as we like to call her our Content Queen, Angela Ribbler. Angela joined the Sola team in August 2018 after working 5 years in the music industry. It was her thirst for more creativity in her job that led her to Sola and today, she is the creative brain behind Sola’s blog, social media content, email newsletters, and so much more. It was also her passion that led to the creation of Sola Stories podcast! 

Tune in to this episode to get tips from this social media savant to help grow your business. Angela shares her insights about each social media platform - from Facebook to Instagram to TikTok - and how to utilize and create content for each to maximize your goals and objectives. 

Angela also shares valuable tips like how to write a compelling caption, how to take a great Instagram photo and advice for social media beginners. She even shares some secret tips to get your content shared on Sola’s social media! 

If you’re looking to up your salon’s social media game, this episode will turn your social not-working into successful social networking in no time 💯

In This Episode

[01:50] Welcome to the show, Angela!

[03:07] Angela shares her background and journey to Sola.

[05:54] Jennie speaks about all the things Angela is involved in behind-the-scenes at Sola.

[06:58] Angela discusses why she loves social media.

[09:33] Jennie says that she loves tools like Instagram Stories and how social media is like a stage.

[11:36] Angela shares her favorite social media platforms.

[15:06] Listen as Angela discusses which social media platform is the best one for you to grow your business.

[17:38] Jennie and Angela speak about how important Facebook is when it comes to search engine optimization.

[19:05] Angela shares her insights on Instagram and how it serves as a visual look book.

[22:10] Angela speaks about TikTok and why she likes this platform.

[24:43] The most important thing is to be where your customers are. 

[25:39] What do you think the components are of a great post?

[28:46] Angela shares how you can create a content strategy based on what your objectives are.

[30:08] Angela speaks about what makes a great photo.

[33:40] Test out different areas of your studio and see which area takes the best photos.

[36:15] Angela shares some hacks for writing good captions.

[38:56] Inspiration can strike at any time, so keep a notebook to write down captions you might use on those days you face writer’s block.

[41:01] Listen as Angela discusses what someone should do if they want to capture her attention to be featured on Sola’s social media.

[42:57] The best hashtag you can use is #solasalons or to tag @solasalons in your posts .

[44:20] Angela gives her best advice for someone just starting out on social media.

[46:31] Don't let the fear of trying something new keep you from doing it.

[47:08] Find Sola blogs at www.solasalonstudios.com/blog.

[48:15] Thank you for listening!

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@angelaribbler

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@jenniethewolff

Today we are excited to have Lindsey Couch, one of our 2020 Faces of Sola, on the show to share some quick tips about marketing your salon on Yelp. Lindsey is a big Yelp advocate and believes many salon owners are missing opportunities if you aren’t leaning into the powerful, free marketing from Yelp. 

Tune in to hear Lindsey talk about how she got started with Yelp, how her salon made it to the number 3 position in her city, and how many new clients she gets each week from Yelp while spending $0 on Yelp advertising. She always shares tips for anyone who is ready to get started setting up your Yelp page for the first time. 

Still not sure if Yelp is right for you? Lindsey talks about how to overcome that fear of that dreaded negative review and why they aren’t as scary as you may think. Lindsey believes that if you are doing a good service and giving your clients 100% of yourself, there is no reason to be afraid to put yourself out on Yelp and miss out on all the positive benefits of the platform.

In This Episode

[01:04] Welcome to the show, Lindsey!

[01:49] Lindsey shares why she is a Yelp advocate.

[02:49] Listen, as Lindsey speaks about how Arrow Salon got to be the number three position on Yelp.

[04:00] How many reviews do you have on Yelp?

[04:33] Lindsey discusses why people are afraid of being on Yelp.

[06:50] Jennie believes that a positive review far outweighs the downside of a negative review.

[09:36] Lindsey speaks about using Yelp as a consumer and says that she looks at the pictures more than the reviews.

