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Sola Salons has always been about more than studio rental. From day one, the brand has focused on redefining what it means to be an independent beauty professional by building environments that support creativity, business growth, wellness, and long-term success. Across the country, Sola locations are designed to meet the real needs of today’s beauty entrepreneurs, proving that when beauty entrepreneurs are given the right tools, environment, and community, they thrive.
Two standout locations, the new Sola Salons Northeast Minneapolis and Sola Salons Sunset Beach, offer a clear look at how Sola’s philosophy comes to life in different markets, lifestyles, and stages of career, while delivering the same promise of empowerment and support.
At the heart of Sola’s approach is a deep understanding that modern beauty pros are business owners. They need spaces that actively support education, efficiency, and community. That belief is on full display at Sola’s newest flagship in Northeast Minneapolis, the largest Sola Salon ever built. Spanning nearly 30,000 square feet with 101 studios and 114 chairs, the space was designed by Erin Elgin, owner and operator, alongside co-owner Patrick Elgin, to support the full ecosystem of a stylist’s life. Education and community hubs are built directly into the layout, creating dedicated areas for collaboration, mentorship, and business development. Rather than isolating independent pros, Sola intentionally creates opportunities for shared growth.
Operational ease is another cornerstone of the Sola experience. The Minneapolis flagship features an in-salon beauty supply store, shared laundry, showers, and a centralized mail center, eliminating unnecessary errands and allowing stylists to manage nearly every aspect of their business under one roof. These details remove friction from the workday so pros can focus on serving clients and growing their brands.
On the West Coast, Sola Salons Sunset Beach reflects the same values through a coastal lens. Located just off Pacific Coast Highway near Huntington Beach, the space places independent beauty pros in the center of a vibrant, high-visibility community. Each private studio is designed with professional workflow in mind, featuring high-end cabinetry, quality chairs and sinks, professional lighting, and on-site laundry. Here, studios function not just as workspaces, but as fully equipped creative homes.
While each Sola suite is independently owned and operated, the community remains central. Through ongoing education and skill-building opportunities, Sola fosters an environment where pros stay competitive, connected, and confident as the industry evolves. This balance of autonomy and support allows beauty entrepreneurs to not just survive, but scale.
From Minneapolis, Minnesota to Sunset Beach, California, Sola Salons continues to set the standard for the future of independent beauty. By aligning intentional design, business strategy, and community, Sola is showing the industry what’s possible when beauty professionals are truly supported, on their own terms.
The Sola Salon and Beauty Changes Lives Collaboration Elevating Next Gen Independent Pros
In an industry fueled by artistry, ambition, and constant evolution, it’s easy to focus solely on the creative magic happening behind the chair, but the future of beauty is shaped just as much by what happens behind the scenes. That’s why Beauty Changes Lives (BCL), a nonprofit championing careers in beauty and wellness, and Sola Salons, are deepening their partnership to drive meaningful change. Together, they’re expanding their shared commitment to building a stronger, more equitable path for the next generation of beauty entrepreneurs.
A Partnership Rooted in Access, Opportunity and Real Support
At the heart of this collaboration is a entrepreneurial grant and scholarship program designed to meaningfully move the needle for emerging talent, The Sola Salons-BCL duo is removing real barriers, think financial, educational, and structural, that often stand between passionate pros and long-term success.
The goal is simple: give future and current industry professionals the tools, capital, and mentorship they need so their energy can stay focused on what matters most, their craft and love for what they do.
This multi-tiered structure supports beauty professionals at different stages of their independent journey.
The Sola Ignite Grant, launching in Summer 2026, supports a beauty professional newly joining Sola with a $10,000 award.
The Sola Icon Grant, announced in Winter 2025/26, offers $5,000 to an established Sola professional looking to expand or strengthen their business.
The Sola Spark Scholarships, awarded across Winter 2025 and Summer 2026, provide three future professionals with $2,500 each to help nurture talent and spark growth.
All awardees will be enrolled in Beauty Changes Lives’ Mentorship Matters program, a two- to three-month experience focused on entrepreneurship, skill development, and business sustainability, with additional access to Sola mentors who understand the realities of suite life. These grants and opportunities put real money into the hands of the professionals who keep this industry moving forward. Because passion is often abundant, but access, resources, and financial breathing room are not always and Sola Salons is dedicated to being there during the career growth journey.
