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Aesthetic Clinic

San Francisco, Calif. -- Fred Helou, CEO of Vagaro, the leading software for businesses in beauty, fitness, and wellness, has announced the launch of his new podcast, You Know What I Mean, a show born from his unintentional catchphrase and designed to spark real, unfiltered conversations.

In each episode, Fred invites guests from all walks of life; entrepreneurs, industry leaders, creatives, and beyond, for honest dialogue about business, leadership, and the human experiences that connect us all. 

With his natural curiosity and straight-shooting style, Fred sets the tone for discussions that are as insightful as they are authentic.

“No topic is off limits,” said Helou. “This podcast is about going off the script to share stories, lessons learned, and even a few laughs. I wanted to create a space where real talk leads to real connection.”

The series kicked off with guest features from organizations like Toni&Guy, Innersense Organic Beauty, The Curly Scott, and more. 

Episodes explore themes ranging from leadership and resilience to personal growth and creativity, offering listeners a mix of actionable takeaways and relatable conversations – both for personal and professional growth.  

Whether diving into lessons learned the hard way or celebrating everyday wins, You Know What I Mean captures the spirit of candid dialogue that inspires and connects.

You Know What I Mean is available now on all major podcast platforms, including [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-know-what-i-mean/id1838817717), [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2fgFzGUonIqqUj48VMxhNx), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj8gHwqBsN_NxbhSwEM7tbUHFWRtg25GV) and more. 

New episodes will be released monthly.  

Vagaro CEO, Fred Helou, Launches New Podcast: You Know What I Mean

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – [November 24, 2025] – Vagaro, the leading software for businesses in beauty, wellness, and fitness, today announced the launch of its Business Health Check tool, a free assessment designed to help business owners measure the strength and resiliency of their business.

The Business Health Check tool delivers a simple score based on five key areas that drive long-term success: service diversification, customer retention, recurring revenue, pricing flexibility, and technology adoption. 

Users receive an instant report with personalized recommendations to identify strengths and uncover opportunities for improvement.

This new tool reflects Vagaro’s ongoing investment in practical resources that empower service providers and business owners across industries.
  
Beyond software, Vagaro is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs not only manage their day-to-day operations, but also build businesses that are resilient, scalable, and prepared for the future.

“Small business owners pour their heart into their work, but too often they’re left guessing about what’s working and what isn’t,” said Fred Helou, CEO of Vagaro. “The Business Health Check tool gives them clarity and points them in the direction of growth.”

Developed from Vagaro’s data insights and industry expertise, the Business Health Check  offers business owners a way to benchmark their performance and uncover untapped opportunities. 

"Our goal is to give service providers more than just tools; we want to give them confidence. With this new tool, professionals can quickly see what’s working in their business and discover opportunities to grow, so they can focus on what they love doing most,” said Charity Hudnall, CMO of Vagaro. 

With actionable tips included in every report, service providers can immediately take steps to strengthen and grow their businesses.

The tool is free to use and available now to any business owner looking to evaluate and optimize their business model. 

Access the tool here: https://www.vagaro.com/pro/business-health-check-tool

Vagaro Launches Free Tool to Help Business Owners Assess Business Health

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – November 10, 2025 – Vagaro, the leading software for businesses in beauty, wellness, and fitness, recently announced the launch of E-Prescribe, a new integration designed to modernize and simplify how medspas and other providers manage prescriptions.

Developed in partnership with ScriptSure, the feature enables practitioners to electronically send prescriptions to any retail or mail-order pharmacy within the Surescripts network. 

The integration eliminates the inefficiencies of faxes and phone calls while improving prescription accuracy and patient safety.

“For many medspa providers, managing prescriptions has meant phone calls, paper forms, and administrative headaches,” said Fred Helou, CEO of Vagaro. “Medspas are offering more advanced services, but outdated prescription processes have slowed providers down. With E-Prescribe, we’re giving professionals the tools to work faster, safer, and more affordably.”

With E-Prescribe, providers can approve refills and send new prescriptions directly within the Vagaro platform. 

Digital prescriptions reduce the risk of misread handwriting or lost forms, and practitioners can review patient medication histories, check for potential drug interactions, and see insurance formulary details upfront. These safeguards help ensure accurate, cost-effective care for patients while improving efficiency for providers.

The feature integrates seamlessly into Vagaro’s all-in-one business management platform, allowing medspas to handle scheduling, records, billing, and prescriptions without switching between multiple systems. 

To meet DEA requirements for prescribing controlled substances, Vagaro has partnered with ID.me to verify provider identities and issue DEA-compliant credentials, ensuring every prescription is issued securely and in compliance with federal standards.

“With the addition of E-Prescribe, Vagaro continues to expand its role as a trusted partner for beauty and wellness businesses,” added Helou. “By combining scheduling, payments, client management, and now prescriptions into one system, we’re helping medspas deliver exceptional care with confidence and efficiency.”

Vagaro Launches E-Prescribe to Streamline Prescription Management for Medspas

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. Sep. 16, 2025 - Vagaro, the leading software for businesses in beauty, wellness, and fitness, today announced a partnership with Affirm (NASDAQ: AFRM), the payment network that empowers consumers and helps merchants drive growth. Now Vagaro’s nearly 100,000 U.S. businesses — including salons, spas, fitness studios, and wellness providers — can offer Affirm’s flexible, transparent pay-over-time options directly at checkout, both online and in person.

“Vagaro’s mission is to give businesses the tools they need to grow. Partnering with Affirm — a company that shares our commitment to trust, transparency, and putting customers first — helps us do just that,” said Fred Helou, CEO of Vagaro. “Together, we’re giving people a flexible, responsible way to pay, while helping our businesses better serve their customers.”