[10:49] What do you have control of on your Yelp page, and what parts of your Yelp page do your clients control?

[11:44] Lindsey says they are getting four to five new client inquiries a week from Yelp.

[13:51] Lindsey talks about what they have on their Yelp page about their salon to get people's attention during this pandemic.

[14:23] Lindsey shares her tips for someone who is getting started on Yelp.

[15:55] If you know you are doing good service, don't be afraid of Yelp reviews.

[17:01] Thank you for being on the show!

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@jenniethewolff

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@thehungryhairdresser

Full-spectrum colorist and 2020 Faces of Sola, Morgan Abernathy, has truly created a career that spans the spectrum of the beauty industry. She has gone from being told she wasn’t good enough to ever be a “great hairdresser,” to owning her own salon, educating for brands like Pulp Riot, Brazilian Bond Builder and Colortrak, and has grown an Instagram following of nearly 50K followers. But beyond all of her aspirational accomplishments, what we love most about Morgan is the fact that she is always authentic, wholehearted and unapologetically herself. 

Tune in to this inspirational episode of Sola Stories to hear Morgan share how she went from being homeless and living in her car, to being the flourishing owner of her salon, Colored in Chaos. 

Listen, as Morgan discusses how she grew her social media following and her advice to overcome writer’s block and nail that perfect Instagram caption. 

In This Episode

[01:20] Thank you so much for joining us on the show, Morgan!

[01:35] Morgan shares her background and her start in the hair industry.

[03:21] Morgan speaks about being homeless during beauty school. 

[06:53] How did you climb out of the hole you fell into while being homeless?

[10:47] Morgan discusses the excitement of opening up her Sola studio and how she had the confidence to go out independently.

[13:00] She shares that it took about two years to create the culture and vibe she wanted in her salon.

[14:15] How did you build your book of business?

[16:47] Morgan shares some tips for anyone wanting to build their business using social media.

[20:45] Morgan speaks about using models for her photos and using those for her Instagram posts.

[22:54] Morgan says that she is a night owl and uses her evenings to post to social media.

[24:36] How do you get over your anxiety when posting on social media?

[27:51] Morgan shares how she came up with chaos as her brand.

[30:45] Morgan says that being in a Sola studio allows her to be independent, creative and true to herself.

[33:29] Listen as Morgan shares some advice for hairdressers wanting to start out on their own.

[35:23] Thank you so much for being on the show!

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@jenniethewolff

Connect with Morgan

@colored.in.chaos

To fully span the extent of Geno Stampora’s impressive career in the beauty industry, we’d need a much longer podcast. Before becoming the successful owner of multiple salons and beauty academies, as well as one of the most celebrated and sought-after motivational speakers in the industry, Geno learned first-hand what it meant to be successful working behind the chair. Geno will tell you himself, he’s not the best hairdresser in the industry, but his inept ability to understand people is what has kept his career thriving for decades. We are thrilled to bring this vivacious industry expert, mentor and true friend to the Sola family, onto the Sola Stories podcast. 

Listen, as Geno speaks about the skills you need to create meaningful connections with your clients, as well as three invaluable pieces of advice for salon owners to ensure your career continues to grow and evolve with the times.

Geno believes that the beauty industry is a blank slate, “a place where we can recreate the future and actually recreate the way we are seen in and actually do business.” Tune in for this conversation that will keep you on the edge of your seat and on the cutting edge of your career. 

In This Episode

[00:57] Thank you so much for joining us on the show, Geno!

[01:43] Geno shares how he fell into the beauty industry.

[04:10] Geno speaks about the practice of giving 100%, 100% of the time.

[05:42] Listen as Geno discusses how he gained the skill to connect with everyone he meets.

[07:16] After being an educator for 35 years, Geno believes in the beauty industry and says that “everyone can be and do what they want to be and do.”

[09:11] What were your biggest takeaways from the Nashville Sola Sessions?

[12:55] Geno shares the advice he would give Sola professionals at this point in time.

