STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – When Tina and Jerry Marcopoulos opened their first Sola Salon Studios franchise in 2018, they wanted to create a space where beauty professionals could thrive.
The nationally recognized concept — which allows stylists to lease move-in-ready salon suites and keep 100% of their profit — was an obvious fit for Staten Island, Marcopoulos noted, calling the business model a “wonderful opportunity for women in the beauty industry to become independent and take control of their lives.”
Cynthia from Wigs by Cico cuts the ribbon in front of her salon space at the New Dorp location of Sola Salon Studios. (Courtesy Sola Salon Studios)(Courtesy Sola Salon Studios)
Based on her franchise’s success, Marcopoulos was right: Dozens of beauty professionals thrived at her Port Richmond location in Forest Avenue Shoppers Town, launching individual boutique salons without having to worry about overhead costs and other financial risks and burdens. That’s why Marcopoulos opened another Staten Island location in 2021 at the South Shore Commons in Charleston and built eight shops in New Jersey. A third outpost opened in the new Eltingville Plaza on Putnam Street and Amboy Road in March, and now a fourth Staten Island location has opened its doors at The Boulevard shopping center in New Dorp.
“As excited as we are that we’ve grown and have been able to bring this amazing concept to different parts of Staten Island, we … fully understand that behind each studio door is a person — sometimes two people,” Marcopoulos said to several of Sola’s newest tenants at a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was hosted as the site a few weeks ago. “We appreciate that everyone comes to us with their own history, and we are honored that you’ve chosen us to be the next chapter in your story. We will be with you, to support you, and to be your cheerleaders through each and every step of your Sola journey.”
Connie from La Ver-Da Esthetics, which is located inside of Sola Salon Studios in New Dorp, shows off her new workspace. (Courtesy Sola Salon Studios)(Courtesy Sola Salon Studios)
Close to 20 beauty entrepreneurs occupy the New Dorp space, offering everything from cuts and color to manicures and permanent makeup.
Stylists choose their own hours and control pricing, services, products, décor, music and more.
“If you’re a single mom who can only work a certain amount of hours, this is a great option for you,” Marcopoulos previously told the Advance/SILive. “If you’re a young woman who wants to build a clientele, this is a great way to do that. We provide a turnkey solution, a studio that is completely ready. All you need to do is bring your scissors and blow dryer.”
Caroline from Her Way To Slay poses in her one-chair studio, located inside Sola Salon Studios in The Boulevard shopping center. (Courtesy Sola Salon Studios)(Courtesy Sola Salon Studios)
Sola Salons operates more than 650 locations throughout the United States, Canada and Brazil. More than 20,000 professionals work under the brand’s umbrella.
Marcopoulos called it a “no-risk” way of building your own business venture.
“It’s so gratifying, because this opportunity invariably changes lives,” she said.
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