Aura Salonware is pleased to announce its first annual Aura BeautySphere Connect event, which will take place at The Standard Spa in Miami Beach, Florida, on May 5, 2025.

This intimate one-day retreat for salon owners is an opportunity to connect, learn, and recharge. Participants will gain insights from industry innovators and experience salon leadership educational sessions and workshops.

Speakers include Cyd Charisse and David Bosscher of Destroy the Hairdresser, Sarai Speer, known as the Platinum Giraffe, Alicia Soulier from Salon Scale, Benjamin Camagna from Currie Hair Skin and Nails, Keri Davis of Keri Davis Consulting, and more.

In addition, Aura’s official networking lunch and experiential cocktail reception allows salon owners to connect with fellow beauty entrepreneurs.
“Aura promises to infuse new energy to salon businesses by providing an industry event that brings together like-minded beauty professionals,” mentioned Aura Salonware Co-founder Jonathan Levine. ”We invite salon owners to come get inspired, share their experiences and best practices, and discover ways to grow their businesses while taking a little time to breathe in the beauty and vibrance of Miami.”

To learn more about Aura BeautySphere Connect or purchase tickets, visit http://aurasalonware.com/beautysphereconnect.

About Aura Salonware
Aura Salonware is the all-in-one salon operations software that modernizes, automates, and innovates the entire salon management experience. With intuitive and dynamic features, this data-driven, cloud-based platform helps salons provide an elevated client experience to increase retention, satisfaction, and revenue.

For more information about
Aura, visit aurasalonware.com.

Rob Weston, owner of LEVEL 7 BARBER has been announced as OSMO’s new brand ambassador.

With over 12 years of experience in the barbering industry, Rob Weston’s journey began at LAFHAB (Leeds Academy for Hairdressing & Barbering) in Leeds City Centre. After qualifying, he honed his craft in a busy walk-in barbershop, quickly building a loyal clientele that followed him as he moved to the next town. His
ambition led him to convert part of a hair salon into a dedicated barbershop, where he spent two years establishing his name before returning to the heart of Leeds.

Rob gained valuable experience at Boris & Co, refining his skills in a fast-paced city
environment under Michael Tominay. He later expanded his expertise at King Coby’s and 13 Barbers, working alongside a close-knit team. After three years, fatherhood led him back to a local setting at Boris & Co in Mirfield before he set out on his own venture.

In June 2023, Rob opened Level 7 Barbers in a fully renovated space, creating a
modern, thriving barbershop that remains fully booked. His expertise spans both
barbering and hairdressing, incorporating elements of precision cutting, longer
styles, and colouring into his hybrid approach.

Beyond the shop, Rob has shared his knowledge through stage work with Great British Barber Bash and as a coach for Learn to Cut, an online platform mentoring aspiring barbers to refine their skills and elevate their pricing. He also runs his own independent education courses, helping others unlock their potential.
Rob’s passion for creativity extends to photography and videography, complementing his social media presence.

Always eager to evolve, he continually invests in education and professional development.
Rob’s role as an OSMO ambassador will see him working closely with the brand to create content, attend industry events, and participate in brand shoots… including a
very exciting one, which is yet to be revealed!
“Rob’s expertise in barbering resonates with our passion towards the barbering industry. We’re excited to be working closely with Rob and seeing how his creative
skills help to build the OSMO brand and products to a wider barbering audience,” explains OSMO Senior Brand Manager, Sinéad McLaughlin.

www.osmo.uk.com
Instagram: @osmouk_official / @osmoikon / @_robweston/@level7barbers

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has announced that Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive and Rosina Robson, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, have been named in the 2025 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist.

This prestigious recognition, curated by the Trade Association Forum (TAF), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), and Confederation of British Industry (CBI), celebrates 100 inspirational women who have made significant contributions to trade associations across the UK.

The Powerlist will be officially launched today, March 7, 2025, to coincide with International Women’s Day, underscoring the vital role of female leadership in various sectors.

Caroline Larissey, who assumed the role of NHBF Chief Executive in November 2023, has been instrumental in driving the federation’s strategic initiatives. Her extensive experience spans over three decades, beginning as a salon junior and progressing through roles such as stylist, beauty therapist, business owner, and further education lecturer. Prior to her current position, Caroline served as the NHBF’s Director of Quality and Standards, where she championed the development of industry standards and best practices.

Under Caroline’s leadership, the NHBF has successfully implemented an ambitious five-year strategy, restructured the organization for enhanced operational efficiency, and ensured financial stability and transparency. Notably, the launch of the NHBF Manifesto in May 2024 has set a positive vision for the future, outlining how the government can better support the creativity, entrepreneurship, and public service displayed by NHBF members.

Caroline expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating,
“I am deeply honoured to be recognized in the 2025 Women in Trade Association Powerlist alongside my exceptional colleague, our director of policy and public affairs Rosina Robson. This past year has marked a significant transformation for the NHBF as we’ve successfully implemented our ambitious five-year strategy, restructured our organisation with clear operational frameworks, ensuring both financial stability and transparency. Particularly rewarding has been the launch of our NHBF Manifesto and the establishment of our advisory boards, areas where Rosina’s outstanding work in policy and political engagement has been instrumental. Her expertise has significantly amplified our sector’s voice at the highest levels of government and strengthened our influence across key policy areas.

The development of our NHBF, Survive and Thrive with the NHBF initiative, our Assured Trade Member scheme, digital credits, recognising sector excellence, and our innovative ‘Business in a Box’ Member offer represent just some of the ways we’re revolutionising how trade associations deliver value. Being selected by FSB, CBI, and the Trade Association Forum validates our approach to combining sector-specific expertise with strategic vision to create lasting positive change for our members and the entire hair and beauty sector.”

Rosina Robson, NHBF’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, brings a wealth of experience from her work in Westminster and Whitehall, where she has been pivotal in securing positive changes to legislation. At the NHBF, Rosina is responsible for presenting the views of members on critical issues such as wages, standards, and taxation to politicians across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Rosina’s outstanding work in policy and political engagement has significantly amplified the sector’s voice at the highest levels of government. Her efforts have strengthened NHBF’s influence across key policy areas, ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of members are effectively communicated and addressed.

The inclusion of Caroline Larissey and Rosina Robson in the 2025 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist highlights NHBF’s dedication to excellence, advocacy, and the advancement of the hair and beauty industry.

As March is Women’s History Month, BarberEVO decided to team up with Wahl Professional to show our appreciation of some of the top female barbers in the industry, and how they have overcome adversity in a male-dominated industry.

Featuring: Kristi Faulkner, Wahl Education Team, International Platform Artist & Educator

From a very early age, I loved everything about cutting hair – I always cut all my Barbie dolls’ hair and did all my friends’ hair in school. After high school, I went to college and cosmetology school at the same time and got my cosmetology license. Shortly after, I got married and moved to a military town – that’s really where my passion for barbering started. Even though I had just graduated from cosmetology school, I had never picked up a pair of clippers ever. I found a barbershop to work at, and the owner gave me a Wahl Professional Designer clipper and a Wahl Professional Peanut. The rest is history.

At the beginning, it was extremely hard to even have anyone sit in my chair. Not many female barbers cut hair for those of all different races and with all textures, but I was young and eager to learn, so I learned learning to cut men’s hair and all different textures. The owner, Miss Ann, was a Korean female barber who taught me everything I know. I’m so grateful for the opportunity she gave me. At that time, it was $4.00 a haircut and I made 40% of that. I definitely had to learn fast and cut fast. That is where my love of barbering came from and my speed.

After time and A LOT of practice I began to really start a great clientele on the military. Unfortunately, I ended up moving home and that’s when I really had a reality check. I was a white woman that cut all different textured hair, but mainly ethnic hair because it was my favorite to cut. When I looked for a job, I got turned away over and over again. I finally found a barbershop that gave me a chance, but still, no one wanted me to cut their hair. They thought I was an undercover cop or something like that. It took a lot of time and patience, but once I had a few people sit in my chair, I proved my skill.