[15:00] Geno believes this is a great time of learning.

[17:08] Listen as Geno discusses what he wants every salon owner to brush up on during this time of COVID.

[19:38] Geno speaks about the problems people have with communication.

[21:55] Kim shares how she set her salon up so that guests could see that she was sanitizing and keeping everyone safe.

[23:01] Geno says that we are in a “blank slate where we can recreate the future and actually recreate the way we are seen in and actually do business.”

[23:44] What would you say to a new entrepreneur coming to Sola for the first time?

[26:59] Geno speaks about how to give back to the industry.

[29:25] The answer is to believe in yourself!

[30:52] Geno says that he is so proud of what Kim has accomplished, but he’s even prouder of what she’s going to accomplish.

[31:14] Geno shares some final words for the listeners.

[32:42] Thank you for being on the Sola Stories Podcast!

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@kimi_kisses

Connect with Geno

@genostampora

On this Sola Stories Quick Tip, we're helping you get a jumpstart on your holiday marketing. Tune in to get all of our best holiday marketing tips and tricks for salon owners, because no matter what 2020 brought, you can still cross this year's finish line with a bang. 

Before you begin your marketing, and especially before the holidays are here, make sure to jot down all the important dates during the holiday season so you don’t miss a valuable holiday marketing opportunity. You can find a list of all the important holiday dates here. 

For most beauty professionals, the holiday season is the busiest and most profitable time of the year. It's a time when you will see most of your clientele, so don’t forget to send your clients reminders to book their appointments before your book fills up! And when your guests arrive at your salon, transport them into a winter wonderland with decorations and holiday specials that will put them in the mood for some extra holiday spending. You can easily do this with a festive retail display that showcases your products, holiday gift sets and gift cards. 

This has been a crazy year and your clients will appreciate the little things you do to help them have a relaxing, cheerful experience in your salon. 

Looking for more holiday tips? Check out this article on the Sola blog.

In This Episode

[00:26] Welcome to the show!

[01:12] Jennie shares some dates you should consider for holiday promotions. 

[02:24] Jennie speaks about getting your salon in the holiday spirit.

[03:47] Don't forget the stocking stuffers!

[04:12] Jennie discusses some add-on services that can add to your bottom line and make your guests' lives easier during the busy holiday season.

[04:45] Vow to spread a little love and light this year by involving your clients in a clothing, gift, or food drive.

[05:18] Jennie shares how to get the word out on the special offers you have available.

[05:58] Give your clients some incentives if they book for 2021.

[06:23] Happy Holidays!

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@jenniethewolff

We are thrilled to bring our special guest and Breast Cancer Thriver, Barbara Violo, onto the Sola Stories podcast. Barbara owns a hair and wig studio in Sola in Long Island, New York. Barbara’s studio is a safe haven for women experiencing hair loss, primarily due to cancer as well as other causes. In her studio, she takes her clients on a journey - from shaving their heads to hair recovery and beyond. Barbara’s client experience is all about the peaceful, healing energy she is able to create for her clients, whether it’s the  fresh flowers she brings from her garden every morning or the bright, vibrant colors on her wall.  

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we wanted to bring Barbara on the Sola Stories Podcast to share her journey as both a breast cancer survivor and tell us about the unique niche she has created in her Sola studio. Listen to hear Barbara share her beautiful, thoughtful process creating the perfect wig for each of her clients. 

Because Barbara has the only wig studio in her Sola location, she is the go-to person if any of her Sola neighbors have a client with thinning hair. She started her Sola business in her 50s and has been able to build a thriving book of business. Listen to this inspirational woman, stylist and wig connoisseur as she talks about the passion she has for helping and healing women.

In This Episode

[01:22] Thank you so much for joining us on the show!

[01:56] Barbara shares her journey into cosmetology.

[04:35] Barbara discusses why she transitioned from cuts, colors, and perms into the niche markets she now serves.

