Sola Stories Podcast, where Sola Salons is bringing the best our independent beauty industry has straight here to you. We are picking the brains of the game changers and allowing you to get in to the minds of those sharing their stories, how they have risen to the top of the independent beauty world and the lessons they learned along the way. How to grow beyond the chair, and where to find the balance to keep from burning out, we are taking the independent beauty industry to the next level. With Solas exclusively curated conversations there is something for everyone from the cosmo student to the veteran beauty pro and in-between.
Site
RSS
Apple
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
107. Insights on Salon Independence with the 2024 Faces of Sola
Episode 107
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 • Duration 42:51
This podcast is brought to you live from the Sola Sessions stage in Las Vegas! We sat down with our 2024 Faces of Sola class and the incredible Nina Tulio to discuss all things related to independence and life within our four suite walls.
We delve into the challenges we face and how to overcome them, balancing business ownership with personal life, effective social media practices, and everything in between.
Join Amanda Brown, Brea Retic, Gino Rodney, Tiffani Beste, Netty Serino, Courtney Warda, Kimberly Marina, and Veronica Pontes for an honest and inspiring conversation.
106. Taking Control of Your Finances with Nina Tulio
Episode 106
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 • Duration 56:29
In this episode, Nina Tulio joins us to chat about taking control of your finances and getting set up for fiscal success. She shares insights on how much money of your net earnings to set aside, and her top budgeting and financial strategies to ensure you power through this year on solid financial grounds! Press play and get her top tips.
As you think about the ways you can work smarter in your salon this year, it is natural to think about setting boundaries and creating salon policies. By creating and implemeting salon policies, you are putting rules in place to help define your boundaries with yourself and with your clients. Salon policies will help you create a safe, organized and fair environment in your salon. Policies also help you set expectations with your clients which will essentially help protect you and your business.
Today’s guest comes to us from Prarie Village, Kansas where he runs his business in a double sized Sola studio. Joey Figueiredo is one of our Faces of Sola, an educator, content creator, photographer, and when it comes to retail, Joey could sell ice to an eskimo. Recently, Joey was featured by Modern Salon in an article he wrote about salon policies, so we couldn’t wait to bring him on to the podcast to dive deeper into this hot topic with us.
In This Episode
[2:04] - Joey started with Sola in 2013 and works hard to maintain healthy boundaries.
[3:56] - Policies hold both clients and salon owners accountable.
[5:18] - Joey admits that in the beginning, he let his clients walk all over him until he realized how much he was losing without policies.
[7:30] - There are certain things that you need to understand to value the monetary worth of your time.
[8:55] - Start with what you are comfortable with. Copy policies from another salons and tweak as you go.
[10:34] - Your booking methods could be a policy and be firm in the way you want to run your business and schedule.
[12:03] - Joey describes his cancellation policy and the challenges that Covid poses on it.
[13:18] - Educate your clients on your policies and why they are important.
[18:24] - Covid policies can be very tricky because of the polarizing opinions surrounding it.
7. The Importance of Self-Care During COVID-19
Episode 7
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 • Duration 40:23
Is taking care of yourself something you prioritize or put on the back burner? On this episode of Sola Stories, I am chatting with Amanda Fagan, about how important self-care is, especially with COVID-19 and the stress it has put on everyone. Amanda was one of our 2018 Faces of Sola, and she says that self-care is speaking her language, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to have her on the show.
This pandemic has affected us all personally and professionally, adding a lot of stress and uncertainty. Listen as Amanda shares her insights into self-care, when she became an expert and why she feels it is so important now. She speaks about her self-care rituals and how self-care is a constant conversation with yourself, asking yourself what you need.
Amanda and I talk about how she is approaching the reopening of her studio, what changes she is making, and how the environment inside the studio will change. Although she still talks to her clients and gives them advice on their hair when they need it, she likes to focus on her guests that work in the medical field. She shares encouragement and supports them and gives them some tips on self-care.
Listen as we speak about the SolaGenius Tools and how they can help you streamline and supercharge your salon business. Amanda has jumped on the GlossGenius bandwagon and can’t wait to use it. What are you waiting for? Now is the time to reevaluate the way you manage your business.
In This Episode
[01:15] Welcome to the show, Amanda!
[01:42] Amanda speaks about self-care and how important it is for her to stay grounded.
[04:03] Amanda discusses her background, and when she started her Sola Salon.
[05:18] Why was that an excellent time for you to go independent?
[07:07] She chats about when she began focusing on self-care.
[08:31] Amanda shares her experience with COVID-19.
[10:51] She speaks about her clients and how special they are to her.
