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October 16, 2023
KAUKAUNA – Sol Garcia Ramirez said she has always wanted to own her own salon.
“I have always had a passion for beauty, and I had an idea of how a business is run from helping my husband with his business Ramirez Handyman & Painting Services for the past five years,” she said.
That dream, Ramirez said, came true Oct. 2 with the opening of Sol’s Beauty Bar.
Located at 313 Crooks Ave. in Kaukauna, she said not only does Sol’s Beauty Bar offer classic spa manicures and other premium nail enhancements, but it also gives patrons a peek into Hispanic culture.
Ramirez said the vision for her business extends well beyond traditional nail care.
Fluent in both Spanish and English, she said she offers bilingual communication to better serve clients.
“I wanted to have a place for anyone to come and relax while being away from home for a little while,” she said. “They can come in, get their nails done, let out their worries and take the time for them.”
Ramirez said she hopes her business will also be a platform that will allow her to share the Latina culture with her customers.
“Hispanic culture ties with beauty – Hispanic women love to beautify and look good even just to go to the store,” she said. “We call it ‘Se Cuelgan Hasta el Molcajete,’ which is an expression to say they did their makeup or dressed up to shop.”
Before migrating to the United States at age 12, Ramirez grew up in Cortazar, Guanajuato, Mexico, where she said her mother owned a beauty salon.
“My mom had her beauty salon at home so I had the opportunity to observe every time she had a client,” she said. “I remember sitting there and admiring every time she was doing her makeup or for a client. I loved it and always said to myself that one day, I would have my own salon.”
Ramirez completed her training and certification process at the Academy of Beauty Professionals – spending 15 weeks fine-tuning her skills and preparing for her boards.
When she earned her license, Ramirez said she began constructing a business plan and searching for commercial space.
“When I found this place, it felt perfect for my small business,” she said. “It has everything I need to be able to offer my customers a relaxing experience.”
Ramirez said the beauty bar is intimately set up to host one customer at a time, allowing for them to be the sole focus.
The service menu includes basic and deluxe spa manicures and pedicures, along with acrylic enhancements and sculpted nails.
“I also offer add-ons, such as designs and paraffin wax dips,” she said.
Though she is currently a proud solopreneur, Ramirez said the plan is to eventually expand things.
“As of now, it will be just me, but I am hoping to go bigger within the next year and will have my family a little more involved,” she said.
In addition to bringing on staff, Ramirez said she also sees more locations in the future.
“Over the next five years, my goal is to grow my business,” she said, “I would like to have more than one location and to be able to offer employment opportunities to more people within the beauty industry.”
Right now, Ramirez said she is looking forward to sharing her enthusiasm for self care and beautiful, healthy nails with her customers.
“I would love for my business to help others by lifting their self-esteem and allowing them to relax when getting their services done,” she said. “I want them to feel comfortable and know that everyone is welcome here.”
As a small business owner, Ramirez said she plans to connect with the local community more, too.
“I will be donating toward scholarships to help kids within the community,” she said. “This year, I am planning on doing Toys for Tots.”
For more information on Sol’s Beauty Bar, visit solsbeautybar.com or check the salon out on Facebook.
