From Chair to Champion: How This Beauty Professional is Helping Charleston Stylists Step Into Business Ownership with Sola Salons

When Kimberly Malibu-Grove heard Sola Salons was coming to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in 2017, she didn’t hesitate — she reached out, became the very first professional to sign on and opened her own studio. Seven years later, she’s helping other beauty pros take the same leap. Now the general manager overseeing nine Sola Salons locations, Malibu-Grove plays an integral, hands-on role in every part of the business, from supporting new inquiries to overseeing day-to-day operations. With a new 34-studio Sola location opening in Charleston, Malibu-Grove is energized by the opportunity to guide even more beauty professionals toward entrepreneurship.

“My favorite part of this role is seeing that shift in someone when they realize they can do this,” Malibu-Grove said. “They come in scared, unsure, but once they make the leap, they say, ‘Why didn’t I do this sooner?’ I love helping them reach that moment.”

1851 spoke with Malibu-Grove to learn more about her background, what drew her to Sola Salons and why she is excited about the new opening. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Kim Malibu-Grove: I’m a cosmetologist, and I’ve been in the beauty industry for nearly 30 years. My journey with Sola began in 2017 — I was in a supply house picking up products when someone told me Sola was coming to Myrtle Beach. I was so excited. I reached out and was actually the first professional to sign there. I’ve had my own salon inside Sola, and I can’t say enough good things about it.

Eventually I was asked to become the general manager, initially overseeing three locations, and now we’re getting ready to open our ninth. I support all of our studios, handle day-to-day operations, and assist with inquiries — I’m very involved in every location.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Malibu-Grove: When I talk to professionals who are thinking about joining Sola, a lot of them are scared to make such a big change. I can relate because I’ve been in their shoes. Helping calm their nerves, guiding them through the process and seeing the relief they feel once they make the transition and watching their business grow — that’s my favorite part.

I always tell them: “One day, you’re going to say, why didn’t I do this sooner?” It’s not just about renting a studio. They have my support, they have the franchisees’ support, and they have Sola’s corporate support. They’re not in it alone — and that’s what makes Sola different.

1851: Tell me about the new opening.

Malibu-Grove: We’re opening a beautiful new location in Charleston with 34 studios. The space is absolutely stunning. We’re projecting a mid-April opening, and I’ve been spending a lot of time there giving tours and meeting with future studio owners. The excitement is building. It reminds me of the same excitement I had when I joined Sola in 2017, and now I get to witness that from others. That’s what fuels me.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Malibu-Grove: We’re planning to continue growing. Our team is incredible and committed to bringing the Sola model to more communities across South Carolina. As long as there are professionals out there who are ready to step into business ownership, we’ll be here to support them.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about getting into Sola Salons?

Malibu-Grove: Having someone who understands what you're going through is so important. You are not alone. I recently brought in a stylist who came from a commission-based salon — she started telling me how much money she was giving away and she got emotional. I got emotional too. I see it time and time again: fear gets in the way, but once they make that move, the weight just lifts off their shoulders.

It’s not just about having a space — it’s about having the freedom to build your own business, your way, with a support system behind you. That’s what Sola offers, and that’s why I’m proud to be part of it.

ABOUT SOLA SALONS:

In 2004, Sola Salons was established with the opening of its first location in Denver, Colorado. Now with more than 735 locations open in the U.S. and Canada, Sola is proud to offer 20,000+ independent beauty professionals the freedom and benefits of salon ownership without the risk and overhead of opening a traditional salon. Its innovative salon model empowers hairdressers, estheticians, nail techs, massage therapists and other like-minded professionals to take control of their lives and their careers. Sola provides beauty professionals with beautiful, fully-equipped salon studios alongside the support and tools they need to launch their salon business in no time. For more information about Sola Salons, please visit https://www.solasalonstudios.com/.