“As the U.S. health and wellness market heads toward $3.7 trillion by 2034, businesses that offer flexible, transparent payment options will be best positioned to capture that growth,” said Pat Suh, SVP of Revenue at Affirm. “This partnership delivers on both sides: consumers enjoy more choice and control at checkout, while businesses unlock a powerful way to attract clients, strengthen loyalty, and scale.”

Through this partnership, Vagaro businesses can offer approved customers the ability to book services and pay over time with personalized biweekly or monthly plans, starting at 0% APR. Customers will go through an eligibility check each time they choose Affirm, and will never pay late or hidden fees.

Businesses using Vagaro, or considering doing so, can learn more about offering Affirm here.

About Affirm

Affirm’s mission is to deliver honest financial products that improve lives. By building a new kind of payment network—one based on trust, transparency, and putting people first—we empower millions of consumers to spend and save responsibly, and give thousands of businesses the tools to fuel growth. Unlike most credit cards and other pay-over-time options, we never charge any late or hidden fees. Follow Affirm on social media: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X.

Rates from 0–36% APR. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check, may not be available everywhere, and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. CA residents: Loans by Affirm Loan Services, LLC are made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license. For licenses and disclosures, see affirm.com/licenses.

Vagaro and Affirm Make Self-Care More Accessible

While beauty and barber industries are experiencing continued growth; Vagaro, the leading software for businesses in beauty, wellness, and fitness, recently released their Vantage Report which explores this being driven by evolving trends, digital transformation, and shifting consumer behaviors.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 7% through 2033—faster than the average for most occupations.

This translates to an estimated 45,300 new jobs over the next decade, with around 89,100 job openings annually due to retirements and career transitions.

The growth is fueled by several key factors. Despite economic fluctuations, people continue to prioritize looking good and feeling their best, a phenomenon known as the “lipstick effect.” As the U.S. population grows, so does the demand for beauty services.

According to the 2025 Vagaro Vantage Report, services like lash and brow treatments have seen a surge, accounting for 71% of searches on the Vagaro Marketplace. Services requiring regular maintenance, such as lash fills and brow touch-ups, provide a steady stream of business for beauty professionals.

Social media platforms have amplified the spread of beauty trends, sparking viral interest in styles such as "expensive brunette" hair colors, nail art, and scalp facials. Additionally, the beauty industry has become more inclusive, with many businesses increasingly catering to neurodivergent clients and the LGBTQIA+ community, creating safe and welcoming spaces.

The barbering industry specifically is evolving beyond traditional haircuts to include services such as skincare, scalp treatments, men’s grooming, and specialized color services.

This expansion creates more job opportunities and increases earning potential for skilled professionals. Celebrity barber, Vagaro Icon Coach, and Founder & CEO of Popular Nobody John Mosley, highlights this shift: “There is a rise in different hair services being sought after, beyond just simple haircuts.”

As the industry grows, so does the competition. Beauty professionals can capitalize on this growth by offering apprenticeships and mentorships, helping to train the next generation of talent.

Fresh talent is also an opportunity for salons to train professionals without pre-existing habits, ensuring high-quality service. Continuing education, such as courses in cutting, coloring, or business management, keeps professionals competitive and current with industry trends.

Technology is playing a vital role in the industry’s growth. Digital tools like AI, automation, and booking systems help salons scale and attract clients. According to the Vagaro Vantage Report, two-thirds of beauty professionals say AI streamlines their operations, while 75% prioritize scalability.

The barber & beauty industry has proven its resilience and growth, offering exciting opportunities for ambitious professionals. Now is the time to embrace new trends, refine skills, and grow in this thriving industry.

Vagaro Vantage Report Explores Why Employment in Barber & Beauty Industries Projected to Grow Faster Than Most Industries

Vagaro, the leading software for businesses in beauty, wellness, and fitness, today announced that they have strategically acquired Schedulicity, a scheduling software for businesses across beauty & wellness industries.  

 

The acquisition, effective immediately, further expands Vagaro’s commitment to quality business solutions for professionals.  

 

“This strategic move strengthens our dedication to equipping industry service providers and business owners with simple-to-use technology that empowers them to thrive,” said Vagaro Founder & CEO, Fred Helou.  

 

Schedulicity, with a long-running reputation among businesses for its efficiency and ease of use, has helped countless consumers efficiently book millions of appointments. Their innovative track record has led to the company achieving multiple awards for excellence in technology and customer service.  

 

“My purpose in launching Schedulicity was to create the ideal platform for businesses to thrive. I couldn’t be more pleased that they can now experience the extensive tools and support that Vagaro provides,” said Schedulicity Founder & CEO, Jerry Nettuno.  

 

“We're excited for the evolution of this acquisition as our primary goal is to enhance and provide the best overall experience for beauty & wellness professionals,” added Helou.  

 

Vagaro will continue the support of all Schedulicity businesses while providing a customized onboarding process for users, giving them access to additional business tools and 24/7 support.  

 

With this acquisition, the two platforms naturally synergize; enabling industry professionals to operate more efficiently and focus on their passion, as well as delivering an elevated experience to their clients.  


“We want to assure all incoming users of a seamless transition. We look forward to creating new, innovative solutions based directly off your feedback, as we’ve always done in the Vagaro community,” said Helou. 

Vagaro Acquires Schedulicity to Expand Service to Industry 

Vagaro, the leading software for beauty, fitness, and wellness businesses, has released their 2025 Vantage Report. 

The comprehensive research, conducted with thousands of both business owners and consumers, highlights last year’s most popular services, emerging consumer trends, and actionable strategies for businesses to thrive in 2025.

Data points collected include top service appointments booked across industries, popular strategies to incorporate seasonal trends, status of industry professionals’ mental health, demand for increased inclusivity and representation, and more. 