6. Quick Tip: How To Get Started In Marketing
Episode 6
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 • Duration 09:47
In addition to in-depth interviews with Solepreneurs and industry thought-leaders, Sola Stories brings you Quick Tips to give you bite-sized pieces of valuable information that you can use to improve your business when you have a few minutes between clients or driving to work.
On this first Marketing Quick Tip, listen as Sola’s Chief Marketing Officer, Jennie Wolff, shares some quick marketing tips to help you find fun over fear when marketing your business. Jennie eases us into the sometimes frightening world of marketing and teaches us the importance of knowing how to tell your story.
Fun fact we learn in this episode: The average relationship a woman has with her hairdresser is 12 years, while the average relationship a woman has with her husband is 11.5 years. Your client relationships matter and the only way your clients can build a long-lasting relationship with you is by knowing your story. That’s where marketing comes in. If you are willing to put in the time and energy, especially as an independent salon owner, you get to predict your own future, and the sky's the limit.
In This Episode
[00:26] Welcome to the show!
[00:45] Our goal with the marketing quick tip is to give you bite-sized pieces of content that you can listen to any time.
[02:06] Marketing allows us to find your story every day.
[02:21] Jennie speaks about how to get started in marketing, and the fear that surrounds putting yourself out there.
[03:10] Jennie shares about her first job in a marketing agency.
[03:55] Jennie believes that independent salon owners are way ahead in the marketing game.
[04:36] A survey showed that a woman's average relationship with her hairdresser is twelve years, but the average relationship with their spouse is eleven and a half years.
[05:21] Marketing is like learning a new color technique and using it the first time.
[05:31] Marketing is all about storytelling.
5. How To Make It As An Independent Salon Owner
Episode 5
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 • Duration 49:40
On this episode of Sola Stories, we are joined by four Faces of Sola to share their stories, tips and advice they have learned as independent salon owners at Sola.
Joining Jennie Wolff, we have Lindsey Couch (@thehungryhairdresser) co-owner of Arrow Salon in Louisville, KY, Diana Antes (@dianaanteshair) Diana Antes Studio in Sunnyvale, CA, Tara Chilton (@merakisalonandco) co-owner of Meraki Salon & CO in Springfield, MO, and nail artist Stefanie Stair (@the_stair_way) owner of The STAIR Way in Knoxville, TN.
Listen, as these amazing women share how they overcame their fears of going out on their own, the systems they believe are essential to success, how they handle retail in their studios and the importance of caring for your mental health when working behind the chair. Tara and Lindsey both co-own their salons, and the two speak about their favorite and most challenging parts of working with a partner. They all share how they build relationships in their respective Sola communities and the benefits of being at Sola, both for themselves and their customers.
Learn how these Sola bosses stay at the top of their game through continuing education, what inspired them to make the move to Sola, and how mentors have had a major impact on their careers and lives. Get tips from each on how to use social media to help grow your business, as well as advice for anyone who is thinking about going out on their own.
In This Episode
[01:01] Welcome to the show, Lindsey, Diana, Tara and Stef.
[02:36] Diana shares what her fears were when she went out on her own.
[03:40] Lindsey wasn’t afraid she would fail; she was more afraid of burning out.
[05:22] Stef, what fears did you have when you went out on your own?
[05:47] Tara speaks about what someone can do to get the confidence they need to make the leap.
[06:30] Tara shares what systems she believes are essential to get a salon studio set up for success.
[07:10] Does anyone else have any systems or boundaries in place that you think is important or ones you wish you had in place?
4. Surviving COVID Quarantine + Prepping For The Comeback
Episode 4
Tuesday, April 21, 2020 • Duration 33:44
On this episode of Sola Stories, host Jennie Wolff chats with Steven Wren, one of Sola's 2020 Faces of Sola. Listen as they discuss why he made the career change to become a barber at 30 and how going independent has given him freedom, growth and control in his career.
Steven, owner of Steven Brandon Hair Studio in Chicago, first caught our attention right when he joined the Sola family a little over a year and a half ago. We have been following him on social media and love watching him inspire others through education, mentorship and by being a great member of our community.
Steven speaks about his Sola journey, where he was able to build his business enough in four months that he needed to transition from a standard studio to a much larger one.
He talks about staying busy during the downtime and how he has coped with not working over the past few weeks. Steven shares about his family and how he is staying positive and motivated while spending time with his children.
In this episode, listen as Jennie and Steven discuss how the Sola family can stay in touch through social media and what Sola is doing to keep everyone educated while waiting to go back to their studios. Additionally, Steven shares how he is planning for a grand reopening.
Listen while this positive, inspiring, uplifting barber helps you get prepped and ready to re-enter the world for your greatest comeback.
In This Episode
[02:10] Welcome to the show, Steven!
