Sola Salon Studios Introduces the 2016 Faces of Sola
Here at BTC, we’re all about celebrating talent, independence and the stylists who have the desire to take their craft to the next level. Which means we’re totally psyched about celebrating the salon professionals below, all of whom are part of Sola Salon Studios 2016 Faces of Sola. These ten stylists, barbers, estheticians and nail technicians were chosen as examples of the opportunity and potential that Sola, the largest, fastest-growing salon studio franchise in the U.S., can deliver to salon industry professionals.
Hailing from every region in America–from Maryland to Florida, Colorado to California and Illinois in-between–the Faces of Sola exemplify what’s possible as independent salon owners at Sola.
Sola’s Vice President of Marketing and Stylist Programs, Jennie Wolff, says Faces of Sola was introduced to recognize the diversity and talent of stylists across the Sola Salon Studios network. “Our goal is to inspire and motivate not only the Sola community, but every stylist in the professional beauty industry with the dream of becoming an entrepreneur,” Jennie shares. “Our 2016 Faces of Sola group represents a community of more than 6,500 independent, motivated salon owners who are living the life they love at Sola.”
Meet the 2016 Faces of Sola group below!
Autumn Morris, GlamLocks Hair Lounge; Encinitas, CA
After joining Sola in 2012, Autumn created GlamLocks, a dry hair care product used to extend the life of a client’s color. “The growth that I’ve experienced since I’ve been with Sola gives me goose bumps,” Autumn says. “The support from my peers and the Sola corporate team is like nothing I’ve experienced in my career.”
Kim Bennett Horvath, Kim Bennett Studios; Centennial, CO
Kim, who also serves as Sola’s Director of Education, became the first ever Sola stylist after meeting Sola co-founders Stratton Smith and Matt Briger in a Starbucks. She knew right away that they were onto something great, she said. Her favorite aspect of the Sola atmosphere? The one-on-one relationship she is able to build with her clients.
Holly Santelli, Serendipity Beauty Parlour; Park Ridge, IL
“I have grown so much and been able to express myself in so many ways since opening my business at Sola,” shares Holly, whose goal for 2016 is to become an American Board Certified Colorist. “I’m following a dream. It’s perfect.”
Derek Williams, Derek W. Groom My Style!; Crofton, MD
Derek decided to embark on his career as a barber after being asked to shape up the hair of the popular R&B group Blackstreet. He now specializes in precision men’s cuts and regularly works with clients including power brokers from Washington D.C., White House staff and members of the Secret Service.
Kim Schine, The Painted Ten; Colorado Springs, CO
“Coming to Sola has been one of the best business and personal decisions I’ve made in my life,” says Kim, who specializes in intricate nail art at her intimate Sola studio. “I feel free of any constraints, and because of that my income and client base have all grown.”
Brandie Kekoa, Be Kekoa Hair Studio; Temecula, CA
Brandie, a healthy and curly hair specialist, developed her own Be Kekoa product line specifically for women who have naturally curly hair. “Sola has allowed me to be my best,” Brandie comments. “This opportunity has given me the flexibility to spend more time with my family and work on my product line.
Kao Vey Saephanh, Salon KaoVey; San Francisco, CA
Since Kao, an award-winning artist who specializes in executing a mix of traditional and expressive hair looks, has control over his client schedule and hours, he is also able to find time to indulge in his love of dance.
Joy Love Munlin, Joy Love’s Hair & Image Studio Inc.; Cherry Creek, CO
“I love Sola because it provides me with a turnkey studio salon,” Joy says. “It’s my own private place to make beautiful hair.”
Lee Trevino, Tonic & Tweed Salon; Jacksonville, FL
“I love Sola because it gives me the opportunity to be a guest artist for Hattori Hanzo Shears and Team CoCre8,” Lee shares. “Then, when I’m home, I have the ability to work behind the chair full time.”
Kanani Yasui, LoCKs Studio; Denver West, CO
The day Kanani got her cosmetology license, she signed her lease at Sola Salon Studios. Since then, she and her business partners have experienced exponential growth. “We went from a single studio, to a double, and now a new location with even more space,” Kanani says. “It’s been fun for our clients to watch us grow.
For more information about the 2016 Faces of Sola, click here!
