Sola Salons

For a new franchisee, the process to get from signing the agreement to actually opening their doors can feel daunting. With multiple support teams involved and all of the moving parts associated with site selection, design, construction, training and marketing, there can be a lot to keep up with. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solafranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sola-salons-franchise-opening-process-2730047" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sola Salons</a>, the leading salon suites franchise, has built a structured system designed to support franchisees throughout each step, creating a smooth, coordinated experience.&nbsp;This organized approach starts with a clearly defined point person, namely New Location Development Manager&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-tierman-708b3b5b?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sola-salons-franchise-opening-process-2730047" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kimberly Tierman</a>. “From day one, all the way to opening their studio, I’m walking hand-in-hand with the franchisee, coordinating all of our readiness pillars and serving as their go-to team member,” Tierman said. “The benefit is that you’re never lost.”<h2>A Process Built on Milestones and Expertise</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons/info">Sola Salons</a> has created “readiness categories,” which cover anything from physical construction to operations and marketing.&nbsp;A crucial aspect of the support process starts before a lease is even signed.“We’ve found some good traction during the LOI negotiations by understanding what’s on site,” said Vice President of Design and Construction&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleychatley?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sola-salons-franchise-opening-process-2730047" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ashley Chatley</a>. “This due diligence and dissecting some of the language can help franchisees avoid pitfalls. For example, there could be a water meter fee that isn’t in the lease. If they just assume, they could end up with an $85,000 fee that they didn’t know to expect. By having our teams involved upfront, we help franchisees to avoid these landmines.”This is just the start of the buildout process. Because timelines can vary, and the process isn’t entirely linear, the team has built a path around key milestones. This allows activities to happen concurrently when possible, ultimately accelerating the timeline to launch.“There are calculated milestones that we try to get in front of to help accelerate the process,” Tierman said. “For example, the design phase can begin before construction is ready to start. Once you execute the lease and know that’s going to be your space, we go ahead and get you started on the design. That way, when you’re ready, you’re ready to hit the ground running.”<h2>The Pathway to Launch</h2><h4>Due Diligence and Lease Negotiations</h4>Before leases are signed and contractors selected, Sola’s team provides critical support to help franchisees secure a good deal and prevent unnecessary future challenges.Franchisees are encouraged to include the corporate team in conversations surrounding the Letter of Intent. This allows for expert guidance from professionals who have been through this process before.Understanding what’s at a given site is important to making an informed decision. Some sites may lend themselves to fewer construction requirements, making them a more attractive option. In other cases, the leadership team may spotlight other considerations that may not be explicitly outlined in a lease but should be a part of the final decision-making process.“Having these discussions helps ensure a franchisee does not slow down a deal because they don’t understand some facets of the lease,” Chatley said. “Rather than waiting until the lease finalization or construction process, franchisees bring us in during the negotiations, and we can say, ‘Did we think about this?’ or ‘This could be a problem.’ We’re doing as much due diligence with them up front so that, by the time construction comes around, we’ve already worked through the challenges.”<h4>Design and Pre-Opening Readiness</h4>Once a space is secured, Tierman and her team guide the franchise through the pre-opening readiness pillars to build a strong foundation for the new business.&nbsp;This includes a guided design process, ensuring the location will fit the brand standards and meet all requirements, and preliminary operations and marketing introductions.<h4>Buildout, Marketing, and Operational Readiness</h4>As construction begins, support from the Sola team continues to ensure guidance through the “final push” toward a successful launch.The physical buildout process is a key category, and franchisees can monitor this progress through Sola’s project management software.A dedicated marketing team guides the franchisee through pre-opening marketing strategies to ensure a strong start, attracting beauty professionals to lease studios before the doors officially open.Franchisees also receive guidance from operations experts to ensure they have the proper processes and systems in place to succeed.“All of these readiness categories come together to make sure this process is smooth and seamless,” Tierman said. “This way, there is no unnecessary chaos.”<h2>Teams and Technology</h2>Supporting each of these steps is a collaborative team of people who are all deeply committed to the success of Sola franchisees. Rather than dealing with countless individual support people, Sola franchisees deal with well-defined support teams, and they always have access to Tierman — the point person.&nbsp;To support the process even more, Sola has leveraged project management software to help franchisees track their progress and keep a note of important upcoming dates.“We’ve worked hard to ensure all of our IT platforms are integrated and seamless for the best possible franchisee experience,” Tierman said.<h2>A Partner in Success</h2>From the initial site selection process to ribbon cutting on opening day, the Sola development process is built on a foundation of partnership and careful guidance. By providing a key point of contact and expert support at each stage, Sola removes the guesswork associated with starting a new business, ensuring each owner has the tools, knowledge and confidence necessary to launch a successful salon suites franchise.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons.">https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons.</a>&nbsp;

