Sola Salons Birmingham

Sola Salons is a suite rental business. Rather than employing the people who work in its spaces, it provides a finished room that an independent professional runs as their own business. Renters can be hairstylists, estheticians, barbers, nail technicians, massage therapists, makeup and permanent makeup artists, and other beauty, wellness or health professionals, and the company also offers suites to medical professionals, chiropractors, psychiatrists and IV therapists.

Each Sola Salon Studios franchise is independently owned and operated, and each professional or business inside a location is independent too. The company states it is not responsible for the operations, employment or personnel matters of franchise owners or independent professionals.

Each suite comes move-in ready and includes full-spectrum lighting, 24/7 security, utilities, a shampoo bowl, a styling chair, janitorial service, instant hot water, on-site laundry, sound-insulated walls and bathroom facilities. A suite has its own glass door with an individual lock and key. Renters pay one weekly fee that covers all utilities and Wi-Fi, and access hours vary by location, with renters setting their own schedules.

Start-up support is part of the offer. A start-up manual covers checklists, forms and tips for obtaining a salon license and other licenses and permits. Help with studio setup includes insurance, equipment and paint, along with credit card processing guidance, and the company provides retail support and distributor contacts. Renters have access to liability insurance and disability insurance, the latter in certain areas.

The business states it has more than 750 locations across the U.S. and Canada and more than 20 years of experience working with beauty and wellness professionals. Renters can sell products of their own choosing and keep all of the profit, and they receive retail discounts, special offers for online scheduling, continuing education programs and industry event access.

Sola Salons runs an independent-professional model, in which renters operate their own businesses, set their own schedules and keep their retail profits.

Local members gather at community events such as cocktail parties and family picnics.