Vagaro is taking its partnership with renowned barber and educator Phil Jarman to the next level, providing him with a complimentary MySite design and setup that seamlessly updates based on his Vagaro account settings. To ensure a smooth transition, Phil will also receive 1:1 coaching and white-glove service, helping him navigate the onboarding process with ease.

Phil expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating: “Vagaro is a turn key solution for all my needs as a business owner, barber and educator. The company embodies the definition of class; from the software itself, all the staff I’ve worked with, setting up my account, to any help and ongoing support needed. 

“This is by far the most amazing app for barber, hair, or beauty businesses and really takes the standards to another level. If you want your business to flourish, Vagaro will more than help with the process.”

Vagaro UK’s Managing Director, Jason Downes, highlighted Phil’s impact on the industry and the value of this partnership: “We have an established relationship with Phil, and have always admired the way he innovates & inspires via his global coaching programs, whilst still growing his own amazing barber business.

“With Phil consistently travelling, sharing wisdom (and humour) wherever he goes, having Vagaro by his side allows him to keep on top of his business anywhere in the world, across any time zone.”

Vagaro hopes this is just the beginning of a bigger collaboration—one that will continue to support Phil’s journey while showcasing how powerful Vagaro’s tools are for modern barbers and educators.

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.

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!

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!

Effective team communication isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity to communicate effectively.

Improving communication skills within a team is crucial for better collaboration, team building and employee engagement.

Moreover, it:

Improves Productivity & Performance

Clear team communication eliminates confusion and wasted time spent clarifying instructions or chasing down missing information. Moreover, good communication fosters collaboration, reduces misunderstandings, improves task management and provides opportunities for feedback. Feedback, particularly of the negative variety, is vital for improving employee performance. In fact, according to the Harvard Business Review, this is something your employees want from you.¹

Enhances Problem Solving

Open team communication allows diverse perspectives to surface, leading to more creative and effective solutions. Remember that “open communication” means a two-way communication. Your communication channels are for more than just dishing out information, or orders. Demonstrate that everyone is welcome to speak their minds, and voice ideas, opinions and solutions to problems without the fear of being criticized or shut down. 

Strengthens Relationships

When a team member feels heard and understood, trust and camaraderie develop, leading to a more positive and collaborative work environment. Regular one-on-one meetings and clear communication in team meetings are essential for ensuring team members interact effectively, building trust and camaraderie. Poor communication leads to mistrust of both leadership and fellow team members².

Increases Employee Engagement

Employee buy-in is central to team communication. Feeling part of a team with clear goals and open, good communication channels fosters a sense of ownership and engagement among employees. Encourage team members by promoting engagement, communication, and collaboration, which helps maintain their focus and positively impacts the overall quality of their work³.

Reduces Conflict & Employee Turnover

Better communication minimizes misunderstandings and allows you to resolve conflicts quickly, preventing issues from escalating. Failure to do this negatively impacts employee retention. In fact, according to some research, inconsistent team communication can increase turnover by 50%!⁴ 

Improves Client Satisfaction

Strong internal communication helps ensure everyone is on the same page, leading to a more positive and cohesive client experience. 

Understanding Different Communication Styles

Verbal communication can be tricky. Salons, spas, fitness studios and many other businesses employ a range of personalities, who likely communicate in diverse ways influenced by personality traits and cultural backgrounds, to name a few factors.

Recognizing that not everyone communicates in the same way is crucial. In fact, employees often cite conflicting communication styles as a major reason they don’t jibe with their boss, or don’t “fit” in a certain workplace.

Here are some of the most common communication styles:

• Assertive: Assertive communicators speak directly and confidently, expressing their thoughts and needs clearly without being aggressive.
• Analytical: Analytical communicators focus on facts, data, and logic. They usually prefer a well-structured conversation and written communication.
• Friendly: Friendly communicators value relationships and foster a positive, collaborative atmosphere. They will often use humor and storytelling to engage others.
• Dominant: Dominant communicators take charge and direct the conversation. The difference between these folks and assertive communicators is that they can come across as forceful or insensitive.
• Reserved: Reserved communicators prefer to listen and observe before contributing, often processing information internally before speaking up.