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How Sola Salons Guides Franchisees Through a Seamless Opening Process

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With support from a team of experts, Sola franchisees navigate site selection, lease negotiation and initial operational and marketing education with ease to prepare for a successful launch.

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What Is the Process for Opening a Sola Salons Location?

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Own a Sola Salons Franchise

<a href="https://www.solafranchising.com/">Sola Salons</a>, the over-750-unit salon suites franchise, has dominated the industry with a stable, high-support model, offering an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to scale. With the salon suite industry continuing to grow, it’s clear that beauty pros are seeking a more independent model that allows them to build something for themselves. For franchise candidates, there’s never been a better time to join the system.Here are five reasons to invest in a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons/info">Sola Salons</a> franchise this year:<h2>A Real Estate-Forward Model With High Retention</h2>While Sola Salons holds a place in the beauty and wellness landscape, it’s a sophisticated real estate investment. Rather than managing stylists or focusing on the day-to-day operations of a service model, Sola franchisees serve as landlords and mentors for beauty professionals.&nbsp;“Sola is a recurring revenue model that allows owners to step away from the daily grind of service operations,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlpantera">John Pantera</a>, vice president of franchise development.&nbsp;The ability to step away from the day-to-day details allows franchisees to truly focus on the relationships they hold with the beauty pros in the salon suites, and this boosts pros’ satisfaction and increases retention — ultimately driving stability for the franchisee.“Sola is built on high retention and predictable cash flow,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-finn-9a801914a">Liam Finn</a>, director of franchise sales. “The beauty professional is the heartbeat of the model. We want stylists to stay five years or more. And once franchisees’ suites are full, they’re not constantly cycling through new tenants. They’re building successful businesses inside their space, which makes the portfolio more valuable every year.”<h2>A Low-Labor, Highly Scalable Model</h2>In addition to the financial stability of the model, Sola Salons offers additional predictability with its low-labor model, which Pantera describes as a “zero- to one-employee” model. Because stylists are independent beauty professionals, franchisees are not managing them. Rather, owners are either completing ongoing tasks, like maintenance requests, themselves, or paying a single team member to do so.This keeps the labor burden low, but it also positions franchisees to scale, bringing in additional revenue while enjoying economies of scale with the ability to share labor across multiple locations.“Because Sola doesn’t require much labor, it’s feasible for a new owner to come in and build five to 10 locations in five to seven years,” Pantera said. “With most other franchises, you’re relying on people (or yourself) to be there constantly. That is incredibly hard to scale. At Sola, scaling is a reality.”<h2>Recession-Resilience and a 20-Year Track Record</h2>Sola’s long history and unique position in the market provide additional security for franchisees. Having weathered multiple economic cycles, the model has proven its ability to thrive in any climate.“Beauty services are incredibly sticky,” Finn said. “People continue to get their hair done regardless of economic cycles. Because we empower stylists who run high-margin businesses, our suites stay full even when the economy softens.”<h2>Unmatched Brand Dominance and Support</h2>Sola Salons is the largest player in the industry, and its size and experience allow it to offer a level of support that smaller competitors simply cannot compete with. The brand has become synonymous with the industry itself, giving franchisees an immediate advantage in their markets.“Reputation is everything,” Pantera said. “Sola is by far the biggest player, and people know our name. There are beauty pros who will say, ‘I got a Sola’ in reference to any salon suite space — even one with one of our competitors. That alone is reflective of market dominance, but our scale positions us to continue widening the gap between Sola and our competitors.”With a larger franchisee network and more mature brand, Sola has the resources and expertise to drive continued success, funneling leads to franchisees, reviewing and honing operations, and launching innovative solutions to keep the brand at the forefront of the industry.“Because we’ve passed the 750-unit mark, we’re dealing with a different economy of scale,” Pantera said. “We have a deeper level of digital marketing and operations talent that competitors just can’t touch, and that gap continues to widen.”<h2>Be a Part of a Steadily Growing Brand</h2>While Sola has established a strong national presence, there is still plenty of potential in the industry. Still, Sola is growing steadily with qualified entrepreneurs, and availability in some key markets is dwindling. Entrepreneurs who are interested in investing and scaling with Sola should inquire to secure their prime territory.“I call it a beautiful problem,” Finn said. “We have so many owners who continue to reinvest and buy up more territories and consistent interest from new franchisees that availability is thinning out. In major hubs like Dallas, Houston and parts of California, those multi-unit growth opportunities that will allow you to be the consolidator in the market aren’t going to be around much longer.”“If you want to partner with the best in the industry, you have to recognize that the runway isn’t infinite,” Pantera said.For entrepreneurs seeking a 2026 investment, Sola Salons offers a unique combination of financial predictability, brand strength and economic resilience that will position them well for long-term scale and success. To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons">https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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5 Reasons to Buy a Sola Salons Franchise in 2026

