When you work hard, you catch people’s attention, and when you make an impact and a lasting impression, you deserve some recognition for all your efforts. This is why we’ve created the Faces of Sola. Each year we select 10 salon professionals in the Sola community who have done just that; individuals who have earned the opportunity to be acknowledged for what they’ve done well. They are beauty pros that are excelling not only in the careers but also in their Sola studios. We invite you with the opportunity to meet this year’s 2018 Faces of Sola not only on a beauty professional and a business owner level but also a personal level because we, the Sola community, are a community of truly unique individuals who can relate to each other on many levels. Polly Sanders-Peterson, Polly & Company // Denver, Colorado // @pollysanderspeterson There is so much to say and learn about Polly. For starters, Polly is 73 years young and has spent 50+ years of her life behind the chair. We are honored to have the first black hairdresser and first black salon owner in Cherry Creek (a neighborhood of Denver) in our Cherry Creek Sola and a 2018 Faces of Sola. During our interviews and at our photo/video shoot, she shared stories with us about cutting hair the day Martin Luther King Jr. spoke, opening up her salon to cut white women’s hair for free that day alongside her black clientele. Her spirit, and passion for people, and her outlook on life is utterly infectious and frankly, we could all use a little Polly in our lives. Here are some more interesting things about Polly: Polly The Person: When she’s not giving top-notch service and care in her salon, she mentors inmates at an all-women prison. Polly has created a 12-week program that teaches these women about strength, and self-love, finding your purpose, and learning how to navigate life. She is devoted to her faith and helping her community. Polly The Beauty Pro: She was a bit of a trailblazer and pioneer in the ‘60s for the hairdresser community. Actually, she’s the reason you can charge $65 for a haircut. Polly was one of the key players in making it so that hairdressers could raise their prices. Polly The Business Owner: Her best business advice is this: “Make sure you understand the working side of running a business, and not just focus on the styling side of it all. Spend time and surround yourself with people who are excellent at business development. I honestly think that’s what makes Sola so successful.” Christopher Matthew, Dillinger’s Hair Company // Long Island, New York // @dillingershaircompany Where do we even begin with Chris?! He’s chock-full of passion, charisma, drive, experience, knowledge, connections, and…an amazing, down-to-earth and warm personality. Chris has a born-to-give spirit. From helping impoverished people in other countries to cutting hair for the homeless to having dreams of becoming an educator to help others expand their knowledge and skills (whether that be in hairdressing/barbering or in business & marketing), we knew the minute we interviewed Chris Matthew for the first time, that making him one of our 2018 Faces of Sola was an obvious choice. Here are some interesting facts about him: Christopher The Person: On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, he generally works as an attorney and a small business start-up strategist, primarily with social enterprises. Then on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, he works in his shop as a barber/hairstylist. To say he’s mastered the art of balancing work and passion is an understatement! Christopher The Barber: He’s was that kid who used to cut all his friend’s hair before he was even old enough to drive. Being a barber through college is what helped him, in his own words, not to live a college life on Ramen Noodles. He was half-tempted to give it up altogether once he took the bar exam after law school, but his passion for the craft and his outstanding portfolio is what has kept him in the game. Christopher The Business Owner: During our interview, we asked him if he had 10K to invest in his business/brand, he said, “I would look into getting a larger suite, along with an assistant, and would add a serious coffee/espresso station. I’ve always wanted to do a hipster coffee shop/barbershop. I want to serve espresso, and create lattes and latte art, while someone is shampooing hair, and give them a macchiato.” Check out Chris' Top 5 Business Tips from an Attorney Ashley Lantz, TressPassing Salon // Avondale, Arizona // @ashleylantzhair Have you ever met someone who radiates confidence, creativity, and compassion? Well, meet Ashley, because she’s the real deal, and we’re thrilled to have her as one of our 2018 Faces of Sola! When she’s not in her Sola studio, this certified color master is an educator for MATRIX and a true foodie at heart. So much that she has this unbridled desire to own a gluten-fr