Some key findings include: 
•	Women’s haircuts and extensions lead the way for most popular salon services
•	Teeth whitening and cryotherapy are on the rise in medspas
•	Pedicures are more sought-after than manicures in the nail salon
•	Gen Z and Gen Alpha are dominating the demand in skincare (CeraVe and Drunk Elephant are their top product preferences)
•	90% of professionals reported moderate or high levels of stress
•	Almost 80% say inflation was their biggest economic challenge

Several of Vagaro’s key industry experts offer strategic recommendations to capitalize on these insights as well as to better serve their consumers. 

This includes leveraging digital tools, enhancing customer experiences, and adopting forward-thinking practices.

“Vagaro’s Annual Vantage Report provides invaluable insights that empower business owners to remain informed and competitive,” said Charity Hudnall, Chief Marketing Officer at Vagaro. “We aim for this to help them anticipate demand, refine their direction, and ultimately get the most out of their professional efforts.” 

Visit the full[ 2025 Vagaro Vantage Report](https://mysite.vagaro.com/annualvantagereport2025?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=newsroom&utm_campaign=general&utm_term=learnmore&utm_content=vagaro-vantage-2025).  

Vagaro’s 2025 Vantage Report Unveils Industry Trends

 Vagaro, the leading software for businesses in beauty, wellness, and fitness, is excited to announce the launch of its new Product Variants feature, offering businesses even greater flexibility in managing their retail sales all in one place.

The new feature allows businesses to easily manage product variations, such as different sizes, shapes, or colors, by simply indicating these details in a dropdown menu. 

This eliminates the need to enter each variant as a standalone product, simplifying the inventory process. Additionally, users can manage essential product details such as ingredients, instructions, and size guides, all from one centralized page.

The new launch reflects Vagaro's commitment to being a comprehensive, all-in-one solution for beauty business owners.

Industry data shows that retail sales play a significant role in the beauty industry, contributing between 15-40% of revenue. With the addition of product variants, users can maximize these product sales directly from their Vagaro account. 

“Beauty & wellness professionals know that time is money. Our product variants feature will give some of that time back while also helping them improve their retail sales; enhancing their revenue in more ways than one,” says Vagaro CMO, Charity Hudnall. 

Businesses can efficiently manage and sync their entire online inventory without the need to dedicate excessive time to stocking or updating multiple platforms.

Vagaro AI also offers businesses the ability to craft product descriptions and details quickly, further enhancing the efficiency and professionalism of their online stores, especially when used in combination with product variants.

For more information on how product variants can help businesses thrive, visit [Vagaro](https://www.vagaro.com/pro).

Vagaro Enhances E-Commerce Capabilities with Introduction of Product Variants

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Vagaro, the leading software for businesses in beauty, wellness, and fitness announced their 3rd annual industry conference, iconic.24, accessible to an unprecedented international audience with its virtual format this year. 

The digital event sessions will broadcast on a virtual stream over four Mondays in September; Sept. 9, 16, 23, and 30.  

iconic.24 will also serve to officially unveil the industry leaders behind Vagaro’s new Icon Coaching Program – a carefully selected team of powerhouses in the self-care sector who have a proven track record of excelling and helping others succeed. 

The program makes them available to professionals who are interested in receiving one-on-one coaching services to help grow their business. 

“We cannot wait for this year’s attendees to hear directly from these icons. They’ll be able to take away tangible steps based on their industry experience to reach higher levels of success & elevate their professional growth,” says Vagaro Chief Marketing Officer, Charity Hudnall.  

Vagaro’s Icon coaches will lead this year’s educational business sessions, sharing their own experiences of how they achieved success, providing actionable takeaways to attendees, and sparking inspiration for creative business growth. 

The 2024 Vagaro Icon coaches include: 

•	John Mosley: Renowned celebrity barber, Founder of Popular Nobody 
•	Rochelle Raye-Anthony: Runner-up of BBC Apprentice, Founder of award-winning salon, The Dollshouse Collective
•	Sarah Rainbolt-Foss: Master esthetician & mentor, Owner of Bolt Beauty LA
•	Kechia Taylor: Globally trained permanent makeup artist, Founder of Brows & Co. 
•	Nick Romero: Multi-award winning barber & educator, Owner of Rawknyks Barber Shop 
•	Angie Monroe: Multi-award winning Aesthetics Practitioner, Owner of Angie Monroe Salon
•	Vinny DeLeon: Renowned barber and coach, Founder of the award-winning Vinny’s Barbershop 
•	OC Thomas: Renowned tattoo artist, Owner of Rich in Flesh Tattoo & Barbershop

Each Monday, two 45-minute interactive sessions will cover business best practice discussions on topics ranging from marketing to finances to customer service, and everything in between. 

Virtual participants can also forge meaningful industry connections with other attendees through iconic.24’s interactive platform. 

The virtual event will culminate with a special keynote by Vagaro Founder & CEO, Fred Helou, to announce new & upcoming features, including how professionals can use them to future-proof their businesses.

“iconic.24 is more than just an annual event, it’s really proven to become a pivotal experience for professionals across industries to learn, innovate, and elevate. We’ve been honored to have such an impressive group of attendees each year who tell us they actively look forward to the valuable information it brings every time. This year is even more exciting because attendees can actually sign up to be coached directly by the session leaders.” says Helou. 

Tickets for the virtual event are $49.99 and cover admission to all eight sessions as well as the CEO’s keynote.  

Learn more and reserve your spot for [iconic.24](https://vagaro.registration.goldcast.io/events/fe18c071-0136-488b-8b85-8b779cfb9e7d?utm_source=businesswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=iconic&utm_term=signup) today.


Vagaro Annual Iconic Event Goes Virtual, Sets Stage for New Icon Coach Unveiling 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Vagaro, the leading salon, spa, and fitness software, recently conducted a survey across hundreds of LGBTQIA+ beauty consumers to gauge their insights and experiences within the industry. 

The results can help inform hair and beauty businesses who wish to be more inclusive how to maintain and improve practices in these spaces to foster such an environment. 

When polled on representation in the mainstream beauty industry, approximately two-thirds of respondents say they feel either “somewhat or very” represented. 

