Sola Salons Franchise: A Prime Opportunity for Ivy League Graduates

For many high-achieving professionals, the corporate world can lead to burnout and the desire for a more flexible, fulfilling career. Kristin Kranias, a Sola Salons franchisee, found herself in this exact position, feeling worn down from a high-level career and hours-long daily commute. After earning degrees from Harvard and Stanford and building a successful corporate career, she discovered that franchise ownership provided the perfect balance of challenge, independence and personal fulfillment.

Kristin and her husband, Greg, entered franchising somewhat unexpectedly. Greg’s investment firm had been evaluating Sola Salons, and as they learned more about the business model, they saw an opportunity to build something of their own. In September 2020, amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, they acquired their first Sola location in Tucson, Arizona. Since then, they have expanded rapidly, now operating 27 locations across five states.

While her professional experience brings value to her current role, Kristin’s educational background was another key contributor in preparing her for this journey. While she emphasizes that an Ivy League education is by no means a requirement for success in franchising, she does recognize how her studies shaped her approach to leadership and business.

Ivy league background

“My undergraduate education was liberal arts, which gave me a broad exposure to many different disciplines,” she said. “That foundation helped me learn to think critically, adapt to new situations and work collaboratively — skills that have been incredibly valuable in running a franchise business.”

In graduate school, Kristin focused more directly on business and entrepreneurship, taking courses that deepened her understanding of finance, operations and leadership. However, she found that the most impactful lessons came from studying human relationships and management.

“The most valuable classes I had were in how to manage people with care while maintaining professionalism and objectivity,” she said. “At Sola, we work with individuals from all different backgrounds, and understanding how to support and lead a diverse team has been essential.”

Franchising opportunities

High-achieving professionals, including Ivy League graduates, can find fulfillment and success in franchising — not because of where they studied, but because of the skills and mindset they bring to the table. After pursuing such rigorous education, many people find fulfillment in continuing their growth, identifying opportunities that will challenge them and encourage them to continue evolving.

“If you’re someone who thrives on solving problems, leading teams and building something meaningful, franchising can be an exciting next chapter,” Kristin said. “It’s not about proving yourself — it’s about creating a business that aligns with your goals and values.”

Her approach to scaling Sola Salons reflects this strategic mindset. Instead of building from scratch, Kristin and Greg focused on acquiring existing locations, leveraging efficiencies and retaining key processes to ensure smooth transitions. They also invested in a strong corporate team, hiring an operations manager, a controller, a marketing professional and most recently a COO, to streamline processes and support growth.

Business growth strategy

Despite their rapid expansion, Kristin remains engaged, frequently visiting locations and staying engaged with both her team and the broader Sola community. She credits the support of the franchisor and fellow franchisees for making the transition to business ownership smooth and rewarding.

For those with a background in business, consulting or leadership, franchise ownership offers an opportunity to apply their skills in a new and dynamic way. Kristin’s story demonstrates that with the right mindset and approach, even those coming from traditional corporate paths can thrive in franchising.

“It’s not an easy path, but it can be a flexible one,” she said. “And you don’t have to start from scratch — you have a recognized brand and infrastructure to support you.”