[06:34] Listen as Barbara shares how much her mom and aunt enjoyed going to the wig salon and where she got her start.

[08:49] It’s a very emotional beginning of the journey for women, cancer diagnosis along with hair loss.

[12:33] Barbara speaks about why she started her wig salon at Sola.

[15:42] How do you protect your energy when doing this type of work?

[18:34] Listen as Barbara discusses her process from start to finish with her clients.

[20:49] Barbara talks about the wig studios in her area and why hers is unique.

[23:28] Having the right wig helps a woman’s confidence when fighting for her life.

[25:30] Barbara discusses the referrals she gets from other stylists at her Sola.

[27:20] Wouldn’t it be great to have a wig studio in every Sola?

[30:05] Barbara speaks about how she built a book of business in her 50s and how she keeps it growing.

[32:20] Listen as Barbara shares some words of encouragement to listeners who are going through the healing process.

[35:10] Thank you so much for joining us on the podcast today.

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@jenniethewolff

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@hairhealthcoach

Our guest on this episode is one of our 2018 Faces of Sola, educator, SolaGenius ambassador, and, most importantly, a new mom. Ashley Lantz has made her mark on the Sola community as a true trailblazer. She was the first person to sign a lease at her Sola location in AZ, even before there were even walls and was also one of the first to lean into Sola’s technology to supercharge her business. 

Listen as Ashley shares her journey to Sola and how she’s used technology to run a more efficient business and spend more time at home with her family. 

Ashley and Jennie discuss the advantages of SolaGenius and how online booking has improved her salon experience for both her and her clients. Ashley shares how SolaGenius helped her stay connected with her clients and easily communicate updates as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded.

Stay tuned for a special offer from SolaGenius exclusively for Sola professionals. If you are ready to up level your business, you won’t want to miss this very special episode of the Sola Stories podcast. 

In This Episode

[00:54] Welcome to the show, Ashley!

[01:41] Ashley shares her background and her journey into the beauty industry.

[04:26] Ashley’s ability to leap is one of her best qualities because she always goes after what she wants.

[06:13] Listen, as Ashley discusses being a new mom and a salon owner during the past year.

[08:47] Ashley speaks about focusing on her business at home instead of being a traveling educator.

[11:38] How has leaning into technology allowed you to run a more efficient business?

[13:10] Ashley shares some advantages SolaGenius provides to allow her to be on top of the business side while freeing up time to spend with her family.

[16:20] Listen as Ashley explains how technology and online booking have improved her life.

[19:02] Jennie shares how she books her appointments online and how convenient online booking is for clients.

[21:32] Ashley says that she has had many new clients come in because she has online booking and isn’t losing business when she isn’t able to answer her phone.

[23:06] How did you lean on SolaGenius during the pandemic?

[25:36] Ashley speaks about connecting with clients when they got the go-ahead to reopen.

[27:24] Jennie discusses the benefits of having the SolaGenius app and when the best time is to make the switch is.

[29:08] Ashley shares how she believes her digital welcome package has helped her make her clients feel like guests in her salon.

[32:33] Ashley loves to have people follow her on Instagram.

[33:24] What advice would you give to someone who is still using paper books on why they should switch to SolaGenius?

[34:23] Jennie shares a special offer for Sola professionals.

[34:43] Ashley shares a promo code to sign up for SolaGenius and earn $30! www.sola.glossgenius.com/invite/ashleylantz

[35:13] Jennie discusses the White Glove Service you get with SolaGenius.

[35:36] Thank you so much for being on the show!

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@jenniethewolff

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@ashleylantzhair

We are thrilled to bring Houston-based hairstylist and one of our 2020 Faces of Sola, Cuyler Engram (@cuylerdidit), on the Sola Stories Podcast. Before owning his Sola salon, Cuyler honed his craft as a makeup artist for Mac Cosmetics. After facing doubters and discrimination along his path, Cuyler is now a business owner with an Instagram following of over 16K. After years of feeling like he didn’t fit in, Cuyler has created a space he can call his own, as well as a jaw-dropping Instagram feed that helps keep his salon business booming.