Eventually I had to leave the barbershop, and I saved all the money I earned to open the first multi-cultural shop in my area. I have been licensed for 32 years now and with Wahl Professional clippers going on 17 years.

I’ve always found joy in continuing my barber education, so I went to all the hair shows I could. I was very fortunate that when I was at the Bronner Bros. Beauty Show, the largest ethnic show in the country, the head of education for Wahl clippers at the time, Isadore Adams, was there working the booth. He gave me the chance of a lifetime – I went on stage at the show and cut a head as a demonstration. I was so nervous to be up there, but when I turned on my Wahl Pro clippers, I instantly relaxed and showed off my skills that I had worked so on for over the years. I would never have thought a pair of Wahl Pro clippers would take me all over the world. I have done international shows and classes, all throughout the U.S. as well. Even working for the most trusted barbering tools company in the world, I still faced doubters who challenged my skillset. I worked even harder to know my Wahl tool knowledge better than anyone else, and I never gave up, which only made me better.

I’ve been so blessed to be a part of the Wahl family. They have supported me and encouraged me throughout my career. Now, I’m a part of the product and development team as well. I absolutely love anything and everything that has to do with Wahl – from the actual products, like my current favorites the 5-Star Vapor™ and the 5 Star A•LIGN Trimmer, to learning how to use them to create new looks and cuts.

This industry is ready for new upcoming female barbers. We have a few new female barbers on our Wahl Education team that are phenomenal. I love to share my story with other aspiring women in the industry, and I always encourage all female barbers to be fearless. Don’t give up! We have an incomparable skillset and presence. I always tell other female barbers the road might not be easy, but it’s so worth it. Every single disappointment will make you stronger and better. The future is bright for female barbers, and I’m so blessed I was able to help pave a little of the way.

No matter how successful they are, growth-oriented business owners are always thinking about what’s next. How can I expand, diversify, reach new revenue goals and build upon an already strong customer experience? These are the questions that OC Thomas, owner of Rich in Flesh Tattoo & Barbershop in Livermore, California, had been asking himself for a while. The easy answer was: money. But how could he secure funding that was more business-friendly than traditional avenues, aligned with his timelines & goals, and offered him personalized repayment options?

Thomas eventually found his answer in Vagaro Capital. He didn’t see, at first, how the tattoo studio scheduling software he was using could help fund all the upgrades and renovations he was looking to make. But it all became very clear, very quickly.

This is how Vagaro Capital’s small business funding model helped Thomas enhance his business, positioning it to become even richer in character, in-house talent, name recognition and…well, in the traditional sense, too.

Over the course of 13 years in business, Thomas had never taken any sort of business funding—a fact that he was proud of. But he felt drastic changes were in order, and he knew he could only get so much done by grinding to raise money for projects.

“I chose to [get funding] this time because I wanted to scale faster,” he said.

Turns out, the best option was right under Thomas’s nose—at least, every time he opened his Vagaro Pro app.

“I initially only joined for booking and keeping structure at my business,” Thomas said. “I thought, ‘it’s crazy Vagaro is doing so much!’”

Just like children, each side of Thomas’s business had unique needs, and he didn’t want to prioritize one over the other. He had a number in mind and wanted to get started on both right away.

No problem. Thomas completed the application in minutes. He was approved right away and received $43,000 of funding in 48 hours.

Rich in Equipment

Finding a use for his funding didn’t take Thomas long.

“As soon as that money came in—all new furniture,” he said.

Brand-new tattoo and barber chairs were just the beginning. Thomas had brand-new light fixtures installed that made the shop brighter and more welcoming for clients. At the same time, it improved working conditions for RIF’s employees, all for whom painstaking detail is especially important.