Respondents also report progress in outward or physical gender expression over the last few years, with 63% claiming they are more comfortable in doing so now. Among age groups, Generation X reported the highest level of comfortability in gender expression. 

62% of survey participants say hair plays an important role in gender expression. 

When it comes to booking an appointment for said hair services, 30% say LGBTQIA+ representation among staff plays an important role in their decision. Among age groups, Gen Z participants were most likely to rank this of high importance. 

A similar percentage, 27% of respondents, report prioritizing purchasing products from LGBTQIA+ friendly brands. 

Vagaro Chief Marketing Officer, Charity Hudnall says, “At Vagaro, we’ve long understood the importance of a truly diverse and welcoming beauty landscape which is why, some time ago, we created the LGBTQIA+ friendly tag for businesses to use to improve searchability by inclusive-seeking clients. This recent data further provides our team and our businesses with deeper insights into the diverse needs and preferences of LGBTQIA+ beauty consumers.” 

Hair and beauty businesses who wish to foster more inclusive environments can see the breakdown of the survey’s full findings and discover actionable steps on Vagaro’s educational [blog](https://www.vagaro.com/learn/style-meets-pride-lgbtqia-hair-and-beauty-findings?utm_source=muckrack&utm_medium=pitch&utm_campaign=lgbtqiapoll&utm_term=learnmore). 

This survey was conducted in partnership with Talker Research, formerly known as OnePoll. 

Survey: 65% of LGBTQIA+ Consumers Feel Represented in the Hair & Beauty Industry

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Vagaro, the leading salon, spa, and fitness software, officially launches Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability designed to help professionals strengthen relationships with clients and enhance collaboration with team members. 

Connect is an extension of Vagaro’s business management software, which enables two-way chat, both for clients and team members, through Vagaro Pro on desktop and the downloadable Connect app on mobile. 

Connect by Vagaro was developed to address a persistent challenge within the salon and spa industries. Professionals in these sectors frequently resort to using their personal phone numbers for communication with existing and prospective clients, as well as for collaboration with team members and staff.

Now, Connect allows professionals to keep all client communications organized on a dedicated business line, and easily turn conversations into conversions by enabling them to text an appointment link that goes directly into a service provider’s calendar. 

Providers can also efficiently access customer notes and message history within Connect.

The development of Connect aligns with Vagaro’s ongoing dedication to truly address the needs of their businesses, with countless features on the platform implemented directly from customer feedback.  

Vagaro Founder and CEO Fred Helou says, “Many of our businesses were asking us to give them a capability to have two-way communication with their customers; so we did that, but we wanted to go that extra mile so they can also collaborate internally with their own teams.” 

Vagaro Connect gives professionals the option to engage in 1:1 chats with specific employees or start group chats with multiple team members. 

Connect also links directly to employees’ Vagaro calendar activities, so a real-time view of their status, e.g. PTO, in a meeting, etc.) is readily accessible. 

Helou adds, “Not only will providers no longer have to use their personal lines for business communications, which can help improve their work-life balance, but we hope this will also be used for team-building opportunities which play a part in fostering an engaged work environment, and more. Be sure to keep an eye out for the evolution of Connect!” 

Learn more about [Connect by Vagaro.](https://www.vagaro.com/learn/improve-client-relationships-with-vagaro-connect?utm_source=muckrack&utm_medium=pitch&utm_campaign=connect&utm_term=learnmore) 

Vagaro Unveils New Two-Way Communication Tool, Connect by Vagaro

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Vagaro, the leading salon, spa, and fitness software, recently launched Vagaro AI, a transformative tool for business owners designed to elevate client relationships and enhance marketing efforts.   

Vagaro AI assists the busy professional with instantly crafting polished communications, such as service and policy descriptions, effective marketing messaging, and more. 

This new feature advances the innovative phenomenon in professionals engaging with their clients and managing their operations in a digital age.  

"This innovative tool represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to empower businesses in beauty, wellness, and fitness to be at the forefront of their industries,” says Vagaro Founder & CEO Fred Helou. 

Whether it's creating captivating service and class descriptions in seconds or ensuring that policies are communicated clearly to avoid confusion, Vagaro AI empowers businesses to generate the right messaging for any type of correspondence with minimal effort. 

Vagaro AI specifically enables professionals to:

•	Craft clear descriptions and policies to promote and market with ease 
•	Choose from a list of desired tones, i.e. professional, casual, uplifting, etc. 
•	Adjust length of communication as needed 

By integrating [AI technology](https://www.vagaro.com/pro/business-ai) into the salon and spa software platform, Vagaro reaffirms their commitment to innovation and providing users with modern tools to succeed in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.  

“With Vagaro AI, our users can unlock new levels of efficiency and effectiveness in their client communication and business operations, helping them achieve greater success and growth,” adds Helou.

Vagaro AI is now available to all Vagaro users. 

Learn more about [Vagaro AI](https://www.vagaro.com/pro/business-ai) and how it can transform your business. 

Vagaro Deploys Generative AI Tools to Empower Beauty & Wellness Professionals

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – A recent survey conducted by Vagaro, the leading salon, spa, and fitness software, highlights the significant presence of neurodivergent professionals in the beauty industry, with 50% of participants identifying as such. 

The research also showcases the innovative ways salon and spa professionals cater to neurodivergent clients - highlighting the role of technology and software in creating inclusive spaces and the human aspect of nurturing relationships, empathy, and understanding. 

27% of survey participants said they work on a team with a neurodivergent peer and 43% of participants said they offer services specifically tailored to meet the needs of clients who are neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum.

Findings indicate that these salon and spa professionals proactively ask about accommodation requests beforehand, offering quieter or noise-reduced options such as quiet hair clippers, providing an array of lighting options, and more. 

56% of these providers said technology is helpful in making accommodations for neurodivergent clients, pointing out that scheduling software plays a crucial role in reducing sensory overload. 