[02:56] Steven shares his background and how he became a barber.
[05:10] Steven started barber school when he was thirty, and it surprised him he wasn't the oldest one there.
[07:45] Steven shares the transition from a more conventional barbershop to his own Sola studio.
[09:36] Steven speaks about his one-year anniversary with Sola.
[13:57] What has your experience been with this COVID-19 and shelter at home situation?
3. How To Balance It All Like A #MomBoss with Kelsey Morris
Episode 3
Tuesday, April 14, 2020 • Duration 44:35
Calling Kelsey Morris a go-getter is an understatement. Her career started on a very different path when she initially pursued a degree in criminology and law enforcement. But while in school, Kelsey learned she was pregnant, and after earning her criminology degree realized that a life of crime wasn’t conducive to raising a baby. So, she made a decision to follow another calling she had - going to beauty school. With a newborn on the way and a bartending gig on the side, she balanced it all like a total boss.
On this episode of Sola Stories, 2019 Faces of Sola Kelsey Morris shares why she decided to become a hairdresser and tells us about the mentors who advised her along the way. She speaks about her Sola journey, starting in a double studio with two other stylists, then eventually moving to her own studio to pursue mentorship. She shares how being in a salon studio has impacted her life outside of the salon, giving her the ability to be more present with her children and husband.
Listen as Kelsey gives advice on running a successful business while trying to be the best parent possible. She talks about how technology has given her the gift of time which allows her to have an active role in her family’s life as well as pursue other dreams outside of the salon, like opening her own clothing boutique. Kelsey shares how becoming an educator has influenced the way she works behind the chair and how she interacts with her clients. Kelsey also shares advice for anyone who is thinking of becoming an educator, and what she does in her role as GlossGenius Gloss Boss.
If you are looking for inspiration to dream bigger, take chances, and take your career to the next level, this is the episode you can't miss. So grab a pen and paper, sit back and take note of how this #MomBoss does it all.
In This Episode
[01:06] Kelsey, thank you so much for being on the show today!
[02:45] Kelsey shares how she got into hairdressing and how she used to cut her friend's hair.
[05:33] Kelsey speaks about her mentors and what inspires her in life and business.
[07:34] She chats about her brand and getting her presence known on social media.
2. Creating Connection + The Importance of Education
Episode 2
Tuesday, April 7, 2020 • Duration 45:44
Do you long for belonging to something bigger than yourself? Listen as your host Jennie and Sola’s Culture Ambassador, Kim Bennett, continue discussing the benefits of a career with Sola Salon Studios, Kim’s nearly 16-year-long journey at Sola, and much more on this part 2 episode of the Sola Stories Podcast. If this is the first time you are tuning in, Jennie Wolff is the Chief Marketing Officer at Sola Salon Studios, and Kim is Sola’s first-ever Sola professional.
Kim shares why she believes it's so important to create and harness relationships in the beauty industry and the work you have to put in to build trust and honor. She also speaks about how she has established relationships within the Sola community all across the country using social media. Kim discusses how her local Sola community has impacted her business and tips on how a new Sola professional can create those meaningful relationships with their own Sola community.
Kim speaks about the importance of education in the beauty industry, especially for independent salon owners. She shares ways Sola helps to educate stylists and the tools she and other Sola professionals can use to grow their businesses. Kim chats about why she became a Paul Mitchell educator and how she has parlayed that partnership in her salon.
Do you want to become an educator? Listen as Kim shares advice for listeners who are thinking about becoming educators and the steps they can take to make it happen. She also stresses how important it is to make the most of your partnership with Sola. The Sola team has dedicated themselves to ensuring Sola professionals have everything they need to be successful as long as you are willing to put in the work.
If you haven't listened to part 1, you should definitely check it out, but you can also listen to this as a stand-alone conversation. So sit back, relax, and enjoy.
In This Episode
[00:26] Welcome to the Sola Stories Podcast!
[00:42] Kim, thank you for being here!
[01:01] Kim shares why it is so essential for her to have connections with people.
1. Going Independent + Getting Started In A Salon Studio
Episode 1
Tuesday, April 7, 2020 • Duration 47:15
It all started nearly 16 years ago on a napkin at a Starbucks... Listen as your host, Jennie Wolff, and Sola’s first-ever Sola stylist, Kim Bennett, discuss why and how Kim started her nearly 16-year journey with Sola and much more on this episode of the Sola Stories Podcast.
Kim first opened her Sola studio in Denver, Colorado in 2004. Even though salon studios weren’t as common in the industry as they are now, Kim saw the opportunity, saw the heart of the company, and took a leap of faith that changed her life forever. Kim has been a sounding board for the company since the beginning to ensure that at Sola, the beauty professionals always come first.