Rich in Personality

Walk into Rich in Flesh and you’re immediately immersed in the energy and aesthetic of two very cool—and complementary—industries: modern barbering and body art. In other words, outside of boundaries necessary for safety and sanitation, it doesn’t feel like two separate, siloed businesses competing for your attention when you walk through the door.

This is all intentional. Thomas allocated part of his funding to turn Rich in Flesh into a true creative space saturated with the personalities of all its employees. That required far more than just a few coats of paint. Among other design revamps, nearly every artist contributed mural art to RIF’s walls.

“They’ve all responded incredibly well to the new surroundings,” said Thomas, referring to the vibe from his employees and renewed air of professionalism in his shop.

Rich in Sound

Thomas never has any doubt in either side of his business’s ability to produce revenue (his Vagaro credit card processing history backs that up) nor in his ability to pay for any amount of funding he needed.

But small business or bank funding can come with prohibitive interest rates dependent on the larger economic picture and rigid repayment terms. Recovering a sizeable chunk of profits used upfront for various projects is always an option, but comes with its own set of risks.

With Vagaro Capital, Thomas sidestepped all of that. He pays off his funding with an agreed-upon percentage of what he makes. Thomas received his funding in August 2023; when the Vagaro team spoke with him in December, he’d already paid off a third of his balance.

“I didn’t even feel it,” said Thomas.

Like all recipients, Thomas determined how—and how fast—he’d pay for his funding during the application process. This is based on an agreed-upon credit card percentage of each transaction—which is, in turn, dependent upon the amount of funding he’d been approved for. Payments are automated as a small percentage of each transaction.

“You just keep it moving along, and, honestly, it’s not really noticeable,” Thomas said.

Still Rich in Ideas

Thomas is the creative sort, the type who thrives on new ideas. As it happens, everything he was able to accomplish at Rich in Flesh through Vagaro Capital has inspired some new ideas for how Thomas can elevate his business further.

The process for capital renewal is as streamlined and straightforward as initial approval. Thomas can count on getting what he needs on the same timeframe as before, which enables him to start planning now. With repayment terms so painless, he isn’t afraid to think BIGGER for next time.

“As soon as the time is right, I’m ready to work with Vagaro Capital again,” he said.

It’s the collab you never knew you needed, and the one we have all been waiting for. Legendary professional barber tool brand, BaBylissPRO have joined forces with the revolutionary and innovative education and product brand, Tomb45, to create a tool range like no other, including a Clipper, Trimmer, wireless charging pad, and Professional Nano Light Ionic Dryer. Everything you need to know, here in BarberEVO.  

For both BaBylissPRO and Tomb45, the words ‘by barbers, for barbers’ are not taken lightly. Both bodies are constantly devoted to innovating for the barbers at the center of this industry. This shared passion behind each brand has led to a tool collaboration unlike any other. We introduce to you: The BaBylissPRO X Tomb45 Clipper, Trimmer, Wireless Charging Pad, and Professional Nano Light Ionic Dryer. 

With features such as the trimmer’s new reversed blade orientation making lineups easier than ever, the clippers DS1 Dual Speed Motor that runs at 7,500RPM at high speed, and 6,800 RPM at low speed, and a LED Battery-Level Indicator Screen on both, these tools are the pinnacle of innovation.  

Not to mention, the clipper and trimmer in addition to being USB-C Compatible and FXCORD Compatible for Cord/Cordless Use, both tools are wireless charging compatible… to pair perfectly with the oh-so slick BaBylissPRO X Tomb45 Wireless-Charging Pad.  

And to top the tool range off with a cherry on top, they have also created the BaBylissPRO X Tomb45 Professional Nano Light Ionic Dryer. The Nano Titanium and Ionic technology offer maximum smoothness and shine, the cold shot button locks in styles, and with nine LED heat and speed settings and engineered airflow offers more efficient and effective styling.  

Joining Forces 

By BaBylissPRO and Tomb45 collaborating on this tool range, not only has increased the power and functionality of the tools, but it also strengthens the reach and education available within the industry.  

