Sola Stories
Sola Stories
Sola Salon Studios
Independent beauty professionals and industry leaders discuss salon suite ownership at Sola Salon Studios.
99. The Power of Online Reviews
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, in this day in age, online reviews are a vital part of growing any service business. We know there can be a lot of fear and hesitation when it comes to online reviews. We hear things like, "Well, I don't like to brag about myself," and questions like, "What if someone writes something negative or completely untrue? What if one person's bad day turns other potential clients away?" The reality is, once in a while, it may happen, but the benefits of a strong online presence can be the difference between a thriving business and one that can't seem to keep the doors open. And on those off-chances that you do get a negative review, there are strategies to handle those too!   Press play for 7 reasons you should lean into online reviews plus 3 ways to handle negative ones. In This Episode [1:32] - There are ways to ask for reviews in an authentic way. [2:28] - Online reviews put you in control of monitoring your online presence. [3:07] - Reviews also give you credibility and help clients find you. [4:02] - Search engines prioritize highly reviewed businesses. [5:06] - Think about reviews as free marketing. [6:01] - Like other social media platforms, you can engage with reviewers. [7:23] - Share your reviews on social media to entice others to leave one, too. [7:50] - Negative reviews will still happen for a variety of reasons. How can you remedy this? [10:02] - Check out the Sola blog for more posts and helpful tutorials about online reviews. Links and Resources Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page Sola Salons Studios – Website   Yelp Guide For Beauty Professionals 6 Social Media and Marketing Tips From Our Faces of Sola 5 Ways to Increase Your Online Presence 
Feb 15, 2022
11 min
98. Chasing Greatness with Antonio Willis
Our guest on this episode is a barber extraordinaire who is innovative and talented, yet humle and grounded. Joining us from his barbershop, The Coil, in Chicago, Antionio is here to share his journey to salon ownership - and what lead him to become the successful barber he is today. You might know him as @barbergawd on Insagram, or as one of the 2021 Faces of Sola, but we know him as one of the most genuine and inspirational people we’ve crossed paths with.  In this episode, Antonio opens up about his experience moving to the south side of Chicago at 14 years old and how there was a lack of positive mentorship. But despite the challenges he faced, Antonio used his experiences to fuel his passions and purpose. Through his work behind the chair and a drive to make a difference in the lives of others in the next generation, Antonio has created a community of empowered people who not only look good, but feel good. Press play on this episode to get the inspiration and motivation you didn’t know you needed.  In This Episode [2:10] - Antonio has made such an impact on the Sola community and we knew his story needed to be shared. [3:42] - Growing up, Antonio admired his uncle and aspired to follow in his footsteps. [6:26] - By spending time with clients every couple of weeks, Antonio has made connections with young people in his community as a mentor. [8:00] - The experience he provides in the chair gives his clients confidence. [9:40] - Antonio offers a subscription based VIP list that locks in appointments. [11:20] - Because he sees 14 to 18 people a day, Antonio delegates tasks to others in his network to help build his product line and app. [13:17] - Antonio felt the need to branch into his own business with Sola so he could do things his own way and keep growing. [14:50] - His dreams are to provide stability for his children and give them the opportunities to do the things they want to do. [16:40] - Those in the Sola community are passionate about making time to inspire future individuals in the industry. [18:00] - During the early days of the pandemic, Antonio set up a tarp covered studio in a hotel. [21:53] - Antonio explains why his studio is called The Coil. [24:00] - The Coil has also been branched out to include products for women and has a store front. [25:51] - Taking photos of his work doesn’t only help promote his brand, but it makes clients feel good, too. Antonio shares his method in self promotion. [28:31] - To his clients and his community, Antonio is more than a barber. [30:20] - Comparison is the thief of joy. How does Antonio thrive in a community with a lot of barbers? [33:18] - Antonio has a strong sense of self and confidence but continues to be very humble. [36:30] - It is Black History Month and Antonio shares what it means to him to be a black-owned business in his community. [39:00] - Antonio’s advice for young people is to talk to the people who inspire you and find out how to do the things you love.   Links and Resources Sola Salons Instagram Page Sola Salons – Website The Coil Website Barbergawd on Facebook @barbergawd on Instagram