Listen, as Cuyler shares his journey into the beauty industry and how he’s overcome criticism and racism to harness his confidence in his craft and creativity. 

Tune in to get Cuyler’s number one tip for growing an Instagram following as well as a happy, fulfilling life. 

In This Episode

[01:13] Welcome to the show, Cuyler!

[01:57] Cuyler shares his background and his journey into the beauty industry.

[04:32] Cuyler speaks about his parents’ reaction when he wanted to go to cosmetology school.

[07:29] Listen, as Cuyler discusses the huge part music plays in his life.

[08:55] Cuyler shares moving to Houston and the jobs he did while waiting to get his Texas cosmetology license.

[11:21] He speaks about his interview with Mac Cosmetics and getting the opportunity to work with other creatives. 

[12:49] Cuyler discusses how the pandemic has inspired him to try special effects makeup and portrait work.

[14:17] How did you get back into working in the salon after Mac?

[17:28] Cuyler shares how he didn't feel like he fit in until he got his own salon at Sola.

[20:16] Cuyler speaks about being fired from a salon in Florida.

[21:40] Listen, as Cuyler shares where he got the self-confidence to go out on his own and open a Sola studio.

[24:05] Cuyler discusses how he built his clientele since he's been at Sola using social media.

[26:27] Do you ever get new clients through Instagram?

[27:40] Cuyler shares his number one tip for using Instagram.

[29:52] When it's all said and done, Cuyler wants to know that he changed someone's life.

[31:28] Thank you so much for listening!

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Connect with Jennie 

@jenniethewolff

Connect with Cuyler

@cuylerdidit

We are honored to bring John Mosley, aka Mr. Popular Nobody, on the Sola Stories Podcast! John is one of the most in-demand educators in the industry, who’s grown a massive following on social media (@popular_nobody) and a clientele that includes celebrities like Kendrick Lamar and Eminem. 

John joins Kim Bennett (@kimi_kisses) for a conversation about what inspired him to become a barber, what to look for in a brand partnership, and how he’s grown his brand, Popular Nobody. 

Listen as John discusses why he thinks the Sola model is the future of the beauty industry and some inspiring words for the Sola community. As both educators, Kim and John talk about the importance of education and why it’s so important to invest in to maintain a successful career behind the chair. 

John is not just an educator on stage but in every aspect of his life. Tune in to be inspired by John’s aspirational accomplishments. His success as an entrepreneur is sure to spark a fire in you to strive for more in your own business. 

In This Episode

[01:35] Welcome to the show, John!

[02:56] John shares his background in sports and his mom’s influence to become a barber.

[04:30] John shares that his entire family is hairdressers and cosmetologists.

[06:42] What inspired you to become an educator and give back to the industry?

[09:02] John discusses the power of creating your own path.

[12:00] John shares what to look for in a brand that you want to be an educator for.

[14:46] Listen as John shares the soft skills that it takes to match the heart skills.

[16:03] John shares what Popular Nobody means and how it originated.

[18:00] John talks about vertical integration within a business.

[20:22] What is the Popular Nobody brand doing to help others?

[21:16] John speaks about his new nonprofit, Nobody Way Foundation.

[23:35] He shares the first time he heard of Sola Salon Studios.

[24:55] What is your favorite thing about Sola?

[26:01] John shares words of encouragement for the Sola community.

[27:20] Listen as John speaks about what we can be proud of during this pandemic.

[28:10] John discusses Black Lives Matter.

[30:41] John speaks about getting involved in beauty schools and developing education.

[37:00] John discusses his Instagram and how he uses it to boost his business.

[40:00] John shares the ins and outs of social media and how to lay out a page.

[41:30] John shares his final thoughts and his thanks for believing in him.