44 Global Educators: There is a combined total of 44 BaBylissPRO® and Tomb45® global educators  

25+ Million: Between BaBylissPRO® and Tomb45®’s digital presence, they have a combined 25+ million followers.  

158+ Million:  158+ million interactions on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube in 2024. 

Who are Tomb45? 

We spoke to Chris Bossio, one of the founders of Tomb45 about the collaboration, and why he believed it was a perfect fit. But first, Chris told us a little more about Tomb45 and what the brand stands for.  

“I have been teaching barbers how to cut hair and get better at their craft, and just been pouring into elevating the industry as much as I can for the past 10 years. One of the things that I noticed in the barbering industry as I was coming in was there wasn’t a lot of innovation. If it’s not innovative, if it’s not going to elevate the industry, then it’s not a project that Tomb45 want to take on. 

“BaBylissPRO® was a brand that wanted to do something new, something different. They were willing to listen to us. It wasn’t just about the money. They wanted to do something different, something that would elevate the industry and bring the standards higher.” And so, Chris travelled to BaBylissPRO®’s HQ, to meet with the team.  

“I spent the weekend with the leadership team, and it was all so synergistic. Big barber brands, they usually don’t want to do something expensive, they don’t want to reengineer something and build from scratch. But BaBylissPRO® will willing to take that risk. It felt like going to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. I drew on a piece of paper what I thought would be the most ergonomic, cool, best feeling clipper in a barber’s hand, and they came back with some renderings and mock ups. They came back with technology that they were never willing to introduce in the past… until now.”  

Two Innovators, One Mission: Redefining the Industry.  

“So,” Chris continued, “This is what it looks like when Tomb45 and BaBylissPRO® come together and create a vision. You can see the ergonomics, the way it hugs your hand, the size of it, the shape, the balance, the weight, all of these details were thought about. I just feel like we are paying attention to the real behavior that happens in a barbershop.”  

An example of this is the location of the lever on the trimmer. “How long have trimmers been around? Why hasn’t anyone thought about putting the lever on the side where your hand naturally lies, to be more ergonomically efficient? So, that’s what we did! I want it to be fun to move the lever around. It’s little details like this that barbers will notice and appreciate.  

“I remember one of the team members at BaBylissPRO handing me a piece of clay and saying, ‘form the lever that you think would feel best in your hand.’ I did it, then we drew it out, and that’s the tool we created. The second you feel this in your hand, you know it was built for a barber, by a barber.”  

Making the Cut  

We also wanted to get the tools in the hands of a barber to hear their feedback on the brand new tools and collaboration. And who better to speak to than educator for BaBylissPRO® as well as Tomb45®, Sean Ralston!?  

First Impressions of the Tool 

“When I first saw the clipper, I thought it was super cool. It’s tough to be unique these days, especially since many clippers look alike. But this one, from the design to the features, is completely new. It’s not just an update or an iteration; it’s an entirely new concept. Seeing it come to life from a sketch was a really cool moment, especially from two of my favorite companies.” 

The Power of Collaboration 

“Tomb45 has been making innovative charging products for a while, and BaBylissPRO® has always been a brand that values the opinions of barbers. The two brands understood that working together could be beneficial to everybody, and the two brands have teamed up really nicely and naturally. So, it just made sense for us to connect, combine ideas, and create something unique.” 

Favorite Features 

“There are a few cool new features. One is the built-in wireless charging. Unlike previous tools where you needed attachments to make it work, this one charges wirelessly straight out of the box. Another is the ergonomic lever; it fits perfectly in your thumb. But the feature I’m most excited about is the trimmer. The power button is on the back, so you can use it for lineups without flipping it over. It’s a completely new approach that I think will make barbers’ jobs easier.” 

The Backwards Trimmer 

“It’s funny because, when you first see it, it looks ‘backwards,’ but it makes so much sense. The power button is on the back, and the blade faces away from you, making it perfect for lineups without having to flip the tool over. It’s definitely different, but we think it’s going to be a game-changer for the industry.” 

