Sola Salons: A Lifestyle Business for Beauty Professionals

For Tanner Holmes, like many other Sola Salons franchisees, joining the salon suites brand was about more than just building a business — it was about creating a lifestyle. With a background in franchising, including experience in the European Wax Center and Hush Lash Studio brands, Holmes found his way to Sola Salons after noticing a recurring trend: top performers from his businesses were transitioning to salon suite models. What started as research to better understand the competition turned into a deep appreciation for Sola Salons' unique franchise model and the lifestyle benefits it can provide franchisees.

When it comes to lifestyle benefits, Holmes emphasizes that Sola Salons provides an exceptional opportunity for franchisees to find balance.

"To be honest, I've always hated the word 'absentee,'" he said. "No business is purely absentee. But Sola is very much a lifestyle business. It’s a lot of work up front — suites don’t fill themselves — but with the right systems, culture and community in place, it becomes manageable and scalable in a way that’s rare in franchising."

Holmes highlights the flexibility he enjoys as a Sola Salons franchisee. "I visit my two open locations about once a week,” he said. “I like being present, meeting stylists and being part of the community. But from a day-to-day standpoint, I’m not really needed. I’d say I spend about 10 to 15 hours a week on Sola, and much of that is optional."

This flexibility allows Holmes to focus on other priorities, including developing additional franchise brands and spending quality time with his family. "This business allows you to prioritize what’s important in life," he said. "Whether it’s traveling, spending time with loved ones or pursuing other projects, Sola gives you that freedom."

One of the unique aspects of Sola Salons is the community it fosters among beauty professionals. "This is more than just a business; it’s a feel-good model," Holmes said. "You get to watch individuals grow, thrive and succeed. The community takes on a life of its own. I’ve seen stylists start from scratch, grow their businesses and eventually move into larger suites within the same location. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that journey."

Holmes recalls a particularly moving story about a stylist at his location in Highland Park, Illinois, who was ready to give up after a difficult period, including a tragic local event. "We sat down and had a long conversation about her goals and what it took to get where she was,” he said. “Today, she’s in the largest suite at the front of the building, thriving in ways she couldn’t have imagined three years ago. That’s what Sola is all about — creating opportunities and supporting people when they need it most."

Holmes also appreciates the adaptability of the Sola Salons model. While the majority of Sola locations traditionally cater to hair stylists, Holmes has noticed a significant shift in his own studios.

"In my experience, about 60% of my tenants are providing non-hair services like skin care and esthetics,” he said. “This model is incredibly versatile and can pivot to meet market demands. Right now, high-end skin care is booming and Sola is perfectly positioned to accommodate that."

This adaptability, combined with Sola’s focus on creating a supportive environment, ensures long-term success for both franchisees and tenants. "When you build the right culture and community, everything improves. Stylists refer other great stylists, and the business essentially begins to run itself," Holmes said.

Beyond the tangible benefits, Holmes values the intangible rewards of being a Sola Salons franchisee.

"It’s hard to talk about the lifestyle benefits without mentioning the joy I get from supporting stylists," he said. "Whether it’s a text, a picture or a heartfelt thank-you, the impact this business has on people’s lives is incredible. It’s not just about financial success; it’s about creating a space where people feel empowered and supported."

For anyone considering investing in Sola Salons, Holmes offers this advice: "You don’t need to be an expert in beauty to succeed. You just need to believe in your stylists and be willing to listen. It’s about creating a community, not just filling spaces. If you focus on that, everything else falls into place."

From fostering a supportive community to enjoying the freedom to focus on personal priorities, the lifestyle benefits of being a Sola Salons franchisee are unparalleled. As Holmes puts it, "Sola is a business that not only transforms the lives of beauty professionals but also enriches the lives of its franchisees."