[42:38] We are all in the same ocean, but we are not all in the same boat.

[45:03] Thank you for being on the show!

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@kimi_kisses

Connect with John

@popular_nobody

Like most things this year, the start of the school year has been looking a lot different for most families. Whether your child is required to go back to school fully in-person, a mix of virtual and in-person learning, or 100 percent remote learning, we know parents are struggling to navigate this new norm, specifically regarding how it affects their life as a salon owner. 

In an effort to support you finding your groove as a working parent, we hosted a panel discussion with some of our parent Faces of Sola who, too, are balancing back-to-school with life in the salon. This panel was so valuable and chock-full of so much incredible advice, resources and overall support, we wanted to share this special discussion with you on the Sola Stories podcast, too. 

Our panel was moderated by Sola’s Culture Ambassador and first Sola professional, Kim Bennett (@kimi_kisses), who was joined by panelists Shelbie Donoho (@shelbiedonoho), Amanda Fagan (@amandainreverie), Tahesa Nelson (@hairbytahesa), Ashley White (@ashleywhitestudio) and Steven Wren (@mrwrencuts).  Together, they discuss balancing the back-to-school struggles and how they have been (or plan to) balance this new norm and share what is working for them as their individual scenarios unfold.

As we always say, we are all in this together, lean on your Sola community and take advantage of the Sola tools available to help you when you don't know what to do or where to turn.

If you would still like to watch the full webinar we hosted, you can watch the recording on our YouTube channel or in your Sola Pro app.

In This Episode

[00:26] Welcome to the show!

[02:24] Kim shares that her daughter is doing hybrid learning in school.

[03:56] Shelbie is in Springfield, Missouri, and her daughter is in private school, going full time.

[05:54] Amanda speaks about being with Sola since 2016; she shares that her children are being taught with the hybrid model.

[07:06] Tahesa from Madison, Alabama, has been with Sola for five years, and her son is in school full time.

[08:00] Ashley is in Michigan, but her Sola location is in Indiana. Her two children are going to school full time and are thrilled.

[09:37] Steven is a father of three, and his children will be 100% remote learning in Chicago.

[11:20] Kim speaks about her biggest concerns with school and working during this pandemic.

[15:30] Steven speaks about how teaching from home has been going.

[18:35] They discuss their children's mental health and how it’s related to their kids going back to school.

[21:23] The panel discusses how important flexibility in their schedules is, especially with having their children at home.

[24:07] Listen as they discuss how the Sola tools have helped them keep in contact with their clients throughout the pandemic.

[28:09] They speak about best practices with hybrid and remote learning.

[31:12] As beauty professionals and community leaders, we can talk to our clients and share what is working and what’s not.

[33:49] How do you organize the day with your children at home but keeping them within a school structure?

[36:42] Kim speaks about being a single mom and how that affects her options when it comes to work and school options for her daughter.

[38:36] Tahesa shares some great online resources she found that helped her when teaching her son (Outschool.com).

[41:25] Steven speaks about the outside resources he has.

[44:48] Kim and Ashley talk about how to plan for unexpected scheduling changes.

[47:43] They discuss how great the clients have been with all the uncertainty and how the children are rolling with the punches.

[50:27] The panel speaks about this pandemic's mental health aspect on our kids.

[53:49] Steven shares some final thoughts on remote learning and hybrid learning.

[55:25] Tahesa says to stick to your schedule and don't give up.

[55:53] Amanda says to keep leaning into the support of your community.

[56:48] Ashley shares some last sentiments and insights.

[58:10] Kim says that you are not alone!

[59:48] Thanks, everyone, for being on the show!

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Connect with Kim

@kimi_kisses

Connect with Shelbie

@shelbiedonoho

Connect with Amanda

@amandainreverie

Connect with Tahesa

@hairbytahesa

Connect with Ashley

@ashleywhitestudio

Connect  with Steven

@mrwrencuts