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<a href="https://www.solafranchising.com/">Sola Salons</a> recently opened a new location in downtown Greenville, South Carolina, bringing the brand to 750 locations. Reached in November, this milestone represents more than just a number. It’s a testament to two decades of growth and the thousands of beauty professionals who’ve built their careers within one of the fastest-growing salon suite brands in America.&nbsp;Entrepreneur&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haynes-chidsey-6a36a06/">Haynes Chidsey</a> opened his first&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons/info">Sola Salons</a> location nearly two decades ago as one of the earliest Sola franchisees. Today, he owns 58 locations, including the downtown Greenville opening that marked the milestone.“It is rewarding. It certainly allows you to stop and think about the progress we’ve made as a system,” Chidsey said. “I don’t think the number itself is what has really resonated with me or our team. It’s what that number represents. That’s more than 20,000 beauty professionals who call Sola the place they want to own and operate their own business. So,&nbsp;it’s also a milestone from the perspective of the people who have confidence in Sola being the place where they want to be.”<h2>Why Greenville Is the Perfect Spot for the 750th Salon</h2>The downtown Greenville location highlights Sola’s strategy of matching salon suites with growing urban markets. Between 2010 and 2022, Greenville’s population&nbsp;<a href="https://usafacts.org/data/topics/people-society/population-and-demographics/our-changing-population/state/south-carolina/county/greenville-county/">grew by more than 20%</a>. Chidsey pointed to that growth as well as the city’s entrepreneurial energy as perfect complements to Sola’s mission.“Greenville is a fast-growing city. It’s fun, it’s dynamic and, from Fortune 500 companies to local businesses, there are a lot of businesses opening and relocating there,” Chidsey said. “The entrepreneurial spirit of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/sola-salons-studio-franchise">Sola Salons</a> and downtown Greenville fit together very well.&nbsp;We’re excited. It’s our third location in Greenville.”<h2>Keys to Growth: Talent and Teamwork</h2>Founded in Denver, Colorado in 2004, Sola Salons has grown into a franchise business touting 750 locations across three countries in less than two decades.&nbsp;Chidsey attributes Sola’s success to attracting talented beauty professionals and building strong internal teams. The system also now offers a broad range of resources, including insurance, technology, marketing support and community engagement initiatives, that are designed to help salon owners thrive.“Two primary things have supported our success,” Chidsey said. “It’s the range of services we provide. The sense of community, participation in community events and the culture we’ve built. And the second cornerstone is our team, both within our organization and across the Sola system. Those are the two foundations of our success.”<h2>The Future of Sola Salons</h2>Following the downtown opening, Chidsey sees the opportunity for continued growth, further cementing a franchising partnership two decades in the making.“It’s been a journey. And a good one. We certainly see opportunities for more Sola Salons locations both nationally and within the markets where we already operate. That’s what gets us excited every day,” Chidsey said. “We were certainly one of the earliest franchisees. And I feel like we were among the earliest to scale the business with a purpose behind that growth. There’s no doubt we’re a better business today than when we started.”As Sola Salons marks 750 locations, the milestone reflects not only expansion but also the brand’s deep impact on the entrepreneurs and stylists building their futures within its salon suites.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons">https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons</a>.&nbsp;ABOUT SOLA SALONS:In 2004, Sola Salons was established with the opening of its first location in Denver, Colorado. Now with more than 750+ locations open in the U.S. and Canada, Sola is proud to offer 22,000+ 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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solasalonstudios.com/">https://www.solasalonstudios.com/</a>.

