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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
Before a client has even sat down, she has decided whether your salon has its act together, and scent is the one piece of that first impression most salons leave to chance. Aura House co-owner Leif Frey makes the honest case for ambient scent in a salon, including why ventilation, not fragrance, is the answer to fumes. Plus, the four decisions that matter more than which scent you pick.
Sponsored by Aura House
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MelodySusie is celebrating its 17th anniversary. It is a time to celebrate another year of growth, another year of innovation, and another chapter of the journey we've shared with nail lovers around the world. From first-time nail enthusiasts and bold creators to professionals turning passion into a career, we’re grateful for every person and community who has made nail artistry their own.
Sponsored by MelodySusie
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date.
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
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Some OPI nail colors became such classics that fans clamored for their return. And OPI--as always--paid attention to what clients and nail professionals were asking for.
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.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai
