EAST LONGMEADOW — Sola Salon Studios is the largest, fastest-growing salon studio business with over 700 locations across the country.
Now, there is a new location in East Longmeadow, the first in Western Massachusetts, on the second floor of 60 Shaker Rd. Franchise Owners Sharon and Kris Gates of Wilbraham completely gutted and remodeled the space and now have brand new construction with all new plumbing, HVAC and electrical so professionals have a brand-new space they walk into for their business.
The business is already at 70% occupancy of its 26 suites. The studios range in size from singles, larges and doubles.
“In this model of salon suites, every single room is its own business,” said Sharon Gates. “We are perfect for hair stylists, estheticians, eyebrow artists, massage therapists, barbers, nail techs and a range of other professionals in the cosmetology industry.”
Professionals submit through the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology for a shop application, and they are business owners and run their business out of the space. The reason why the Gates’ chose East Longmeadow is because there are a lot of beauty professionals in this market, and they feel that Shaker Road is a wonderful, high-traffic location with great visibility.
“Many of these beauty professionals have had the dream of opening their own business and this allows them to do so in an easier manner,” Kris Gates said. “Through this concept, we can allow them to be business owners and make their dream come true without having the hassle or worry about space, upkeep and utilities. They can focus on their customers, their work and building their business.”
Lauren Gitlitz, a hair stylist and owner of Classic Elegance by Lauren, heard about Sola Salons when she was working in California and was waiting patiently for one to come out in Western Massachusetts. The second she heard they were coming, she jumped at the chance and was the first person to start in the space on Jan. 3.
“I am given the freedom to completely run my business the way I see fit,” Gitlitz said. “I have creative freedom. I’m not living out somebody else’s vision, I’m creating my own vision.”
She went on to say, “Sharon and Kris have gone above and beyond to be as helpful as possible. They’ve been so wonderful to work with.”
Sharon Gates added, “We love what we’re doing. We are so grateful for everyone who has signed on with us. I believe, collaboratively, we’re all seeing such success from this concept. We believe this is the way of the future.”
For more information, go to solasalonstudios.com/locations/east-longmeadow. For questions, call 413-570-3600 or email sharon.gates@solasalons.com.