In this live collaboration with BarberEVO and Vagaro, our editor Jennifer sat down with booming barber, Vinny Deleon, and Vagaro Social Media Manager, Shelby Barriball. The trio sat down together to talk being intentional with your time, building your business from the ground up, and the importance of mentorship.

Vinny has been a master barber for over 15 years, founding his bustling barbershop, Vinny’s Barbershop in 2017. Now with two locations, Vinny has built strong reputation across the US – thanks, in part, to Vagaro.

“Time management is key to growth, and when I was getting to that stage, I knew I needed a tool that would help me,” he explained. “Vagaro does that for me. It helps me gauge what my days, weeks and months are going to look like.

“So now, I’m focused on my business; I’m focused on my clients; I’m focused on the growth that’s happening. At the same time, I can go back and plug into the systems that I need, based off of how busy I am.

“Vagaro has been a tremendous help. Anytime I grow into a new dimension or make it onto another level, they have what I need before I know I need it. That’s the beauty of Vagaro, man. I came on with Vagaro, I changed my outlook on business and we did $600,000 more. It’s amazing,” Vinny laughed.

Despite the growth in his business, Vinny still dedicates time to his mentees – putting his money where his mouth is.

Learn more about how Vinny has diversified both his business and his life, all whilst growing it to new heights, with Vagaro.

Stay ahead of the curve by following @barberevo, @vinnydeleon3, and @vagaropro for more insights, pro tips, and updates on how to make your business more efficient. Work smarter, not harder!

As a professional barber or shaving enthusiast, you understand the importance of using only the best when it comes to straight blades for a close shave. Without a high-quality razor, there is no way to practice the traditional art of shaving as it was perfected by previous generations. Groom + Style said it best: “For a select few, shaving is truly an art. That’s because they have mastered the time-honored use of the old-fashioned straight razor.” If this sounds like you, you’ll appreciate the following list of the best straight blades on the market today:

1. Dovo Straight Razor Carbon with Ebony Wood Handle

This beautiful piece was originally manufactured in Soligen, Germany, home to classic straight blades design and quality. Groom + Style notes that the straight blade is light, sharp, and the blade is constructed from high-quality carbon steel. This combination tells us that the Dovo Straight Razor Carbon is elastic and durable.

2. 6/8″ Straight Blade

Another Groom + Style recommendation, this impressive straight blade is produced in France and is measured slightly longer than others. The full-hollow blade is ground and forged from TI Carbonson C135 steel. The straight blades’s grip is remarkably well-balanced and firm. Best part: it’s shipped pre-honed.

3. Baxter of California Blue Steel “Not a Replica” Straight Razor

Handcrafted from American mettle and hardened steel, the “Not a Replica” heirloom-worthy straight blade. Recommended by Ask Men, it’s described as a “next-level” razor. The blade metal is heat-treated to “prevent oxidation, then frozen in liquid nitro to harden it,” making it applicable for extended use.

4. Straight American, Straight Razor from GB Buckingham & Sons

This elegant straight blade is recommended by Groom + Style. Any shaving enthusiast worth his salt will likely recognize the Buckingham & Sons name as one synonymous with quality. In addition to this razor’s many positive characteristics, you will also love that it comes with several accessories. With the purchase of this razor, buyers will also receive a leather and cloth strop to enhance the shaving experience.

No matter what style you’re going for, you can’t go wrong with the above straight blades. Take your shaving game up a notch and book an appointment with a professional!

Vagaro is redefining the way barbering businesses operate, and in the latest episode of EVO X Vagaro Live, industry legend John Mosely AKA The Popular Nobody sat down with our editor and host for this IG LIVE collaboration, Jennifer Paxton, to talk tech, cash and more. 

Launching straight into it, Jennifer asked the all-important question – why do barbers need to go digital?

