The year is circa 2013. A bored, and somewhat opportunistic, freshly released military member needed to figure her new freedom out, and pursue a career path that she’d love. At this time my husband was still enlisted, so I was uncommitted to intensive schooling and couldn’t picture a 9-5. I needed something to keep me busy, and fast. 

Hair was always a passion of mine, frequently landing me in some type of trouble for the colors I’d experiment with. Why not turn my passion into profit? I enrolled in school while at Virginia Beach, but knew off the bat I wanted to learn more than the average Aveda student. So, I picked a little local school called Wards Corner Beauty Academy. It was more challenging than I anticipated, and I LOVED it. 

 After graduating I decided to go the corporate route. I watched and learned everything I possibly could—from how they ran their business to continue education, inventory, and even commission. I wanted to know the intricate details ad nauseam. 

When we landed in Florida to plant roots I made the irrational choice of booth renting. With not a single client in my arsenal. It was risky business, but what’s risk without reward.   From a mom and pop booth rental to my own LLC, Foil It Studio in Sola Salons, my business has become a tangible force. From K-tips to fashion colors, Bellami to PulpRiot, Virginia to L.A., this wild ride feels like it has just started and is so fun. Celebrating 10 years in 2024 and looking back on what is, and is to come, one thing rings true at Sola, the possibilities are only what you want them to be—so endless!