Feb 9, 2022
42 min
97. Setting Salon Prices with Joey Figueiredo
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. [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. Links and Resources @solasalons www.solasalons.com @stylistjoey How to Set Healthy Client Boundaries and Sane Salon Policies by Joey Figueiredo on Modern Salon
Feb 1, 2022
45 min
96. Streamline Your Salon Business
As an independent salon owner, you wear many hats, and sometimes it may feel challenging to juggle all of your day-to-day tasks, stay organized and maintain a healthy work-life balance. But we've got you covered... because, with Sola, you can have it all. Here are 4 ways you can streamline your business and stay organized in 2022. In This Episode [1:01] - Manage your business with SolaGenius. [2:09] - What can you do with SolaGenius in just a few clicks? [3:05] - Stock your back bar and retail shelves with BeautyHive. [4:26] - Create and schedule social media content using tools like Canva. [5:56] - Keep your social media branded with your colors and fonts interspersed with real photos of your craft. [7:17] - Pre-planning and post scheduling give you more time and freedom. [8:06] - Sola Sessions are back in person! Join us in Denver in May! Links and Resources Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page Sola Salons Studios – Website SolaGenius BeautyHive  
Jan 26, 2022
9 min
95. Start Your Year Off Right
Are you ready to make 2022 your best year yet? Our guests on this episode are here to help you create a solid action plan to keep your business healthy and growing.  In this episode, we are joined by Faces of Sola Drew Inge and Genia Church along with industry experts Michael Cole and Nina Tulio to talk all things budgeting, raising prices, growing your clientele, goal-setting and goal getting. Drew and Genia demonstrate how to connect with others to build each other up while Michael and Nina provide the details on what to look for in your 2022 business and financial plans.  Press play on this episode to start celebrating your wins, both big and small, and find out how to integrate these best practices to make this your best year yet!  In This Episode [0:36] - All the guests are introduced. Learn about Drew, Genia, Michael, and Nina. [3:50] - When planning for the future, it is important to reflect on the previous year. Genia shares what she was most proud of from 2021. [6:18] - For Drew, 2021 was very transformative. [7:48] - Start your reflection with celebrating your wins. Be still for a moment and see how far you’ve come. [9:20] - Part of growing is trying new things. Some of these things won’t work so take them out of your plan and move forward. [10:01] - Michael lists five important questions he asks himself when reflecting on the past and planning for a new year. [12:18] - Although there have been countless challenges, sometimes crisis creates opportunity. Drew and Genia describe the positive outcomes they’ve experienced. [15:02] - How can independent salon owners benefit from changes? [16:00] - No matter how proficient we were at using digital tools prior to COVID, we are all far better now. [17:50] - Sola is at the forefront of innovation in hair color and styles as a result of creative ideas to survive COVID. [19:21] - COVID heightened business awareness for independent salon owners. With that, comes boundaries. [20:29] - Keep your goals simple. Growth in your business does not have to be complicated. [21:50] - Make the commitment to yourself to maintain consistency while implementing new things. [23:40] - Genia addresses burnout and explains how she integrates doing more of what she loves into her business goals. [26:02] - Drew’s main goal is to become more financially healthy and explains how he wants to better integrate technology to do so. [28:08] - What is the millionaire mindset? [31:19] - Part time is the new full time. [32:14] - Building a brand strategy and digital strategy is a focus this year for Genia. [33:44] - Nina shares a lot of information for budgeting in the new year. [35:44] - A healthy business is a profitable business. [37:28] - Michael shares what salon owners should be looking at financially in the new year. [40:36] - Consultations with clients can be an opportunity to make sure you are making the profits you need and giving the client precisely what they need. [42:00] - For Genia, the KPI that makes a difference for her is her Daily Ticket Average. What other KPIs are helpful to look at consistently? [46:01] - Keep your books open to new clients and if you can’t, put clients on a wait list rather than turning anyone away. [47:40] - If you are booked solid back to back, Michael suggests increasing your prices as the demands for your services are high. [50:26] - Every decision you make has to be in alignment with your business and brand.  [53:17] - Even if you don’t charge for a virtual consultation, the tickets wind up being more profitable. [56:23] - May 2022 Sola Sessions in Denver, Colorado announcement! Links and Resources Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page Sola Salons Studios – Website Ashlie on Instagram Drew on TikTok Drew’s Instagram Genia’s Instagram Michael Cole Millionaire Stylist on Instagram Nina Tulio on Instagram
Jan 18, 2022
58 min
94. Setting Salon Owners Up For Success in the New Year
A new year is a perfect opportunity to get organized. After the holidays, things may feel a bit chaotic. Be patient with yourself as you get things back in order after the holiday rush. From self-care to schedule mastery, we've got the steps every independent salon owner should take to self yourself up for success in 2022.  In This Episode [1:01] - Self-care is crucial. Fill up your own cup before you help fill others’. [2:37] - Spruce up the salon! The new year is a great time to clean things out that are not in alignment. [3:21] - Start or restart a healthy routine. During the holidays, we veer away from our usual routine and the transition back can be challenging. [5:01] - Consider mindfulness, movement, and nourishment for your morning routine to help set you up for success. [5:36] - Time blocking and task batching are strategies that help you manage your time and can majorly increase productivity. [6:30] - This is the time of year where hydration is tougher. Be mindful of hydration as part of your routine. [7:31] - This is the year of the Sola boss! With the right routines and self care routines, you can set yourself up for success Links and Resources Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page Sola Salons Studios – Website
Jan 11, 2022
9 min
93. Setting Goals and Intentions for the New Year
As we are still celebrating the magic of the New Year, we wanted to bring two of the most inspiring people in the Sola family to talk about setting intentions and goals for 2022. Kim Bennett and Steven Wren have offered hope and relentless positivity to our community when we needed it most… and we couldn’t think of anyone more fitting to help us ring in the New Year on The Sola Stories Podcast than these two! Setting intentions is all about putting your energy into what you want. When you can find or create some clarity around what you want, you invite your heart and your mind to focus and support you in getting closer to what you truly desire – in life or in your business. This time of year is a chance to start fresh, dream just a little bit bigger, and imagine with intention. Press play on this episode to join the conversation with Kim and Steve, and discover how to take achievable action steps to reach your goals and fulfill your 2022 intentions! In This Episode [2:54] - Kim shares how 2021 impacted her and how wearing the salon owner hat changed her maturity. [4:29] - It is important to embrace change and recognize things as a new normal. [5:16] - For Steve, 2021 made him realize how important the client/barber relationship really is and the need to create a safe space for people. [7:05] - You can set intentions, goals, and resolutions at any point in the year. Making them small is key to success. [8:01] - Kim and Steve share their intentions for 2021 and how they differed from 2020. [11:49] - Sometimes we set a goal, but then don’t think about the small actions that will help you achieve them. How can you make the actionable steps a habit? [13:09] - Kim describes new opportunities that came her way in 2021 that she is excited to develop further in the new year. [16:00] - Steve also had new opportunities in 2021 and explains how his desire to impact his community and working with Sola helped him cast a larger net. [19:01] - The ability to present virtually has made the world smaller. This has created new opportunities, education, and relationships more accessible. [20:07] - When setting up goals and intentions for a new year, Steve breaks his year up into personal and business and into quarters. [21:40] - Kim shares what she is looking forward to the most in 2022. [23:37] - For 2022, Kim isn’t concerned about change anymore.  [24:58] - Don’t be afraid to fail. The fear of failure holds you back from trying new things. [27:04] - Kim explains how she sets business goals and her previous fear of raising prices. [30:14] - The webinar that Kim hosted is available through the Sola Pro app. [33:40] - Steve describes his goals for 2022 through the lens of a business owner. [36:26] - It is recommended to incorporate times of rest into your goals. [39:01] - A goal without a plan is just a wish. You have to have an action plan. [42:30] - Steve separates his goals into categories and has action steps for every single day to help reach them. [44:23] - Steve’s word for 2022 is evolution and Kim’s is influence. [46:46] - Take the time to reflect on the past year before you look at your goals for the future in depth. Links and Resources Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page Sola Salons Studios – Website Kimi_Kisses on Instagram Kimi_Kisses on TikTok MrWrenCuts on Instagram Mr. Wren Cuts on Facebook
Jan 4, 2022
49 min
92. Make 2022 the Year of YOU with Dawn Bradley
As 2021 comes to an end, it’s time to take a deep breath and recharge. But with the added pressure of setting goals for the new year, taking time to rest after the holiday rush is often easier said than done. Our guest, Dawn Bradley, is here to help remind us that we can’t take care of others before taking care of ourselves first. Dawn is a hairstylist, educator, business coach and host of The Anxious Creative Podcast where she regularly has conversations about living with anxiety and the dreaded imposter syndrome. Dawn joins us today to talk about recovering from the holiday craze in a time where we’re still adjusting to a constantly changing new normal. She shares best practices for setting and keeping solid boundaries to avoid career burnout — post-holiday and year-round. Listen now to find out how you can practice active rest, hit the reset button and make 2022 the year of you!In This Episode [1:56] - Dawn is the host of The Anxious Creative Podcast and today’s topic is a needed conversation especially this time of year. [3:42] - This year it is going to be easy to overextend yourself and tempting to take on more. [5:20] - There is more pressure surrounding this year’s holiday season than in the past. [6:17] - Dawn describes the shame spiral and how this can happen when there’s added pressure right now. [9:11] - Dawn explains the difference between doing nothing and active rest. [12:01] - Find the thing that makes you forget you have a phone. [14:15] - What works for one person won’t always work for others. Remember that if you feel exhausted after doing something, it isn’t rest. [16:07] - Some people recharge by being alone and during the holidays this is challenging. Dawn explains that it is important to take care of yourself first. [20:40] - Book yourself an appointment at the spa. You spend your year making others feel good and you deserve it, too. [22:20] - Your worth and value are so much more than what you can do for other people. [23:53] - Creating hard boundaries and sticking to a vacation schedule can make a huge difference in your self care and recharging. [25:04] - No one will respect your boundaries if you don’t respect them yourself. [27:02] - The starting signs of burnout are bitterness and feeling annoyed with your clients and internal negativity towards something you used to love. [29:41] - Visualization is a simple tool you can use to keep yourself from feeling drained from certain clients. [32:15] - Life and business are interconnected. [34:17] - Dawn writes down and speaks aloud mantras that have been impactful. [35:18] - Dawn is hosting a free five day business building bootcamp. It is all from a perspective of growing your business while taking care of yourself. Links and Resources Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page Sola Salons Studios – Website Dawn Bradley’s Website Dawn on YouTube The Anxious Creative Podcast Build Your Business Bootcamp
Dec 28, 2021
40 min
91. Embracing Your Authentic Self with Alyssa Wiener