Describing the Tool in Three Words 

“Innovation, ergonomics, and power.” 

Get your hands on the BaBylissPRO X Tomb45 Tools NOW!

@CuttingThroughTheNoise is proud to announce they will be a podcast partner at HairCon for this year’s event. Hosted by the dynamic duo Stephanie Mason and Hayley Mears, the podcast is known for its no-nonsense, insightful discussions on the ever-evolving hair and beauty industry. Their combined experience in the hair sector, business strategy, marketing, and digital content ensures that their contributions to HairCon will be both invaluable and inspiring.

With an acute understanding of industry challenges and trends, Cutting Through the Noise will provide real-time, thought-provoking conversations with key players in the market. No commercial topic is off-limits, as Stephanie  and Hayley dissect crucial issues such as:

• The impact of current supply chain disruptions
• The latest e-commerce trends and their influence on the beauty market
• The shifting landscape of salon culture and workplace flexibility
• Strategies for brands that launched during economic downturns and those that have successfully navigated market challenges

At HairCon, the podcast will deliver exclusive interviews with top industry leaders, emerging brands, and pioneering entrepreneurs who have adapted and thrived in uncertain times. Attendees can expect in-depth discussions on business-to-business operations, salon sustainability, digital transformation, and education-driven solutions to the industry’s most pressing concerns.

“Our vision is to unite the hairdressing industry through real-time conversations about the economic and business changes shaping our sector,” says Hayley Mears. “HairCon provides the perfect platform for these crucial discussions.”

@CuttingThroughTheNoise aims to empower salon professionals, educators, and business owners with the knowledge they need to stay ahead in this competitive landscape.

GET YOUR TICKETS

Don’t miss out on this groundbreaking partnership and the exclusive content that@CuttingThroughTheNoise will bring to HairCon. Secure your tickets now and be part of the conversations shaping the future of the industry.

For ticket information and event details, visit HairCon.

Lici is someone who needs no introduction in this industry – a barber, educator, and all round master in grooming. Now, she can spend more time than ever giving back to her community… and how has she managed that within her busy schedule? With Vagaro. 

“I first came across Vagaro at BarberCon, Dallas,” Lici told us. “I was introduced to John Mosley, and at that time, I had just come back from London, because I moved overseas, I opened a small location, and I was still in the works of trying to find a management system to help support the business. In this industry, we are always so focused on getting the perfect cut that sometimes, we neglect the actual business management that comes with the job. 

“For me, Vagaro hit every box I was looking to tick off. I don’t like to call it a booking app, it’s a real management system. An example of this being the Sales Summary feature, I’m able to tell where my barbers are from a certain stand point by looking at these stats. It allows me to think ahead – who is our star barber, and who isn’t? Why is that the case? Are we taking too much time per appointment? Do we need more training?” 

Through Vagaro, Lici has managed to streamline her business and spend more time focusing on the causes that matter to her. Learn more about how Lici integrated tech into her business with Vagaro here. 

Stay ahead of the curve by following @barberevo, @liciladybarber, and @vagaropro for more insights, pro tips, and updates on how to make your business more efficient. Work smarter, not harder!

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing is delighted to announce the launch of their brand-new platform sharing events – the Fellowship Creative XChange™. These events are an opportunity for creatives to come together to present new ideas and techniques, collaborate with like-minded individuals to build stronger local communities and educational learning HUBS. The Creative XChange™ events will seek to cover all aspects of the hairdressing and barbering industry, from traditional to contemporary techniques in cutting, styling, colour and barbering across all hair types and textures.

The Events will be taking place in Salons, Barber Shops, and Independent Spaces throughout the UK, under licence from and promoted by the Fellowship for British Hairdressing to encourage all professional hairdressers in the local area to come along and take part or just soak up the atmosphere and learn some new techniques it’s where “creativity meets innovation”, right on your doorstep. Ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask or showcase a technique or a trend that you’ve been perfecting. The Creative XChange™ has something for everyone.