“You’ve gotta get on the tech train now!” John said. “Digital tools can streamline operations, boost client satisfaction, and increase profitability.

“Vagaro is the app that will allow you to customize your whole business model. We don’t want you to pay for things that you’re not using,” John added.

In this industry, cash has historically been king, but John delves into the importance of evolving beyond that mindset – especially post-COVID. 

“One of the things we talk about is payment processing. In the barber community, cash is king, but we talk a lot about how you should be charging credit cards, saving cards on file, and charging those no-show fees,” said John. 

“But if you want to buy your first business, they’re going to do a credit check on you. They want to know you know what you’re doing. If you want to buy a house, you need to have a credit history. By incorporating digital payment methods, barbers can build financial credibility and secure long-term business stability.

“It’s the small things like that that have a huge long-term impact. And Vagaro is the way to go for the support on this journey.”

Learn more about how John uses Vagaro to take his business into the future – and how you can, too.

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

Check out the IG LIVE here.

Have you ever wanted to add another string to your bow, or team up with another creative in a different field to create a multifaceted business? Barbershop X Cocktail Bar, or a Barbershop X SMP studio, or even a Barbershop X Coffee Shop… we have seen it all. But how do you practically manage two businesses at once?

Well, the best person to speak to is OC Junior IV Thomas, owner of Rich In Flesh Barbershop X Tattoo X Music Studio in Livermore, CA. So, that’s just what we did in our most recent Vagaro X EVO Live on Instagram!

While running three businesses simultaneously may seem like a huge task… OC Thomas has a secret weapon. Vagaro.  

“I got into the industry as a tattoo artist. I opened a studio, and knew I wanted to diversify my business. So, I invested into a barbershop with one of my best friends, and I took time to learn the industry. It’s very similar to the way tattoo studios work – with independent contractors making their own schedules. It’s the same free-spirited environment, so, I thought it would be perfect to combine the two.”

But how can diversifying your business help set you up for success?

OC told: “I feel like diversifying helped a lot, because it broadened our demographic. Some people who would never walk into a tattoo shop now do, because they’re getting a haircut, and they feel a little more welcome – vice versa. Barbering and tattooing are both forms of self-care, and so to have more than one reason to come to the studio… it builds a community and therefore a better business,” OC Thomas said.  

Find this, even more, in the full live down below. 

Live with Charity and Emannuel!

In 2025, there’s no choice but to be a business-savvy barber – and the business-savvy barber uses Vagaro. With over 85,000 businesses already working with the platform, engaging with the tool to grow enterprises, boost innovation, and make the daily running of their business go smoothly.

Towards the end of last year, we at BarberEVO began our collaboration with Vagaro to create a series of Instagram Lives that gets into the nitty-gritty of the barbering business. In the first edition of the series, SalonEVO & BarberEVO Editor, Jennifer Paxton, was joined by Vagaro CMO Charity Hudnall and lead technical trainer, Emannuel Nevarez. The trio of industry experts sat down to discuss the all-important question… Are business-savvy barbers underrated?

“Well, first off, the barber industry itself, I feel, is underrated, right?” Charity said. “Barbers in general, they’re a necessity. Not only that, there is such a rich culture and history behind it all – it’s a community. So, barbers are thriving. Additionally, I’ve been watching barbers over the years and the business savvy is just amazing. It’s more than just the legacy, the history, and the culture – the marketing component that barbers are able to now do, especially through software like Vagaro, it’s insane.”

For Charity, marketing is key to great business, and a huge part of marketing is understanding your market! In 2025, clients want that one-stop shop – which is where Vagaro can give you a helping hand.

Emannuel said: “When I’m working with businesses, I first identify what business stage they’re in. And for barber shops, it starts with just building that professionalism that they need. They’re usually ready to take that next step. It’s about looking at who your audience is and who you are, whilst trying to market towards your ideal demographic. The more you can start being strategic about how you target them, the more success you’ll find.”

Find this, even more, and the answer to the question… ‘Are Business Savvy Barbers Underrated?’ in the full live down below.