They say capabilities such as online booking systems, digital check-ins, forms, and automated appointment reminders help reduce factors that can contribute to overstimulation and streamline the overall experience. 

Vagaro Chief Marketing Officer, Charity Hudnall says, "Our survey showcases the growing dedication of salon and spa professionals to inclusivity and innovation. By encouraging acceptance, celebrating diversity, and leveraging technology - we can create more accessible spaces for both neurodivergent clients and industry professionals.” 

See the full findings of Vagaro’s survey of [neurodivergence among salon and spa professionals](https://www.vagaro.com/learn/vagaro-national-autism-acceptance-month) on the Vagaro blog, highlighted amid National Autism Acceptance Month.


Vagaro Survey Highlights Neurodiversity in the Salon & Spa Industry

POLL: 97% of Professionals Expect Diverse Beauty School Education to Become Nationwide Requirement

A recent poll of hairstylists and estheticians, conducted by Vagaro, the leading salon and spa software, shows that 97% of professionals believe diverse education in hair, skin, and beauty will become a standard nationwide requirement.
 
This comes after the recent passage of New York Bill S6528, which requires all cosmetology schools to include curriculum on providing proper hair care and styling to “individuals with all hair types and textures, including, but not limited to, various curl or wave patterns, hair strand thicknesses, and volumes of hair.”
 
In the same poll, Vagaro found that just over half, at 51%, of salon professional respondents said their training included required education on textured hair types ranging from 2a to 4c.
 
This reflects the gap many beauty consumers have experienced when visiting salons only to discover they do not or cannot provide proper services to care for their natural, textured hair.
 
When polling spa professionals, 77% of estheticians said their professional training included curriculum covering how to care for a diverse range of skin tones and types.

“The passing of bills like S6528 indicate progress in the industry, but it’s crucial for that momentum to continue in the right direction to make the salon, spa and beauty world not only diverse, but truly inclusive - especially for Black beauty consumers who have historically been overlooked,” says Vagaro’s Chief Marketing Officer, Charity Hudnall.

While cosmetology licensing requirements are set at the state level, only 19 states currently require any formal training in natural hair styling, according to CrownActLaw.com.

For stylists on Vagaro who are trained or experienced in providing care for natural textured hair, the platform offers several opportunities where they can optimize their profile to ensure their services are easily discovered and accessible to their target clientele.  

Here are a few best practices from Vagaro's team of experts:   

If you’re a Black-owned business or a salon that specializes in natural, textured hairstyles, indicate that in your completely customizable business biography.  This is visible to consumers searching for such services on the Vagaro marketplace, as well as on the business’ MySite.  

Additionally, when building a business site, ensure that you’re using [SEO optimized ](https://support.vagaro.com/hc/en-us/articles/20390829522971-MySite-SEO-Best-Practices) terms and phrases to identify yourself as a provider of these services in order to rank higher and get found and booked faster from consumers browsing on general search engines like Google.  

Don’t forget to also optimize your staff biographies to highlight their expertise in caring for natural, textured hair. Describe their experience in doing so and if they have specific specialties, this can be a great section to call them out.  

When creating your service menu, Vagaro makes it simple to select from a list of preset natural hair services; or you can custom create your own service titles and descriptions to best fit the natural hair services your specific business offers. Here is an ideal place for you to also include an image of said service.  

Thinking of running a discount or special offer for your natural hair clients? Vagaro’s “general tags” feature makes it easy for something like this. Simply create and assign the tag to your respective clients, then run an email or text campaign to the target audience communicating your special offer.    

Finally, as social media has solidified itself as the new digital portfolio for beauty professionals, make sure your professional account presence reflects the nature of your textured haircare services. Displaying your work, expertise, and any specialties to your online community, combined with relevant hashtags and linking your Vagaro “Book Now” button to your page is another great way to showcase and optimize your natural haircare business’ digital presence.  

POLL: 97% of Professionals Expect Diverse Beauty School Education to Become Nationwide Requirement

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA –  Vagaro, the leading salon and spa software for the hair and beauty industry, announced a partnership with Salons by JC, a leading salon suite franchisor in the U.S.

Through this collaboration, Vagaro will offer their salon software to modernize business operations and increase efficiency for more than 7,000 salon suite owners & renters across more than 150 SBJC locations. 

The two companies, both of which share a genuine dedication to ensuring their customers’ success, aim to continue optimizing the overall experience for both salon service providers and their clients. 

“We have always prioritized the best interest of beauty professionals by providing flexible, affordable and scalable salon software to help them achieve their business goals. A unique and strategic partnership with the likeminded Salons by JC combines both of our missions to empower beauty entrepreneurs to actualize their dreams,” says Vagaro CEO Fred Helou. 

Salon owners and renters who opt into Vagaro's offering will also reap the benefits of enhancing their discovery, increasing bookings, and maximizing revenue for the business.  

Salons by JC President, Steve Griffey says, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Vagaro, they have long been the premier offering for salon software in the industry.  At Salons by JC - we are committed to providing our salon professionals with first-class, premier spaces to run their business and to represent them digitally in a way that elevates the experience in our salons for them and their customers.” 

Vagaro will provide their renowned white-glove onboarding, one-on-one training, and 24/7 support services to suite renters who make the transition to the all-in-one salon software solution, free of charge. 

Griffey says, “Vagaro is essential to that experience.  We're excited to watch all of the ways that Vagaro's modern features and user-friendly experience will equip our salon professionals to stand out from the rest and we look forward to a long-standing and successful relationship."

SBJC joins a growing list of corporations partnering with the salon booking software Vagaro to enhance automation and business efficiency for their community of service providers, so they can focus exclusively on their passion and client satisfaction. 

About Salons by JC 
Founded in 1997 by Jack Griffey and Cecil Miller and now led by President, Steve Griffey, Salons by JC is dedicated to giving independent salon owners and franchisees the opportunity to provide a premier salon experience to their customers. Since its inception, Salons by JC has grown into a luxury brand approaching 200 locations nationwide and 7,000+ salon owners who strive to provide every customer with an extraordinary experience. For more information, visit salonsbyjc.com or salonsbyjcfranchising.com.

Salons By JC Chooses Vagaro to Elevate Operational Efficiency for Thousands of Salon Professionals

LONDON, England –  Vagaro, the leading salon, spa, hair, and beauty software, recently analysed data from IBISWorld, a leading global industry-market research database, which projects revenue in the hair and beauty sector* will reach £4.6 billion over the next five years. 

This growth is expected despite the rising cost of living, and after industry revenue saw a period of decline during the pandemic.  

A recent survey of UK hair and beauty professionals, conducted by Vagaro in an ongoing effort to understand the industry’s pain points, shows that inflation has impacted their businesses.  

85% of the survey’s respondents said they raised their prices due to inflation.   

49% of respondents said their wholesale costs increased by more than 10%, while 45% said wholesale costs increased by 5-10%. Only 4% said their wholesale costs increased by less than 5%.  

To ensure growth and to protect the highest level of experience they provide to their customers regardless of the economic climate, 39% of hair and beauty pros accessed their savings, while 16% accessed new lines of credit or business loans in the past year. 

“While it's encouraging to see the resilience of the industry despite fluctuations in the economy, it's important for companies like Vagaro to offer service and product flexibility for business owners. Ensuring our customers’ success is the key foundation for capabilities like requiring deposits at the time of booking, which protects them from last-minute cancellations and no-shows. Additionally, we recently launched a flexible funding feature called Vagaro Capital,” says Vagaro CEO, Fred Helou. 

Vagaro Capital is a form of revenue-based funding, allowing businesses to secure the money they need to make improvements or grow immediately, with flexible repayment options based on future sales.  

Haircuts, colour and highlights remained the most popular services for consumers over the past year, accounting for a healthy 55% of annual industry revenue, while nail-care services come in next at 16.4%, followed by product sales at 14.9%. 

This is reflected in Vagaro’s proprietary platform data, which shows bookings for women’s haircuts in 2023 increased by 23% and men’s haircuts by 20%. 

The majority of survey respondents said they did not see a decrease in services booked.   

Vagaro Brand Partner & globally-renowned beauty expert, Val Garland, says, “Consumers are more likely to spend money on a beauty experience, in the current economic climate because they want to be made to feel special, they want the real-life experience of luxury and pampering that one can only really get in an actual physical beauty environment.” 

Despite the current climate, many respondents agreed to the theory of the “lipstick effect,” which is the phenomena that consumers will still spend on beauty and self-care, even during cost-of-living crises.  

This is also reflected in Vagaro salon and spa software’s proprietary database which shows beauty and hair appointments on the platform increased by 159% overall, year-over-year, with the most significant growth seen in London (+71.8%), South Croydon (+67.1%), Ilford (+22%), and Reading (+6.9%). 

Vagaro Brand Partner and award-winning skincare expert, Lisa Franklin, says, “People often seek comfort and relaxation. Beauty services offer a way for individuals to pamper themselves and engage in self-care, providing a sense of well-being and stress relief, contributing to a person's self-esteem and self-image, which may be particularly important during challenging times. Looking good and feeling confident can have a positive impact on mental health.”  

While some respondents strategically reduced their expenses, for example, 28% cut back on products and inventory, and 13% cut back their hours of operation, they have also implemented promotional communication methods via social media, text and email marketing, and by offering special deals and discounts to keep their customers engaged and active.  

Professionals should look to resources such as Vagaro’s comprehensive salon and spa software which provides users with complimentary marketing tools to promote their services and sustain their business in a cost-effective manner.  

Learn more about the salon and spa software that can streamline flexibility for businesses during fluctuating market conditions.  

*Definition of the referenced industry as defined by IBISWorld: This industry provides hairdressing and beauty services through hair and beauty salons and self-employed hair professionals and beauticians. Hairdressing services include hair washing, trimming and cutting, setting, dyeing, tinting, blow drying, straightening and similar activities. Beauty services include make-up, skin care, waxing, facial massages, eyebrow and eyelash tinting, manicures and pedicures.   

UK Hair and Beauty Industry Revenue Projected to Reach £4.6 Billion by 2029 Despite Inflation

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Two recent surveys conducted by Vagaro, the leading salon and spa software, unveil the influence of the “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” and Beyoncé’s “Renaissance World Tour” on beauty businesses. 

These surveys, which coincided with the conclusion of their respective 2023 U.S. tours, demonstrate how much Taylor Swift and Beyoncé fans are willing to spend on beauty services. 

Additionally, the results reveal trends that beauty businesses experienced as a result. 

Participants of the first, smaller-scale survey consisted of both consumer and business users on the Vagaro platform who attended one or both of the concerts. 

Nearly one-fifth of those respondents said the events were their first live concert experience since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with almost 40% of participants saying they either flew or traveled out-of-state to attend the concerts.

33% of participating beauty business owners said they observed a significant increase in bookings during the touring periods, and an overwhelming 83% attributed this surge directly to the influence of the concerts. 

Vagaro Brand Partner, Tabatha Coffey says, “Cultural moments, like those driven by Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, are not just fleeting events. They shape consumer behavior, set trends, and present revenue opportunities. For businesses, tuning into these pivotal moments isn't merely about relevance—it's a strategic imperative for growth and customer engagement.”

The initial survey further revealed that 27% of beauty business owners noticed a correlating spike in new customers, while 47% experienced a substantial increase in last-minute bookings during the touring periods. 

Participants of the second, larger-scale survey, conducted in partnership with One Poll, consisted of American consumers who attended one or both concerts. 
83% were women and the average age was 32.