Sola Salons Marks 750 Locations With New Opening By Haynes Chidsey, One of the First Franchisees With Nearly 60 Locations

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Sola Salons Marks Major Milestones in Q3: 21,000 Pros, New Tech Innovations and a National Philanthropic Partnership

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LAKEWOOD, Colo. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solasalonstudios.com/franchising">Sola Salons</a>, the leading salon suites franchise, has been recognized on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 ranking for 2026. Ranked No. 80 on the Franchise 500, the brand is celebrated for its growth and strength, and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons/info">Sola Salons</a> was also recognized as the No. 1 player in the salon suites space.Entrepreneur’s annual rankings are among the most competitive and comprehensive in the industry. Each brand is evaluated on its costs and fees, size and growth, support, and brand strength. Through the analysis of over 150 data points, each brand receives a cumulative score, which is then used to establish the rankings.“Maintaining our position as the top salon suites franchise is a testament to the strength of the Sola model and a reflection of the continued emphasis we’ve placed on franchisee support and success,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryl-hurst-619903137">Daryl Hurst</a>, president and chief operating officer.&nbsp;Sola Salons enters 2026 with strong growth momentum, including 19 new salon suites opened in 2025; a new learning management system, The Studio by Sola; and additional tech partnerships that drive the success of Sola Pros nationwide. Last year, Sola Salons also surpassed 21,000 independent beauty professionals served nationwide, reflecting steady occupancy growth throughout the year.&nbsp;“The level of support and infrastructure we provide our franchisees and independent professionals is a key differentiating factor for Sola in the broader salon suites landscape,” Hurst said. “As we look toward another year of growth, we remain dedicated to these types of advancements, and there are many more resources in the pipeline.”Sola Salons’ 2026 ranking underscores the brand’s sustained dominance in a consistently growing franchise category. With enhanced technology, an expert leadership team and a strong, scalable model, the brand continues to serve not just as a participant in the salon suites space but as the industry’s clear pace-setter.ABOUT SOLA SALONS: In 2004, Sola Salons was established with the opening of its first location in Denver, Colorado. Now with more than 750+ locations open in the U.S. and Canada, Sola is proud to offer 21,000+ independent beauty and wellness 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 independent 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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solasalonstudios.com/">https://www.solasalonstudios.com/</a>.&nbsp;

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Sola Salons Recognized in Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500, Ranked No. 1 in the Salon Suites Category

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What Is the Process for Opening a Sola Salons Location?

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