6 Things To Consider Before Becoming Your Own Boss
It’s no secret—the industry is changing. Social media has upped the creative aspect and allowed you to build your own clientele, and with that comes new goals and new dreams. Maybe you’re dreaming of bigger things outside of your current salon station—having your own space where you can create, control and decide for yourself how you want to run your business and your time.
Actually making the move? That’s usually the hard part, but it doesn’t have to be. Becoming a salon owner doesn’t have to be scary, and it certainly doesn’t have to be a dream any longer. So let’s break it down. Here’s what you need to know before shifting gears from your current salon station to being your own boss!
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1. The Business That Can’t Be Ignored
The one thing that can be overwhelming when a stylist makes the move to becoming a salon owner? ALL THAT BUSINESS! It’s true, there is a lot of planning that goes into running your own salon, from board inspections and finding the right insurance to understanding tax information and how to keep a daily bookkeeping sheet (and do it correctly!). How are you going to keep it all straight? With help from Sola Salon Studios, everything that is normally difficult and overwhelming for new business owners is seriously simplified.
“The welcome kit at Sola Salons was amazing. It took me step by step
through everything needed to start my business…it gave me the tools
to make me feel confident in starting my own salon.”
–Heather Yacenda, Wichita, Kan.
2. Transition Smartly
You know we don’t lie, so we’re gonna give it to you straight—becoming your own boss comes with a lot of responsibilities, and there is a lot to remember when making this big move. Where will you set up your new space? How will you get all of the necessary furniture needed to accommodate your guests? Which product lines will you be able to carry? Yes, these are the questions you should be asking yourself, but no, you don’t have to figure it out all on your own.
“I received so much support from my Sola manager. When a product company
made it difficult for me to carry its line, Steve called them up,
and I had an order form later that afternoon.”
-Jessica Zeinstra, Minneapolis, Minn.
“Sola made my transition easy because the salon was equipped with the necessary furniture to provide services for my clients immediately.”
-Antonio Heath, Birmingham, Mich.
3. Get Social
Have you ever thought to yourself, “Should I Instagram this?!” If it’s great work that you’re proud of, the answer is always YES! Social media plays a huge role in the industry today whether you’re an owner or a stylist, but once you’re officially working for yourself, it becomes even more crucial to keep your online presence positive and strong. Put your work out there, and use those hashtags! Sola stylists have made Instagram a priority—it’s what drives their business and is the perfect platform to showcase their hard work.
4. It’s All About The Education
If there is one thing we know about this industry, it’s that it is always evolving, and when you own a salon, it becomes even more important to stay on top of the most current trends and techniques. But how do you continuously keep up with what’s cool now? How do you continue to evolve creatively without growing stale? How do you stay inspired? Easy, we’ll say it in one word—education. It’s education that keeps you up-to-date on the hottest trends and teaches you the ins and outs of building up your business with practical tips for social media, retail and customer care.
“My daughter and I attended the very first [Sola Session] in Denver,
and we can’t wait for the next one. We all understood ‘exactly’
the kind of environment we’re all coming from and what works for us.”
-Tammy Muniz, Chattanooga, Tenn.
5. A Partner Who’s Always There
Taking all of these steps can be a little overwhelming, especially when it seems to happen all at once. Wouldn’t it be great if there was someone you could go to or something you could reference any time you come to a crossroad? At Sola, there is. Once you become a Sola Salon Studio owner, the Sola Pro app will be your best friend—but seriously. From marketing and business tips, a calendar of live events, plus motivational and business-building videos that range from quick, one-minute clips to full one-hour step-by-step tutorials, Sola Pro has it all and is available 24/7!
6. You’re the Boss…Own It!
So, you’ve figured out the logistics for how everything will run, and you’ve checked off everything on your to-do list before making the big move. The business, the marketing and the social? You’re good to go. And if you need anything? Sola has your back. So set your own hours, decorate the way you want and enjoy every minute of being your own boss!
“I love having complete control of every aspect of my business:
cleanliness, decor, selling all of my favorite products.
And the one-on-one intimate experience I get with my clients is priceless.
-Tammy Muniz, Chattanooga, Tenn.