These respondents spent an average of $104 per service across multiple beauty services, in preparation for the events. Spend for tanning and makeup services were among the highest costs. 

The average spend per service for the concerts are as follows: 
•	Hair - $136
•	Nails - $88
•	Eyelashes - $83
•	Eyebrows - $82
•	Tanning - $111
•	Makeup - $128

The initial survey showed that 64% of respondents booked their beauty service appointments “a week to a few days” before the concert. 

More than half of concertgoers scheduled their beauty services online, either via website or on a booking and scheduling app like Vagaro.  

Nearly one-fifth of respondents filmed and posted “Get Ready with Me” (GRWM) content for the concerts on social media. 

This is a testament to the ongoing popularity of the social media trend.

The poll also showed that 16% of Beyoncé concertgoers, and 19% of Taylor Swift concertgoers traveled between 151-200 miles to attend the event. 

“Leveraging the popularity of events like these can help business owners drive success. Being aware of such happenings allows businesses to connect with their audience, offer more customized experiences, and strategize their business plans more efficiently in preparation,” says Vagaro VP of Marketing, Charity Hudnall.

Beauty, salon, and spa professionals can free up more of their time to strategize, plan, and focus on their customer base’s unique needs by incorporating automation into their daily routine.

Vagaro's data sources show that businesses using salon management software as a booking system and credit card processing platform typically drive more sales and provide a better overall experience.

Learn how salon and spa software can help consumers easily book services and professionals grow their business. 

The Impact of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift’s Tours on Beauty Businesses

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Vagaro, the leading salon, spa, and fitness software continues to set itself apart from others, making it easier than ever before for professionals to create sophisticated websites for their business in just a few simple clicks, with the launch of Vagaro MySite.

MySite, a complete website builder with booking system, allows unlimited customization options to showcase a business’ unique brand offerings and streamlines a powerful e-commerce opportunity for businesses.

This completely customizable online store allows professionals to increase revenue by selling product beyond geographical constraints, enabling 24/7 accessibility for customers, streamlining transactions, reducing operational costs, and providing a personalized and convenient shopping experience.

MySite also saves the busy professional valuable time by automatically updating itself whenever the user changes their services, products & inventory, hours of operation, etc. within their Vagaro account.

Automatic syncing ensures a seamless overall experience for both the business owner and their clientele.

MySite stands out among its competitors as a business website builder given its unparalleled ease of use, offering an intuitive interface that allows even beginners to effortlessly create stunning websites with sophisticated designs, all at an affordable monthly rate.

Users can completely customize their website with easy-to-use drag and drop templates and effortlessly preview their brand’s new and polished online presence before publishing.

“MySite is an absolute disrupter in the space where having an online presence for your business is a staple. The forward-thinking functionality that allows the site to update itself will help our users save time, allowing them to focus more on what they love,” says Vagaro Chief Marketing Officer, Charity Hudnall.

MySite allows professionals to create their own custom domain or transfer an existing one to the platform. And, Vagaro’s multi-location compatibility makes it easy to scale as a business grows.

In addition to boosting professional credibility, increasing brand visibility, and providing 24/7 client access for booking services and buying products, MySite provides a legitimate landing page for businesses to link to their marketing and promotional communications, including traffic from social media, resulting in opportunities for lead generation.

This enhancement to Vagaro’s salon, spa, and fitness software further solidifies its position as the leading comprehensive platform to manage and grow a business.

Graphic designers on Vagaro’s Design Services Team are currently offering their services free of charge until December 31, 2023, for those who sign up for Vagaro and want assistance in building their new custom website.

Vagaro Launches Unparalleled Website Builder, MySite: The Website That Updates Itself

PLEASANTON, CA – Vagaro, the leading business management software for businesses in the beauty, wellness, and fitness industries, is excited to announce that internationally acclaimed hairstylist, entrepreneur, and television personality, Tabatha Coffey, will be visiting our headquarters on Friday, November 3rd.  

Though this is a private, corporate event, interested members of the press who RSVP are able to join us as we welcome this industry icon to our office, located at 4430 Rosewood Dr., Suite 500, Pleasanton, CA, 94568.  

Tabatha Coffey, widely recognized for her expertise in the beauty industry, her business and life coaching services, as well as her successful TV shows, will spend the day with our team, sharing her business and industry insights.  

This visit is a unique opportunity for our entire team to gain first-hand inspiration from one of the most accomplished professionals in the field.  

Tabatha Coffey's extensive experience and no-nonsense approach to business improvement make her a sought-after mentor for many entrepreneurs.  

Earlier this year, Coffey became a Vagaro Brand Partner as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to truly understand the industry’s pain points and offer the best business management software on the market. 

We look forward to an enriching and informative day. 

For more information about Tabatha Coffey's visit or to RSVP for the event, please contact press@vagaro.com. 

Renowned Celebrity Hairstylist and Business Expert Tabatha Coffey to Visit Vagaro Headquarters

PLEASANTON, CA, US & LONDON, UK – Vagaro, a leading business management software for the beauty, wellness, and fitness industries, has officially launched a partnership with Liberis, a leading global embedded business finance platform, to offer revenue-based finance to more than 220,000 service providers.

This product, known as Vagaro Capital, is designed to help small businesses by leveraging the funding needed to grow. Revenue-based finance is an alternative finance product where eligible merchants can receive an advanced sum of money with the stipulation they will pay back the sum in addition to a pre-agreed fee. Within the first month of launching, Vagaro Capital provided nearly $3 million in funding to over 200 merchants.

Merchants can complete a quick approval and underwriting process and receive the funds within hours of applying. The entire process is managed within Vagaro’s ecosystem. It offers fixed-cost financing with flexible payment terms – allowing business owners to access the funds they need, when they’re needed, in just four clicks. Plans to expand this offering into the U.K. market are already underway.

