Our Story & The Team

In 2006, we opened our first Sola in Bird Rock, introducing a new concept to the San Diego beauty industry: empowering independent beauty professionals with the freedom to own their own salon business. What started as one location in a small coastal neighborhood has grown into a thriving network of 21 locations across San Diego County.

Over the past 20 years, we’ve been proud to play a role in shaping the local beauty landscape. Today, our community includes more than 900 independent beauty professionals—hairstylists, estheticians, nail artists, barbers, and wellness experts—each running their own business under the Sola roof. This collective of entrepreneurs is part of a larger movement that has transformed the industry, giving professionals the ability to be “in business for themselves, but not by themselves.”

At Sola San Diego, we believe our impact goes far beyond our walls. We’ve helped redefine what it means to build a career in beauty—creating opportunities for independence, creativity, and long-term success. Our studios have become hubs for innovation, education, and collaboration, where professionals support one another and grow together.

From Bird Rock to communities across the county, our mission has remained the same: to empower beauty professionals to take control of their careers and build lives they love. As part of a brand that has led the independent salon movement for over two decades, we’re proud to continue driving that momentum right here in San Diego.

And we’re just getting started. READ BELOW to meet our amazing Team.

Austin Campbell

Founder and Partner

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Austin Campbell is a founding member of Sola SD and a longtime leader in the San Diego County market, where he owns and operates 21 Sola Salon Studios locations. With 19 years of experience growing alongside the brand, Austin has played a key role in Sola’s evolution from an innovative startup to an industry leader.

Passionate about entrepreneurship, Austin is driven by helping beauty professionals transition from traditional employment to successful independent business ownership. He takes pride in fostering strong relationships within his community, which has contributed to exceptional long-term retention across his locations—including many professionals who have been with Sola for over 15 years.

Outside of work, Austin enjoys spending time with his family, golfing with friends in San Diego, and hiking in Colorado.

Jeremy Campbell

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Managing Partner / CFO

Jeremy, Austin’s younger brother, is remote from Steamboat Springs, CO and handles Sola San Diego’s finances. He loves the outdoors, skiing and writing/performing music with his bandmates. Check them out on Spotify, Instagram, and YouTube:

The Little Moon Travelers.

Chris Gonzalez

General Manager

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Chris has been part of the Sola Salons family for the past 12 years, and what he loves the most about work is being surrounded by talented independent beauty professionals who bring creativity, passion, and positive energy into the space every day. Watching artists build their businesses and create an inspiring atmosphere for clients and each other is what makes Sola Salons such a special place. Over the years, many of the professionals he works with has become more than colleagues, they’ve become friends and family.

Outside of work, Chris is a proud husband to his wife, Kailey, and the best dad he can be to his son, Ezra. Watching him grow up has been the most rewarding experience of his life. When Chris isn’t working, you’ll usually find him watching sports, catching Padres games at Petco Park, enjoying long walks, relaxing during Friday wine nights, or playing softball on Thursday nights with the “Almost Friday boys.”

Andrew Jacobson

Marketing Manager

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Andrew is the Marketing Manager at Sola SD, where he has spent the past six years helping grow the brand through creative storytelling, content creation, and strategic marketing initiatives. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Andrew works remotely while staying closely connected to the San Diego market, where he frequently travels to collaborate with teams and produce content that brings the Sola experience to life.

A graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Marketing, Andrew combines a strong foundation in strategy with a passion for authentic, engaging content. He plays a key role in showcasing the stories of Sola’s beauty pros and team, helping elevate the brand’s presence across digital platforms.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys traveling, exploring great food spots, and keeping up with his favorite teams—the New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, and Denver Broncos.

Hailey Young

Leasing/Sales Manager

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Hailey is a San Diego native with a science background from SDSU. She has managed leasing and sales for Sola SD since 2020! She enjoys building relationships and helping beauty professionals find the perfect space to grow their businesses. Outside of work, she stays busy with her husband, their (wild) toddler, and their two dogs. When Hailey has a moment to herself, you can find her at the beach, or caught up in a good thriller or romantacy novel!

Joey Doan

Operations Manager

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Joey is local in Ocean Beach and has worked for Sola for 3 years. He enjoys playing basketball, watching baseball, skateboarding and surfing. You can find Joey cruising sunset cliffs, chilling with his wife Steph and dog at the beach or at Petco rooting for the Padres.

Angel McKellar

Office Manager

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Sola San Diego’s back office is run by our Office Manager, Angel McKellar, who brings an extensive background in accounting, property management and office administration. Her main focus is to keep operations running smoothly for the rest of the Sola team.

Angel is a home-body, loves going on hikes and taking care of her garden.

Ana Nieves

Operations Manager

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Ana is a San Diego native known for her hands-on approach to business and dedication to high standards in the beauty and service industries. She began her career as a nail artist and hair stylist, operating her own salon studio at Sola Salon Studios in Mission Valley. During that time, she also helped oversee a cleaning and floor care business she owns with her husband, gaining valuable experience in commercial maintenance and facility operations.

Today, Ana focuses on facilities management for Sola Salon Studios locations. Drawing from her experience as a former tenant and business operator, she works to ensure salon spaces remain clean, organized, and well maintained so independent beauty professionals can focus on serving their clients and growing their businesses in a reliable and supportive environment.