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SEARCHIn this MODERN EXCLUSIVE video interview, we speak with Christina Russell, CEO of Sola Salons, about the growth of the salon suite model of employment and how independent salon professionals can continue to thrive even during times of economic uncertainty.
Sola CEO Christina Russell joined the Sola team with extensive senior leadership background in franchising with companies such as Curves, Camp Bow Wow and Pure Barre, where she was recently CEO. She began her career in the franchise industry as a multi-unit owner, which provides her a unique, rich perspective and background that she brings to this role.
With talk of the recession still top of mind across industries, a positive metric is the health of the wellness economy, which includes salon and spas. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness economy is expected to reach nearly $7.0 trillion in 2025.
Knowing that the appetite for personal care and beauty continues to grow, what business tactics can beauty professionals employ to meet consumer demands, to build their businesses, and to help them weather periods of high inflation?
We dive into this and more with Christina Russell, CEO of Radiance Holdings, which represents Sola Salons, the world's largest and fastest-growing salon studios, and Woodhouse Spas, the largest premium day spa brand in the U.S, both of which achieved the highest growth since inception last year.
In this MODERN EXCLUSIVE, Anne Moratto, director of content for MODERN SALON, spoke with Russell about the growth of the salon suite model of employment and how independent salon professionals can continue to thrive even during times of economic uncertainty.
Why are hair salons becoming more of a launching pad for hairstylists to open their own salons? (1:32)
How do beauty professionals respond to the realities of inflation? What are they doing when costs are going up? (3:49)
How do you backfill more clients into your book? (5:59)
Small bites of education that help hairstylists rethink their independent mindset. (8:22)
How the uptick in hybrid work and how consumers are working has contributed to an uptick in beauty and wellness services. (10:28)
What’s saving the salon industry? (13:01)
The importance of speaking to the people who are driving the industry forward . (15:31)
Originally posted on Modern Salon
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
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Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
With more than one million licensed professionals nationwide, industry leaders are celebrating growing momentum behind cosmetology and esthetics interstate compacts designed to reduce licensing barriers and expand career mobility.
After a successful career in strategic M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) and working for a Fortune 500 company, Amit Shah decided to pursue franchise ownership and open a nail salon.
