Become an Educator on Your Time!

“Since moving to Sola, my education schedule has doubled. I have been able to do so many projects because my schedule is in my own hands,” shares Jessica Zeinstra. 

If you have ever dreamt about helping others grow their careers through education as a brand ambassador, but can’t find the time to do so in a typical salon environment, it’s time to consider moving to a  salon studio, like Sola Salon Studios. At Sola, you have the freedom and the flexibility to be in complete control of your personal and professional life. Not only do you have the opportunity to be your own boss, set your own schedule and fill your shelves with retail products you truly believe in—but you also have the autonomy to educate others without needing to seek permission.

Not sure where to start? At Sola, the support is there to help get you exactly where you want to go professionally. To get specifics, BTC sought out four successful Sola Salon Studios owners to get insight on becoming a brand educator while running your own successful salon business. Here’s what they had to say!

 “If I have to travel, I can make up time with clients on a Sunday/Monday or even before or after traditional business hours,” says Lee Trevino.

Getting Started
Giving back through education is a rewarding experience, but getting started can be tricky. If you have the passion but lack the guidance, Sola Salon Studios can connect you with the people you need to turn that dream into a reality. “I wanted to become an educator because I wanted to help people reach their full potential,” shares Jessica Zeinstra, from Sola Salon Studios Uptown Minneapolis, a brand educator for Andis. “There was a huge gap between barbers and stylists and I really wanted to help close it, which is why I specialize in men’s grooming.” 

After attending several shows and classes throughout her career, Ashley Harrell of Sola Salon Studios Temecula knew she wanted to become an educator to teach and also spread the word about a product she truly loved. “I reached out to Pureology and asked if they were looking for any help at a time when I didn’t know where to start,” shares Ashley. “Thanks to the freedom my Sola Salon Studios offers me, I have been able to live my dreams as an educator for Pureology.”

Time Is On Your Side
In a salon studio setting, stylists can set their own schedules to accommodate their lifestyle and clients as they see fit. “When we are out of the salon, we don’t have to rely on anyone else to manage the day,” says Kanani Yasui and Lauren Ferchau of Sola Salon Studio Denver West, who have been educators for Ultimate Face Cosmetics for two years. “I know a lot of professionals who desire to be educators but the salon they work for won’t allow them time off to teach since it’s money away from the salon owners business. At Sola, we never have that challenge.”

“If this is something you want to do, Sola is wonderful in helping you succeed and develop an extensive, passionate and profitable career,” shares Jessica.

“Everything about Sola is ideal for an educator. I loved that I could travel for days at a time and have all my tools/color in my own salon. Having to pack and repack when traveling can be difficult so this in itself was amazing,” shares Ashley. “I am able to work a much more flexible schedule and actually be a salon owner without having to manage other employees. There are so many benefits.”

Another benefit? 24/7 access to your studio, so you can work with clients whenever you want. “If I have to travel, I can make up time with clients on a Sunday/Monday or even before or after traditional business hours,” says Lee Trevino from Sola Salon Studios Jacksonville, and an educator for Hattori Hanzo and CoCre8.

“When we are out of the salon, we don’t have to rely on anyone else to manage the day,” says Kanani Yasui.

Three Ways Sola Strives To Help!
1. Connecting with Other Brands. “If this is something you want to do, Sola is wonderful in helping you succeed and develop an extensive, passionate and profitable career,” shares Jessica.

2. Local Management. “If I am even wondering about next steps, my Sola manager will sit down with me and help me brainstorm different options. He’ll make introductions so we can develop relationships with brands, distributors and product representatives,” continued Jessica.

3. Reps Come to You. “There is a constant flow of brand representatives who are there to support you and your business, no matter how big or small,” shares Ashley. Brand representatives, distributors and sales consultants visit Sola locations regularly to update stylists on the latest education and products.”

Education, Education, Education!
According to Lee, Sola does an amazing job of facilitating events/education options and has an amazing relationship with local distributors. “The break room always has new classes and lots of options listed for education. If we need to connect with someone, they connect us and the rest is up to us.”  Jessica agrees, stating that the Sola format allows her to manage her schedule and priorities as an educator in ways that a typical salon environment does not. “I have been able to do so many projects because my schedule is in my own hands. If I need to take a Saturday off, I am able to do that. Since moving to Sola, my education schedule has doubled.”

“I’m encouraged by my peers and motivated to be successful. My education teams encourage me and I look forward to growing even more in the future,” shares Lee.

When you think about it, where would you be without education? Staying abreast of the latest trends and techniques is what keeps you fresh and in-the-know—a surefire way to keep clients loyal and happy.

At Jessica’s Sola location, other stylists have held intimate demonstrations in private studios and larger classes in the basement, which offers additional space to accommodate more people.

To top it off, in addition to myriad local education opportunities, Sola will be launching a series of regional education events in 2016 called The Sola Sessions! Sola will be working with some of the biggest names in the industry to create intimate, exclusive events for Sola professionals to provide not only artistic education, but also business education specific to the boutique salon owner. 

Endless Inspiration
“I’m encouraged by my peers and motivated to be successful,” says Lee. “My education teams encourage me and I look forward to growing even more in the future.”

“I am running my own business. When I wake up in the morning I am so much more excited to go to work because it belongs to me,” says Jessica. “My passion for education grows every time I teach or take a class. I wouldn’t be able to travel as much for education without my Studio at Sola.”