How Franchisees Create Legacies With the Solapreneur Model

Sola Salons, the leading salon suites franchise, provides a scalable investment opportunity for its franchisees, certainly, but getting into business with Sola can be so much more. Nicole Neesen, who owns four locations across Nebraska and Iowa, believes that the true “magic” of the Sola model is the opportunity it provides entrepreneurs in the beauty and wellness industry to take control of their financial future.

"The people within Solas are the backbone of America, ” Neesen said. “I’ve gotten to know many and they provide much needed and desired services. Walking through a Sola is like walking down a modern main street. You will find a Stylist, Barber, Nail Tech, Esthetician and  many wellness professionals. It’s a pleasure to meet them as colleagues, fellow business owners, and to work alongside them as they grow and thrive.”

Neesen further explained that it takes “a very courageous, motivated person” to step into entrepreneurship, and these business owners end up playing a crucial role in the communities they live in, supporting both themselves and other community members while also stimulating the local economy.

Neesen shared a story of a young stylist who, at 24, transitioned from an overwhelming job to operating her own business from a Sola studio. “In just a few short years, her business experienced remarkable growth. The Sola model gave her the freedom to concentrate on her craft and her clients, allowing her to refine her business skills and cultivate a passion for specializing in kids' haircuts. Her client base expanded so dramatically and her commitment to serving families and children with disabilities grew so deeply that she ultimately outgrew Sola and transitioned to a larger space to better meet their needs,” Neesen said.

“I’m proud to know that we were the perfect place for her to develop her specific business model and am tremendously inspired by her and the valuable services she provides children and families, especially children living with disabilities and those with sensory processing challenges.” As her business grew, this stylist became an important resource for people in her community.

“We think nothing of getting a haircut, but for a child who struggles with sensory processing, or may occupy a wheel chair, a haircut can be a very overwhelming experience,” Neesen said. “This stylist received the support and gained the skills necessary to make the move into entrepreneurship during her time at Sola. She is a valued member of her community serving a previously unmet need. Not only does she do great work, but she’s providing a service that very few stylists can provide.”

Neesen said that, many times, the professionals who succeed through Sola Salons are highly capable individuals who just need someone who believes in them and the security of a business support system that makes business ownership achievable because of the ability to manage  start-up and ongoing costs.  When they feel supported in taking the leap into entrepreneurship, they not only succeed for themselves but make meaningful impacts on their communities.

“As a Sola owner, when I cross paths with someone whose dream it is to own their own business and I get to be a part of that journey of professional growth, I love that,” she said. “We have pros that stay for years and years, and as the franchise owner, that’s the perfect situation. But I’ve always felt that, if you’re good to people and help them along their way — no matter what part you play in their journey — it’s really valuable. I often think of all the important men and women who supported my career and what gratitude I have for them. Knowing that I’m helping entrepreneurs in my community and building a similar legacy — that’s the magic of Sola.”

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons.