From Career Uncertainty to Business Ownership: Sharon Gates’ Journey From Meeting Planning to a Fulfilling Sola Salons Franchise

When the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly interrupted her career as a meeting planner, Sharon Gates decided to pivot, investing in herself rather than looking for another traditional job. With franchising, she blazed a new path, ultimately finding unexpected joy and professional success with Sola Salons.

“This was something I’d always had in the back of my mind, but it took the pandemic, and the moment of pause it brought to everyone’s lives, to really think more seriously about it,” Gates said.

While Sola Salons serves the beauty industry, the franchise opportunity also draws on a real estate model. With previous experience as a landlord, Gates knew what it meant to both fill a space and support the people within it, and as an entrepreneur herself, she knew she’d find fulfillment in helping others achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.

Gates joined 1851 Publisher Nick Powills and John Pantera, vice president of franchise development at Radiance Holdings, Sola Salons’ parent company, on Meet the Zee to discuss how she navigated the pandemic, career uncertainty and the leap into business ownership.

“Sharon aligned her hospitality experience with the opportunity, and she took action — something many people want to do but don’t always have the courage to pursue,” Pantera said.

A transcript of Gates and Pantera’s interview with Powills has been provided below. It has been edited for brevity, clarity and style.

Nick Powills: Sharon and John, welcome back. Sharon, how did you "accidentally fall" into franchising? What sparked this path?

Sharon Gates: Honestly, it was always lingering, but the pandemic — that pause button for everyone — really made me think. I was a meeting planner, and suddenly, there was no job. Travel was a big question mark. I had to re-evaluate everything, and franchising became a serious option, especially considering the uncertainty of the events industry at that time.

Powills: Career turbulence is common. Did you juggle your old career while exploring franchising?

Gates: Yes! Meeting planning roared back, bigger than ever. So, balancing Sola and my career became the challenge. But the pandemic gave me time to focus on Sola's potential. My husband's finance background and my hospitality experience? A perfect combo. He handled the numbers, and I understood the service aspect, which really helped us navigate this new venture.

Powills: John, do you see this career turbulence pattern often?

John Pantera: Absolutely. Few do it as gracefully as Sharon. A layoff, industry uncertainty — it's a defining moment. Successful franchisees often "stumble" into it. Sharon aligned her skills and took action, something many dream of but lack the courage to pursue. She recognized the opportunity to apply her existing expertise in a new and rewarding way.

Powills: How did you land on Sola?

Gates: A franchise consultant presented options. I have a culinary background, so food was on the table, but it's very hands-on. We owned rental properties, so the landlord aspect of Sola clicked. It felt like a natural extension of what we already knew how to do.

Powills: So, the consultant framed Sola as real estate, not just beauty?

Gates: Exactly. As an independent meeting planner for 13 years, I related to Sola's salon owners. Less overhead, more control — I got it. I saw the parallels between their journey and my own, which made me even more enthusiastic.

Powills: John, how do you explain Sola to potential owners?

Pantera: Sharon's skills are a beautiful storm: hospitality, numbers and real estate. We help others become entrepreneurs. It's multi-layered entrepreneurship. Real estate knowledge and a hosting mindset are essential. You're nurturing salon pros, providing them with the tools and environment they need to succeed. It's about creating a community.

Powills: Sharon, how did you handle the financial risk?

Gates: I'm not a risk-taker! I had to push myself. But I told myself, "I won't let it fail." Sola's occupancy rates gave me comfort. I focus on tenant success. I treat their success as my success, and I make sure they know that.

Powills: Any "knee-jerk" doubts before signing?

Gates: Oh, yeah, big time!

Powills: What made you commit?

Gates: Market demand. No salon studios in our area. And the chance to grow with others. I saw a real need and a real opportunity.

Powills: John, how do you push someone over the edge?

Pantera: We highlight our support systems and real estate teams. Franchisee validation is key. Sharon's success, despite being new, speaks volumes. We're creating a validation committee of successful owners to share their stories. We want potential owners to hear firsthand from people who have walked this path and found success.

Powills: Sharon, how important was support?

Gates: Huge. Weekly calls kept me calm. I was a sponge, learning everything. They were there every step of the way, reassuring me and providing guidance.

Powills: Are you thinking about scaling?

Gates: We're planning a second location, aiming for at least three. Seeing tenants thrive is amazing. It's so rewarding to see their businesses grow and flourish.

Pantera: Isn't that the best validation? Pure joy.

Powills: "Are you happy?" is a better question than "Would you do it again?"

Gates: I love the community, the alignment with my values. It feels like a perfect fit.

Powills: John, does Sharon's joy reaffirm your work?

Pantera: Absolutely. It's about the right fit. Purpose, economics and time freedom. Sharon's joy is contagious. It's why we do this. It's magic. It's about helping people realize their dreams and seeing the positive impact we can have.

Watch the full interview here.

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