Fellowship Creative XChange™ have been implemented to build up local creative communities and encourage professionals to become members of the Fellowship and to apply for the Fellowship’s Bespoke Education Projects.

Barry Stephens, CEO of the Fellowship, commented: “The launch of the Fellowship Creative XChange™ is a crucial development in the evolution of the hairdressing industry, playing a vital role in the connecting of like-minded industry professionals in cities outside of the capital, whilst also illustrating the benefits of becoming a member of the Fellowship.”

Ashleigh Hodges, the President of Fellowship added: “Hairdressing is one of the most creative professions in the world – and we’re so lucky that have a community of like-minded professionals that want to collaborate with one another and help each other to grow and develop their skills -and the Fellowship Creative XChange™ aims to help doing just that! We hope to build communities of creatives whose passion for the craft align, whilst creating a space for them to come together to present and collaborate on new ideas and techniques.”

To start your Fellowship Journey, we’d love for you to host a Creative XChange™ Event in your Salon, Barber Shop or Independent Space.

Operating a barbershop is the dream of many around the world, however, few ever make the leap. Whether you’re a trendsetting barber, aspiring business owner, or both, this article is going to go in depth on how you can open your own barbershop. But where do you even begin? Well, like you might think, starting a business begins with finding your customers—probably not in the way that you imagine, though.

Laying the Foundation: Identifying a Niche Market

A niche is the specific skill, tactic, look, process, etc. that sets you apart from the rest of the industry. If you don’t already have an idea in mind of what that might be, there’s a few things that we’d recommend trying!

• Soul Search: Look within! If you aren’t too sure what it is that makes you special, explore things like your hobbies, beliefs, or professional experiences for common themes. (Hint: Everyone has something that makes them unique—never sell yourself short!)
• Talk to Your Friends/Family: Understandably so, it can be tough to reflect on yourself from an internal perspective. Ask your loved ones or those close to you what exactly it is that makes you, YOU.
• Research Industry Trends: If all else fails, it never hurts to see what kind of trends are popular around your area or industry as a whole. Maybe there’s something trending that you could mold or sculpt to align with your passion or vibe more directly.

With your niche discovered, you’ll be even more prepared to resonate with your target market. A target market is the ideal audience or group of clients that you are wanting to offer your exclusive services to. Now that you know who to speak to, and what it is you’re going to be offering to them, it’s time for some planning.

Creating a Business Plan: What, Why, How?

Before starting—well, just about anything—it’s best to have a goal or a plan in mind for what you want to accomplish. If you have a detailed vision or plan in mind, you’re more likely to make those goals a reality. So, before making any official moves, we recommend creating a business plan. What should your business plan entail, exactly? There are three things that your barbershop business plan should absolutely include:

1. The main goals for your barbershop
2. The specific steps that you’re going to take to achieve these goals
3. A general (or detailed) timeline framing when you will reach said goals

Now, to take it a step further, how do you properly create a goal? There are a few ways you can do this. A technique that we’ve mentioned multiple times in the past and actively stand by is the SMART goal method. Short for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely, SMART goals help to iron out a majority of the unknowns that may derail your progress to achieving your goal. Since we’ve covered SMART goals in the past, we won’t go too in-depth now, but strongly recommend you read the Getting Started section of the article found HERE for more information regarding SMART goals.

As you can see, your SMART goal could act as your entire business plan, but be careful not to limit yourself! As we mentioned previously, your business plan can be as detailed as you wish. Including things like your business hours, employee handbook, or business mission statement are all items that can be helpful to include. With our business plan made and SMART goals at the forefront of your mind, it’s time to take care of some of the technical stuff that goes into opening your barbershop.

Registering Your Business/Licensing: Become a Legitimate Entity

As an aspiring barbershop owner, it’s safe to assume that you likely already have your barber or cosmetology license. If you don’t, you’ll need to pass whatever state board test is needed following your barbering program. For example, The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Exam is needed in order to legally practice barbering services in the state of California. To actually open your own barbershop, however, there’s a few extra things that you’ll need to iron out as well.