You may recognize 2021 Face of Sola Alyssa Wiener from her vibrant creations on Instagram, or from being published in Modern Salon, Behind the Chair, and Beauty Launchpad. But we know Alyssa as a kind, genuine person who is able to make her clients look on the outside the way they feel on the inside. Alyssa joins us on this Sola Stories episode to share her story about what intrigued her to join the beauty industry, why she was drawn to vibrant hair colorations, and what it was like opening her Sola salon studio during the height of the pandemic. Find out how in her salon, Lucky 13, she can create a safe space where everyone feels welcome, heard, and seen. With Alyssa’s authenticity and empathy, her clients can feel confident embracing their authentic selves. In This Episode [0:55] - In 8th grade, Alyssa colored her hair black and was sent to a school therapist. Here’s how that experience shaped her path for the future. [2:55] - Alyssa explains how a visit with her hairstylist opened her eyes to the world of Cosmetology and nothing else made sense to her afterward. [4:34] - Was Alyssa’s salon built around a sense of retribution for her childhood experiences? [5:54] - Alyssa tells us about her journey to becoming a Sola salon owner during the height of a pandemic. [8:00] - Alyssa reveals where she conjured up her confidence despite all the fear, paralyzation, and uncertainty that the pandemic brought. [10:40] - “Collaboration over competition” is a rare mindset for the beauty industry. We learn how Alyssa came to embrace that ideology. [12:10] - Angela gives us a visualization of how Alyssa dressed for the interview and drives home the point that we are our own brand. [13:51] - How networking and authenticity helped Alyssa gain a massive following on social media. [16:20] - While Alyssa believes the followers on social media are cool, deep down she doesn’t define herself by her social media following. [18:29] - Alyssa is happy to be at a place where she can be more selective of the clients that join her tribe. [20:25] - What would Alyssa say to someone who is on the fence about going independent or joining Sola? Links and Resources Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page Sola Salons Studios – Website Alyssa Wiener on Facebook - @lucky13ct Alyssa Wiener on Instagram - @alyssawiener Alyssa’s Website
Dec 21, 2021
22 min
90. Choosing Joy During the Holidays with Drew Inge
In this episode, Face of Sola Drew Inge joins us to spread the holiday spirit. You might know him as Do My Hair Drew on Instagram and TikTok where you can find some of the most hilarious and entertaining hairdresser themed TikToks and Reels, but Drew is so much more than a rock star educator or social media influencer. Drew has become a source of inspiration for thousands in the beauty industry. He continues to show up for everyone in his life: from his clients and his Sola neighbors, to his own friends and family. He hosts donation drives, Secret Santa gift exchanges for his Sola location, and even just leaves nice little snacks in the breakroom just to make someone’s day. We couldn’t think of anyone more fitting to join us on the Sola Stories Podcast to spread a little cheer and joy than Drew!  In this episode, Drew shares the meaning of the holidays for him and why he chooses to have and share so much joy. The reality is that the holidays can be a difficult time for some people, and a little love, light and laughter can go a long way.  In This Episode [2:01] - It is so important to Drew to show up for everyone and completed this interview from his car! [3:25] - The holidays in general are special to Drew and he decked everything out in his salon in November. He shares a personal story that changed his perspective. [5:43] - You never know what someone is going through and many people suffer in silence during the holidays. [6:24] - The way we show up is a decision. Where does Drew find the strength to show up consistently? [8:05] - Drew shares some of the things he does in his salon to boost the holiday spirit. [9:48] - Drew keeps a tight schedule and explains how he prioritizes. [11:47] - In order to show up for others, you have to prioritize self care. [13:24] - Ways to bring cheer to the salon do not have to be complicated. Drew shares some easy ideas to get you started off small. [15:41] - Drew shares a tip on keeping books full without having last minute cancellations as well as some things he does to keep the holiday spirit alive with his clients. [17:08] - Knowing how he manages the holidays, Drew plans ahead so his investments don’t hit the bottom line. [18:03] - Drew loves using music and lights for the holiday experience. [19:03] - Think about what someone else is going through behind closed doors and help spread joy through your awareness and understanding. Links and Resources Sola Salon Studios' Instagram Page Sola Salons Studios – Website Drew Inge on Instagram - @domyhairdrew Drew Inge on TikTok - @domyhairdrew Drew’s Website
Dec 15, 2021
21 min
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