Sola Salons Mandarin

Sola Salons is a franchise brand, and each location is independently owned and operated. The company describes itself as the largest community of independent studio owners and says it is home to more than 20,000 independent beauty professionals across over 750 locations nationwide. Sola does not take responsibility for the operations, employment or personnel matters of franchise owners or the professionals working in their suites.

Each suite is rented for one weekly fee that includes utilities and internet. Units are fitted with large glass entry doors, upscale cabinetry, backwash sinks and styling stations, and every glass door has a separate lock with its own key. According to the salon, access runs at all hours, though times differ by location, and the Atlantic Beach suites are listed as open 24 hours.

Shared amenities include a spacious breakroom, on-site laundry, full-spectrum lighting and sound insulated walls. Suites come in a range of sizes. Renters choose the brands and products they sell and keep all of the profits from those sales.

New renters receive a start-up manual with a checklist, forms and tips for obtaining a salon license and other permits, along with guidance on studio setup, insurance, equipment, paint, credit card processing, retail support and distributor contacts. Renters have access to liability insurance and, in certain areas, disability insurance. Renters also get retail discounts, special offers for online scheduling, continuing education programs and invitations to industry events.

At the Mandarin location, independent professionals work from numbered studios, including Studio 103 through Studio 127, and free parking is listed.

Sola provides the space, equipment and business support, while each renter runs their own studio, picks their own brands and keeps the profits from what they sell.

The community side is part of the setting, with events such as cocktail parties, family picnics and local gatherings.