[ad_1]
An innovative new beauty and health destination, one capable of housing up to 21 small businesses within its walls, recently opened at The Highlands.
Sola Salons, located at 572 Cabela Dr. at the shopping plaza, already has two tenants that have set up shop — Magnolia Day Spa and Destiny Salon Studio. Sola’s owner is looking to fill more spots under his roof.
“The thought of having 21 private studios under one roof in one secure common space where business owners have 24/7 access is unheard of,” says West Virginia Sola Salons owner Jerry “Jermac” McGlumphy of their unusual business model.
After a long career as the Director of Acquisition and Integration for Valley National Gases, McGlumphy was only able to retire for a year and a half before wanting to get back on the “horse with a light saddle and a full canteen” that he calls business ownership.
“To be honest, during my retirement, my golf game improved, and I loved hanging out on my John Deere, but I began thinking there’s gotta be something else,” the 70-year-old Wheeling native said. “Life’s about what’s next.”
McGlumphy began investigating and, “with the help of a consultant or two,” was introduced to the Sola Salons concept. He was immediately drawn to the “small businesses incubator” style of the business.
Destiny Lichwa, owner of Destiny Salon Studio, was thrilled to be able to open her own business at only 23.
“I began styling hair during COVID, and every year since then has been a big step in my career,” said Lichwa. “This is the biggest step so far, so I am very excited.”
With the building boasting 4,500 square feet and a total of 21 private studio rooms, McGlumphy is still on the hunt for new clients. For the ribbon cutting, he hopes to have at least eight businesses in the building.
“When guests come in at the grand opening, they’re gonna take a tour and walkthrough,” said McGlumphy. “I want them to be able to see the differences in motifs and decors between these pros.”
On the type of tenant that would come to Sola Salons, McGlumphy said that 99% of his clientele is first-time business owners. However, he has had clients at the Morgantown location downsize from owning their own private studios to moving into Sola Salons.
“A lot of the time, the reason stylists want to come here is because their employees aren’t showing up or missing appointments,” said McGlumphy. “The owner has to deal with that kind of stuff, and Sola Salons is a great way to move away from those problems.”
He added that first-time business owners often come to Sola Salons because they no longer want to deal with the drama and cramped working spaces at traditional salons.
Even though the business does not cater to walk-ins, as most tenants come in with a built-in customer base, McGlumphy noted that he has often seen customers at the Morgantown location become interested in other businesses simply because they saw them from across the hall.
“I anticipate that happening up here at The Highlands as well, there’s a lot of traffic where we’re located between Play It Again Sports and Once Upon a Child,” he added. “Folks are already starting to take a peak in here now, and I think that will be beneficial for the professionals.”
There are plenty of other benefits for small business owners who want to take up a space, as Sola Salons will pay for their first year of insurance as a move-in bonus along with another $400 bonus to cover other expenses, such as styling tools and hair dye.
McGlumphy is thrilled to be encouraging entrepreneurship in Wheeling and to get more professionals on the “horse with a light saddle and a full canteen.”
“My wife always told me, ‘the more you give, the more you give room to receive,’ and I want to stay true to that the more we grow here,” he said.
[ad_2]
Source link