Faces of Sola: Kim Bennett Horvath

Name:
Kim Bennett Horvath

Salon Name:
Kim Bennett Studios

Sola Location:
Centennial, CO

How many years have you been in the salon industry?

24 Years

How many years have you been at Sola?

11 this July!

What do you specialize in and what do you like most about your career?

I specialize in the overall experience for my guest when they are in my chair. Every visit is a gift and I am truly grateful. It is a privilege to help someone feel great about themselves and that reward is what I like (LOVE) the most!!!

Why did you decide to make the move to Sola Salon Studios?

I have been a Paul Mitchell Educator for 22 years. In 2004 Paul Mitchell started their Focus program for salons. I wanted to open the first PM Focus salon in Denver. That’s when I met Matt Briger and Stratton Smith, Sola Co-Founders (in a Starbucks) and was inspired by their vision of Sola. They didn't want to sell me anything or compete with my business with my customers. They knew what it would take for a small salon owner to be successful, creative and artistic. I could benefit 100% profit of my retail sales and could decorate and let my Paul Mitchell Flag fly high. It was all my choice! So I signed up right then. (The first ever Sola stylist!)

What is your favorite thing about your studio?

I love the intimate atmosphere!! It helps me position and focus on the needs of my guest. Color Bar, Shampoo Area, Take Home recommendations at the Retail Area or just teaching Artistry at the Styling Station, it all comes into play with ease!

What do your clients think about your studio?

I get feedback a lot that they enjoy the atmosphere and meeting other guests sometimes. We have so much fun together and I think they like the more one on one with me from shampoo to finish. The Relationships have become stronger and after 11 years I have a pretty good track record for retention. I have been blessed with amazing people in my Salon.

How has being at Sola changed your life personally and professionally?

Personally, it’s hard to narrow down one thing as I have evolved in 11 years. I can say that as I have changed; getting married, becoming a mother and now working more again because my daughter is in school, Sola gave me the freedom to make changes to my salon studio along the way. It has been the perfect partnership. Professionally I have reached goals that I didn't know were possible. In 2012 and 2014 I was awarded and recognized by Paul Mitchell, which was the reason I went to Sola in 2004. In March of 2014 I took on a new adventure and the honor of being the National Director of Education for Sola Salon Studios. With this opportunity I have had the pleasure of meeting and networking with some of the most amazing people in all aspects to our wonderful professional beauty industry.

What does being a part of the Sola 5,000 mean to you?

Wow, glad its not a video interview, sniff sniff. I'm proud!! I'm honored to have been the 1st! I love all the 5000 different stories that inspires me daily, there are 5000 different triumphs of success because that looks like and means something different to all of us. Most of all 5000 like-minded people I can call my Sola Family and Community! It's a Solabration!!!