Listen as Kim shares what inspired her to become a hairdresser, how she became a national educator for Paul Mitchell, and why she moved to Denver. Kim describes what led her to Sola, what inspires her in life and business, and how instrumental her mentors were to where she is today. She also speaks about mentorship, how seriously she takes it, and the responsibility she feels toward anyone who seeks her advice.
On this episode, Kim shares what it was about the Sola Salon Studios concept that appealed to her, her fears when she first opened, and what she was most excited as she embarked on her journey. She speaks about how her salon has evolved over the last nearly 16 years and how the redesign of her studio has given her inspiration for continued growth. Kim opens up about being a single mom and how being her own boss allows her the freedom she needs to be there for her daughter.
Kim believes that she is who she is today because of that meeting at Starbucks. Her salon at Sola isn’t just a job for Kim. Sola is her family. Jennie’s conversation with Kim isn’t over, stay tuned for part 2 because there is so much more to discuss.
In This Episode
[00:26] Welcome, everyone!
[00:41] Jennie shares her background and why she accepted the position at Sola Salon Studios.
[01:39] Jennie introduces Kim and shares a little of her inspirational journey with Sola.
[20:01] - Joey meets his clients where they are comfortable.
[23:55] - How you accept payment is something you also need to be clear about.
[26:41] - Joey has very clear new client policies as well.
[28:34] - Your cancellation policy during the holiday season is extremely important.
[31:18] - Joey and Jennie discuss tardiness and the impact it can have on your day.
[33:18] - Regarding communicating your policies, Joey recommends having it in writing.
[35:01] - Joey addresses losing clients.
[38:12] - You should be open about policies. Talking about them should not be a behind-the-scenes talk.
[40:15] - The effects of Covid were actually positive for Joey in changing his work mindset.
[43:21] - More and more people are becoming more flexible.
[13:51] Amanda offers encouragement and support to her clients in the healthcare field and gives them advice on the phone about what they can do with their hair.
[17:15] What are some of your self-care rituals?
[19:32] To Amanda, self-care is a constant conversation with yourself, asking yourself what you are feeling and what do you need.
[23:30] Why is self-care so important right now?
[26:32] Amanda shares what she does when she needs the inspiration to get out of bed and start her day.
[29:13] Amanda discusses how she is handling this pandemic with her daughters and doing everything from home like school and dance.
[31:28] What are you doing to prepare for reopening your salon? Are you changing up anything in your salon environment?
[34:10] Jennie speaks about the Sola Genius tools technology that they offer.
[35:11] Amanda shares her last words of wisdom for the listeners.
[36:50] Thank you for sharing everything with us on this podcast and the Sola blog.
[38:06] Thank you so much for being on the show today!
[05:51] How often do you give yourself the chance to tell your story.
[06:21] Tip #1, learn something new every day.
[07:44] Tip #2, keep trying new things.
[08:52] Tip #3, ask for help when you need it.
[10:03] When you are willing to put in the time and energy especially as an independent salon owner you get to predict your own future and the sky's the limit.
[10:17] I hope you walk away from today's quick tip realizing how fun and not scary marketing can be.
[03:14] Kim chats about how connecting people can be a lot of work; build trust and honor.
[07:13] How have you established relationships with your Sola community, and how has it impacted your business?
[10:25] Kim shares how she has built relationships with Sola communities all across the country.
[12:21] Kim gives tips to new Sola stylists for using social media to connect with the Sola community across the country.
[15:01] How did you build your clientele and nurture those relationships? How do you continue to grow year after year?
[17:10] Kim shares ways to confort a problematic client, and when that might be appropriate.
[19:47] Kim speaks about why continuing education is so important to independent business owners.
[21:56] How do you think Sola can help people stay educated at this time in their career?
[23:31] Kim shares why she became an educator with Paul Mitchell.
[26:17] Kim believes that combining her position as an educator with Paul Mitchell and being a salon owner at Sola is the magic she needed to be successful.
[28:58] You don't just educate on stage, but also every day with the client in your chair.
[30:08] What advice do you have for any listeners who want to become educators?
[31:56] Kim speaks about how to become an educator.
[33:34] Kim chats about how a stylist can make the most of their partnership with a brand.
[34:49] How has partnering with a brand like Paul Mitchell helped build a more substantial business for Kim Bennett Studios?
[37:05] Kim shares how people can make the most out of their relationship with the Sola brand.
[39:40] Shout out to Angela, who is producing the podcast for us.
[41:30] Kim chats about why she says you have to get uncomfortable to grow.
[43:16] Kim's last words of wisdom are for everyone to find their balance of gratitude and perspective.
Discover shows related to Sola Stories, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
