The 2022 Denver Sola Sessions Recap

The 2022 Denver Sola Sessions took place on May 15th, 16th & 17th and we are still reliving the magic. It was three unforgettable days, filled with education, inspiration and community. 

This marked our largest Sola Sessions to date, and let’s just say it was one for the books. If you were there, you know what we mean 🤩 

Couldn’t make it? Simply want to relive the magic with us? Here’s what went down in Denver…

The VIP Experience 

We kicked off the event at Bigsby’s Folly for the VIP Experience, and it was simply incredible. We listened and learned from some amazing speakers, like Britt Seva and Sola’s CEO, Christina Russell. We had mini TedTalk style segments with our Faces of Sola, roundtable discussions and lots of networking.  

Welcome Party 

After the VIP Experience, we rolled right into the welcome party! Good food, good drinks and good live music. What more could we have asked for to wrap up day one of Sessions and set the tone for the rest of our event?!

The Main Event

The main Sola Sessions experience took place on Monday, May 16th at ReelWorks - aka the biggest and baddest venue we’ve ever hosted a Sessions at, to date! Dr. Bertice Berry joined us on stage to kick off the day as our inspiring keynote speaker, and she did not disappoint (did someone say standing ovation?!) 

On the business stage, we soaked up all the knowledge we could from Britt Seva, Yene Damtew, and Dawn Bradley as they discussed raising prices, charging what you’re worth, setting boundaries and making a name for yourself. And after catching some segments from the artistic stage, we were itching to try out the new techniques learned from Anthony Cole and Toni Garcia-Jackson from Wella, Lori Zabel and Sarah Bramham from Redken, and Colin Caruso and Regine Valcin from John Paul Mitchell Systems! 

We also had some amazing Side Sessions with Dawn Gantt from Bioelements, Adar Venyige from Dazzle Dry and Carla Gray from Carla Gray Brow Studio 🙌

The Instagram-able Moments 📸

So many photo ops, so little time! We had the cutest photobooth by IndyPop, where pros got to strike a pose (or two… or three) and the stills were turned into gifs! Did you snap a pic? Check out the gallery here!

We also had some retro light-up Sola letters and glitter backdrop, making for the perfect group shot with your #SolaFam. 

But that wasn’t all - the umbrella alleyway at ReelWorks was the ultimate selfie hot spot! 

Andddd… we had a cute little couch setup, too! Let’s be real, there wasn’t a bad spot to snap a pic.

Community

This event was the reconnection we all needed. Our hearts are SO full and we can’t even begin to express the gratitude we have for each and every beauty professional that came to experience the most magical Sola Sessions with us. We hope that you left feeling inspired, educated and connected with your community - because this Sessions was about YOU, our incredible family of Solapreneuers. 💙 'Til next time, Sola Fam!

"Sola Sessions 2022 was such an amazing experience! The workshops and speakers were so inspiring and educational. We worked hard and took away some fantastic new mindsets and strategies for running a successful business. We worked on ideas for creating a welcoming environment in our salons and creating a memorable guest experience. We got to connect and reconnect with our colleagues at other Sola locations. Our team bonded and grew closer together than ever! Thank you, Sola, for this beautiful experience! I can’t wait to get back to the salon and start putting these positive changes into action!" - Jenny Miller, @jenajenay 

"I really enjoyed myself and will be back again. Sola Sessions was a fun educational event that was so well run. It felt very unique and different from all other beauty shows I’ve been to. Thanks, Sola!" - Ashley Nemes, @beauty_by_ashley4

"Sola has not only set me up to create and make all my dreams come true, but they’ve also made it possible to be part of the larger picture. It’s amazing to work for yourself, the connectivity between stylists can get lost & Sola Sessions allows us to reconnect and catch up all together. It’s fabulous to be part of such an amazing family ❤" ️ - Chelsey Reimer, @platinum32salon

"This was my first Sola Session and I feel like they pulled out all the stops and no expense was spared. The presenters were best-of-the-best. The venues were impressive and I enjoyed exploring Denver during my downtime. I don’t see how Sola is going to top this year’s Sessions! - Brandi Jones, @hellosunshine_hair

"2022 Sola Sessions was fantastic! Continuing Education has been a huge focus of mine since I made the move to open my salon suite. There is always room to grow & improve...This experience just reassured me that I made the best decision for my career & for myself. I’m ready to make some big moves this year!" - Aliyah, @aliyahbeautybabes

"Sola Sessions filled my cup and then some! There was so much knowledge, inspiration, and motivation that it recharged me as a stylist. I left sessions and immediately started implementing what I learned into my business. It allowed me to see weak spots in my business that I need to strengthen and gifted me the confidence to evolve into the stylist and CEO I’ve always wanted to become. Thank you, Sola, for continuously providing the tools and resources for our beauty industry to grow." - Kim Pags, @journee_stylingsalon

"Sola Sessions 2022: Finally an event where stylists have a say in what they learn versus a product company leading the charge. I enjoyed having the opportunity to speak when in other spaces our voices aren’t heard and our needs go overlooked. Sola Sessions was a retreat for this stylist’s soul. I enjoyed meeting Sola pros from all over the globe. This event was therapeutic, educational and refreshing. Looking forward to the next one!" - Carlisha Duffey, @sgnaturalhairstudio

"I really loved getting to reconnect with everyone! It was so nice seeing everyone in person and having lots of time to network." - Serina Battaglini, @serinas_styles

"I named this session 'The Power Surge' - I received a surge of energy in my physical, mental, spiritual, and in my business... Understanding how to correctly charge for my services. Understanding what diversity really is and what it means. Believing in myself and my abilities. I can say without a doubt this Session has changed me. I got what I needed and then some. Every speaker touched something inside me... I received from them all. I'm still unpacking information from my notes and brain. This is by far one of the best Sola Sessions; I told all my friends next year you all are coming with me! Great company, Great food, Great information. GREAT COMMUNITY OF SOLA PROS!" - Tish Clark, @phormula708studio