7 Takeaways from the 2024 Sola Sessions

So much knowledge was dropped at 2024 Sola Sessions: Level Up in Las Vegas that we just couldn’t keep it all to ourselves! Whether or not you were able to attend, read on for our top 7 takeaways from the 2-day business-focused, immersive educational event. 

1 – Take Risks  

The one and only Cash Lawless was our 2024 Sola Sessions keynote speaker, and he couldn’t have been more spot-on with our Sessions theme. He kicked off our event with the most insightful story and motivation, setting the stage for the next two days of Sessions to Level Up. One of our biggest takeaways from his presentation: take risks! Listen to the voice inside you, do what you want to do, and there are no mistakes you can’t come back from. 

Want more from Cash? Listen to his podcast “The Millionaire Hairstylist” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! 

2 – Invest In Yourself & Charge Accordingly 

For the first time ever, Nina Tulio and John Mosley joined forces to bring us the collab of an independent salon owner’s dreams. Together they shared actionable business, pricing and marketing tips that our attendees can immediately implement to their businesses - including the fact the only 3% of consumers choose a new salon based on a discounted price, so why would you discount yourself for the 3%? Instead, add value for the 97%! The best investment you can make is always within you. 

3 – Prioritize Your Time 

“When people say I don’t have time or I can’t make the time, rephrase it to I don’t make it a priority and that will shift your perspective in how you arrange your time” says Eric Vaughn, sharing his advice on leveraging social media, starting your business, and persevering through the doubt. We were thrilled to partner with the Tease Media who recorded the discussion between Eric and Monica Hickey, co-founder of the Tease, for an episode for their Volume Up podcast – so you can catch the whole thing on Spotify or on Apple Podcasts! 

4 – You Are the One You Are Waiting For  

Leading personal and professional coach, Jasna Burza, took the main stage in a stunning yellow dress that she had handmade herself. She went on to tell us her story, how she got to where she is now, and how "you are the one you are waiting for.”

From our community: “@jasna.burza you were the speaker I didn’t know I needed this year! You pulled out emotions in me I didn’t realize I was holding onto & opened my eyes to how much I need to tune out the noise! Thank you for the reminder to be present and live for the moments that life is worth living for! 🫶 Also your handmade dress was stunning but the woman in it made the dress shine ✨” - @aliyahbeautybabes 

Want more from Jasna? Check out her popular bestseller, Healer in Heels. 

5 – Our Community is Super Talented  

We started the Sole Pro Awards competition last year to recognize the talent within our 20K strong community; and as we grew into year 2, so did our categories! We were proud to honor 10 winners in the respective categories: 

• Studio Design - Kinley Hurst, Madison, AL @skinby.kin 
• Blondes - Eric Kelley, Baton Rouge, LA @hairbyerickelley 
• Nail Art Design - Raeanna Walterson, Owings Mills, MD @raeanna_nails 
• Transformation - Miko Gemechu, Portland, OR @crownedbymiks 
• Barber Cut - Quera Williams, San Diego, CA @pocketsticks 
• Texture - Dezarai Chadwick, Wichita, KS @dezarai.stylist 
• Braids - Claudia – Ann Arthur, Garden City, NY @claudifiedhair 
• Skin - Niamh O'Connell, Dedham, MA @facesbyniamh 
• Extensions - Jade Nicole, Wellington, FL @jadenicolehairart 
• Vivids - Lauren Espino, Ogden, UT @jessicapowerspaints 

Plus, our latest Faces of Sola Ambassadors sat down for a panel discussion where they hit on allll the hot topics of owning and operating their independent salon businesses. From pricing, to overcoming imposter syndrome, to finding your niche, this conversation was relatable for all beauty pros alike. Feeling FOMO? Keep an eye out on the Sola Stories Podcast... we may have recorded this discussion for you! 

6 - “A Year From Now, You’ll Wish You Started Today.”  

We’ve always loved this quote, but it was so inspiring to see it ring true first-hand. Last year, Rashleigh Beaton joined us at Sola Sessions as a cosmetology student. He won a contest through our partnership with CanvasMe, landing him a mentorship with John Mosley. A year later, at the 2024 Sola Sessions, he joined us not only as an active Sola barber, but also as an educator with the one and only John Mosley. A full circle moment and a true testament to the power of education, mentorship, and how much can happen in a year when you are ready to work for it. 

7 - There's Nothing Like Learning Together in Person 

But don’t just take it from us! Hear from a handful of Sola pros on how they felt after attending the two-day immersive event. 

“Wow this past week was amazing, and I didn’t realize how much I needed this event – not just for my business, but for my soul! My cup is overflowing now, and I can’t wait to bring everything back to the salon. I am truly thankful for this weekend and for Sola Salons for putting on an amazing lineup and event year after year! If you haven’t made it to Sola Sessions, I 1000% recommend it. The friendships and mentors you meet along the way make it unmatched. Now I can’t wait to bring all the knowledge, certifications & value back to my suite!” - @aliyahbeautybabes 

& hear what our other attendees had to say in an anonymous survey...  

• “Sessions brings Sola pros and every other impacting party to the same table. A time to gather, learn and have gratitude. We all come back to the salon renewed and ready to implement and share the wealth from Sessions.” 
• “Amazing experience overall, so much to take back and apply in real time to my business as well as personal life. Uplifting atmosphere truly designed to assist with Leveling Up.” 
• “All the Sola professionals were absolutely amazing — I met so many amazing people, people I hope to connect with through the year and next year at Sola Sessions.” 
• “Overall, it was a really great experience. It was especially impactful to have speakers who focused on mindset rather than just technique or business skills.” 
• “I can’t say enough about how much love and gratitude I have for my Sola family, the Faces of Sola, and all my Sola peeps in-state, out of state, and out of the country! Thank you for opening your arms, being vulnerable on and off stage, dancing it out with me and always offering words of wisdom. I love this community – we are truly in the best industry.” 
• Sola Sessions continue to get bigger and better every year, and we are thankful for this community so passionate about their craft and elevating their careers and our industry. We hope to see you at Sola Sessions 2025!

Sola Sessions continue to get bigger and better every year, and we are thankful for this community that's so passionate about their craft and elevating their careers and our industry. We hope to see you at Sola Sessions 2025! 

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Not a part of the Sola Family and feeling FOMO on Sola Sessions? We’d love for you to join Sola and experience the freedom of salon ownership! Check out our salon suites for rent.