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It all started nearly 16 years ago on a napkin at a Starbucks... Listen as your host, Jennie Wolff, and Sola’s first-ever Sola stylist, Kim Bennett, discuss why and how Kim started her nearly 16-year journey with Sola and much more on this episode of the Sola Stories Podcast. Kim first opened her Sola studio in Denver, Colorado in 2004. Even though salon studios weren’t as common in the industry as they are now, Kim saw the opportunity, saw the heart of the company, and took a leap of faith that changed her life forever. Kim has been a sounding board for the company since the beginning to ensure that at Sola, the beauty professionals always come first. Listen as Kim shares what inspired her to become a hairdresser, how she became a national educator for Paul Mitchell, and why she moved to Denver. Kim describes what led her to Sola, what inspires her in life and business, and how instrumental her mentors were to where she is today. She also speaks about mentorship, how seriously she takes it, and the responsibility she feels toward anyone who seeks her advice. On this episode, Kim shares what it was about the Sola Salon Studios concept that appealed to her, her fears when she first opened, and what she was most excited as she embarked on her journey. She speaks about how her salon has evolved over the last nearly 16 years and how the redesign of her studio has given her inspiration for continued growth. Kim opens up about being a single mom and how being her own boss allows her the freedom she needs to be there for her daughter. Kim believes that she is who she is today because of that meeting at Starbucks. Her salon at Sola isn’t just a job for Kim. Sola is her family. Jennie’s conversation with Kim isn’t over, stay tuned for part 2 because there is so much more to discuss. In This Episode [00:26] Welcome, everyone! [00:41] Jennie shares her background and why she accepted the position at Sola Salon Studios. [01:39] Jennie introduces Kim and shares a little of her inspirational journey with Sola. [04:15] Kim, thank you so much for being on the show! [06:43] Kim shares how she got into hairdressing and why it appealed to her. [08:41] Kim speaks about becoming a national educator for Paul Mitchell, who led her to move to Denver. [09:39] What led you to want to work with Sola? [11:06] Jennie chats about what she learned from Kim, about how different types of salons are to the industry. [12:21] Kim believes that what inspires her in life is just life. She loves the life she has and shares her joy. [13:31] What inspires you in business?  [14:51] Kim discusses her mentors, how instrumental they are to her success, and how she feels about mentorship. [17:35] Kim shares that Jennie has been a big part of her journey because of the fresh eyes she brought to the industry. [19:42] Kim speaks about how she found her mentors and how she approached them. [21:25] They chat about how social media enables you to connect with mentors that before seemed untouchable. [22:42] What does being a mentor mean to you? How do you respond to people that reach out to you? [24:19] Kim shares what appealed to her about the Sola model. [26:48] Kim speaks about her fears when she first started looking to join Sola. [28:39] What were you most excited about when you were setting up your studio that first day? [30:02] Kim describes what has changed since the recent redesign of her studio. [33:01] Kim shares how her business has evolved and how she continues to stay inspired to grow. [36:10] How has Sola as a company evolved? [38:25] Jennie speaks about the Sola Pro app, SolaGenius, and other Sola tools and programs that have helped Kim grow her business. [39:17] Kim shares what she would say to someone who is on the fence about opening their own studio. [41:03] Kim describes how having her studio has impacted her life outside of the salon, helping her create work-life balance. [43:26] When you have a salon studio, you can control everything about how you work. There are no limitations. [44:57] What one piece of advice would you give your twenty-something self if you had the chance? [46:24] Tune in to part 2 to hear more about Kim’s journey and evolution with Sola. Links and Resources Jennie Wolff Sola Salon Studios @solasalons Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram Connect with Kim Kim Bennett Studios @kimi_kisses Instagram