Is 2017 Your Year to Go Independent?

Salon professionals are more than just their job description: you are artists, educators, confidantes—and more and more often, you are the embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit.

All across the nation, thousands of salon professionals are taking control of their entrepreneurial goals by moving to a salon studio.

We connected with four rock stars at Sola Salon Studios who are killing it, showing us that there’s never been a better time than NOW to go independent!

Antonio Heath, owner of Tonsorial Studio in Birmingham, Michigan

Owning It!

When you see a better way to do things, go for it. That’s what Antonio Heath, owner of Tonsorial Studio in Birmingham, Michigan did after 25 years in the industry.

Before making the move to a salon studio, Heath owned a traditional storefront barbershop, and experienced all the ups and downs that went along with it. After making a seamless transition to Sola, Heath now has the time and freedom to focus on the details that matter most: giving his clients the cleanest cuts in Detroit. Not to mention, he’s also crushing a secondary career simultaneously, spending time on the road educating for Hattori Hanzo Shears.

“Sola has brought peace to my life because now I can focus 100 percent on my clients. Being here gives me serenity, and the notoriety and respect as an independent barber that I’ve always deserved.”

NYC stylist Sadé Williams, owner of Sadé Milinda Studio, in Midtown Manhattan.

Confidence

After a decade of working in the high-end salon industry, NYC stylist Sadé Williams made the move to open her own bespoke salon, Sadé Milinda Studio, in Midtown Manhattan.

“I wanted an intimate salon home for my guests. Coming from a high-end salon environment, Sola gave me the opportunity to design my studio and recreate that luxury feel.”

At Sola, Williams can focus on developing her own brand and delivering her personal vision to clients. Since opening her studio, Williams is more confident in her business. “Never did I dream that having my own salon in Manhattan was possible. However Sola gave me that opportunity.”

 Another perk? One on one time with guests! “They love having all my attention. It gives me the opportunity to focus on only them.”

 

Mother and daughter duo, Tammy and Lauren teamed up and went independent. 

Family Quality Time

We all want the best for our family, and at Rouge 22 Salon, mother Tammy and daughter Lauren teamed up to turn their trade into a booming business where their clients are like family, too.

“They love that we are a mother-daughter duo,” Lauren said. “I think they feel like a part of our family…and they are!”

Tammy dreamed of owning a salon, but as a former salon manager she hesitated at the drawbacks of traditional ownership. Now, at her studio salon, she has total control. “From the first time I walked in to Sola, I felt I came alive again… I had a vision! The atmosphere Lauren and I strive to promote is positive, up-beat, clean, and creative.”

Brow and makeup artist Shaila Paredes, owner of Brows By Shaila in LA

Home Sweet Home

Brow and makeup artist Shaila Paredes has worked with the best of the best in brows: MAC, Kelley Baker, and Anastasia of Beverly Hills.

But for Paredes, going solo was the best career decision of her life.

“My studio is an extension of me and it makes me feel at-home. I was eager to work for myself and have my own place of business that could reflect my character and style.” Now she’s at home at her LA studio, Brows By Shaila.

“Sola has afforded me the opportunity to run my business on my terms. My clients are my drive, and their happiness is my happiness. Professionally, I look to how I can grow and what I can bring to the table for my clients. I’m always thinking: what’s next?”

Every little step in life leads us to what’s next. The perfect work experience looks different for everyone, but the first step is the same: gain your independence and decide for yourself what’s next! You have the key to your future, so let’s make 2017 YOUR year to go independent!

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