Note:

Requirements for operating a business in the US often differ by state. To find out what’s needed for your location, conduct a quick web search! Most states have a government website dedicated to new business owners.

Create a Business Name: A business name will be needed for just about every one of the following items listed below, and you probably already have a few great ideas! If you can’t devise a name that you feel fits, it’s completely okay to use a fictitious temporary name. However, if you ever change your business name or address, be sure to report it to your state government immediately to avoid any possible penalties.

File Taxes/Employer Identification: File any needed documents with the state in order to verify your identity and ability to perform the services that you want to offer.

Business License: Aside from your barbering license, you will also need a valid business license to begin operating a barbershop. This can be obtained fairly easily nowadays, especially online. Prior to getting your business license, however, you’ll first need to choose a business structure: corporation, LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.

Before You Continue: Final Checklist

With a detailed business plan & SMART goal on hand, plus the technical foundation laid for your barbershop, you’re just about ready to make the first move. Before you get too excited though, take a look at the final checklist below to ensure that you’ve completed all the necessary items to open a functioning barbershop:

Projected Expenses/Spending: Before jumping headfirst into opening your barbershop, it’s best to know how much doing so is going to cost! Things like property/rent costs, employee wages, the costs of your services, and any outside funding that you may need are all things that should be taken into consideration.

By having an idea of the possible costs or setbacks that may occur when running your business, you can ensure that you always stay financially afloat in a sea of unknowns or constant change. Pair this with something like Vagaro’s in-depth reporting feature, and you’re sure to never fall behind.

Market Research/Marketing Strategies: Marketing effectively is arguably one of the most difficult aspects of operating a barbershop, and there’s a seemingly endless list of ways that you can do it. Social media promos, email campaigns, blogs—which is the right option for you? How do you show potential clients that you’re the real deal? Well, this ties in directly to when you first identified your niche and target market just a few moments ago. When releasing marketing material, you want to keep that same audience in the absolute forefront of your mind.

If you’re unsure as to where to start, take a moment to watch some TV or scroll through social media, then ask yourself if the ads and commercials that you see are effectively working on you. To make things even simpler, you could use something like Vagaro’s in-house email and text marketing content builder to create cutting-edge marketing material that’s sent to clients automatically, or specifically when you choose.

Internal Employee Agreements or Handbooks: If you’re not planning on hiring an extra pair of hands for your barbershop right away, then this step can be a priority when you do cross that bridge later on. Regardless, having rental agreements, employee handbooks, or job descriptions ready when you need them would prove to be a much smoother process in the long run. Remember, as a business owner, it’s best to be proactive, not reactive.

There are a lot of great templates online for just about any form or paperwork that you need, but if you want something in-house, completely customizable, and automated, then Vagaro’s Forms feature is exactly what you need. More info on that HERE.

Additional Permits/Licensing: Make sure you’re not going to be met with a line of red tape when you try to offer your first service. Ensure there aren’t any extra permits or licensing needed for your location or the services that you’re going to offer. As mentioned, a quick web search can prove to be extremely valuable, since most states have a .gov website dedicated to opening a business.

Using a Business Management Software: Why it’s Necessary in Today’s Age

If you’re a barber currently, you’re fully aware that time is money. It’s the most desired resource, yet the one we have the least of. If you’re going to be performing multiple roles in your position, there may even come a time when you have to start denying business opportunities due to not having the extra capacity or resources to take part. That’s where the Vagaro barber management app comes in. With its online booking capabilities & marketplace, plus a setup & onboarding process that we walk through with you, you can now make bookings and make money in your sleep! It doesn’t just stop there. Vagaro provides business owners—at any point in their journey—with the means to market and expand their business. You shouldn’t have to choose between your business & your sanity, so check out Vagaro FREE for 30 days to see what it can do for your own success!