Fred Helou, CEO of Vagaro, says: “Our team is excited to witness the future expansion of our businesses, made possible by the financial flexibility provided by Vagaro Capital. It’s always beyond rewarding to see our business owners able to achieve their business growth goals.”

Rob Straathof, CEO of Liberis, commented: “We are thrilled to help Vagaro’s merchants further grow their businesses. As an embedded offering, Vagaro’s customers obtain access to personalised finance, whenever they need it and for the right opportunities, helping their businesses grow faster.”

Vagaro has helped its businesses book more than 600 million appointments and has processed over $15 billion in payments. The company, which was founded on a strong customer-first principle, continues to nurture its vested interest in the success of its users by consistently implementing solutions to help businesses grow.

In November of 2022, Vagaro introduced Vagaro Pay Later, which offers higher conversion rates and a higher average ticket value for businesses and more flexible payment options for consumers.

Liberis has funded almost $1bn in over 55,000 transactions and customers give Liberis’ innovative funding a 4.9 out of 5 stars rating on Trustpilot saying that the financing received helped them grow by allowing them to invest in marketing, product development, and infrastructure upgrades. Alongside Barclays and BCI Finance, Liberis is backed by investors including UK-based venture builder Blenheim Chalcot and US-based growth investor FTV Capital.

Vagaro Capital Offers Beauty and Wellness Merchants Personalized Access to Finance

Vagaro, the leading business management software for the beauty, wellness, and fitness industries, has collaboratively launched its first brand partner-led industry podcast with celebrity hairstylist and Paul Mitchell Artistic Director, Paula Peralta.   

The podcast, titled “The Paula Peralta Show” features exclusive celebrity interviews including never-before revealed details, inspiring journeys to spark ideas for personal and business growth, engaging discussions on hot topics where nothing is off limits, and more.  

Celebrity and industry expert guest spotlights for season one include model and Indigenous activist, Quannah Chasinghorse; co-owner of John Paul Mitchell Systems, Angus Mitchell; YouTuber, comedian and BuzzFeed Alumni Kristin Chirico, and more!   

Peralta’s unique ability to connect with her guests and the audience on a deep and personal level sets the show apart, where listeners and viewers alike can expect even the most complex topics to be accessible and engaging.

In alignment with Peralta’s ongoing commitment to using her platform for good, the podcast will also tackle important social issues, including topics where Peralta has previously been recognized for her advocacy work such as mental health and environmental sustainability. 

“Behind the artists, the businesspeople, and the brands, are the people with stories. The Paula Peralta Show is a place to celebrate and amplify these stories,” says Peralta. “I am honored to partner with Vagaro to share this diverse, talented group with the world! My hope is that people will laugh, be inspired, and have a little fun as they watch and listen to the show.” 

Vagaro, which launched its international brand partner program earlier this year, continues its steadfast commitment to putting the voice of its users and industry experts first and foremost with their collaborative launch of The Paula Peralta Show.  

Vagaro VP of Marketing, Charity Hudnall says, “We are honored to be launching this podcast with such a well-respected, successful, and highly-experienced industry veteran. We’re looking forward to continue fostering meaningful connections and absorbing insight from podcast guests and the audience alike, right alongside Paula.”  

The Paula Peralta Show launched July 10th. New episodes will be released every Monday. 

The podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and other streaming platforms. Access full episodes [here](https://www.youtube.com/@thepaulaperalta).  

Vagaro and Brand Partner Paula Peralta Launch The Paula Peralta Show 

PLEASANTON, CA – Vagaro, the leading business management software for businesses in the beauty, wellness, and fitness industries, today announced the official launch of their international brand partner program.  

Vagaro’s brand partners include:  

- Celebrity salon business guru & TV personality, Tabatha Coffey 
- Internationally renowned makeup artist and L’Oreal Paris’ Global Makeup Director, Val Garland 
- Multi-award-winning hairstylist and reality TV star, Jack Mead 
- Celebrity hairstylist and Paul Mitchell Artistic Director, Paula Peralta 
- Former professional athlete, fitness coach and entrepreneur, Luka Hocevar 
- Celebrity makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur, Ashley Bias 
- Celebrity lash and brow artist and beauty influencer, Cassie Baker 
- Celebrity barber and educator, John Mosley 
- Veteran esthetician and skincare brand creator, Matthew Miller 
- Award-winning barber and educational barber association founder, Nick Romero 
- Award-winning hairstylist and salon owner, Dominique DiBenedetto  
- YouTube beauty blogger and makeup artist, Damilola Adejonwo 
- Beauty business coach and veteran hairstylist, Alyssa Hare  

By partnering with influential, highly-experienced professionals in the beauty, wellness, and fitness sectors in both the U.S. and the U.K., Vagaro seeks to gain unprecedented, firsthand insight into these industries’ pain points, as well as the latest developments and trends.  

Through this program, the software company aims to continue its tradition of developing and implementing new features on its platform based on direct feedback. 

This will enable the platform to better understand its user base, proactively explore opportunities for improvement, incorporate up-and-coming technologies, and develop solutions that will ultimately enhance the product for all users.  

“I am thrilled to be a brand partner with Vagaro. They are a company that not only provides a great product that helps and supports business owners and entrepreneurs run their business efficiently, they are invested in their customers' growth and success also,”  says Tabatha Coffey, who is well-known for her Bravo network TV shows, Tabatha Takes Over and Relative Success with Tabatha, as well as her role in Shear Genius and more.  

“I am excited to share my expertise and passion to support their clients to thrive.” 

The brand partners will create content surrounding general industry trends, business practices, and Vagaro announcements to be distributed to their audiences for engagement and feedback. 

This includes content such as educational and inspirational virtual classes, podcasts, and more – including breakout sessions and panel presentations at iconic.23.  

The brand partner program is just one more way that the software company seeks to ‘become the customer,’ following earlier initiatives such as acquiring a hair salon and managing day-to-day operations to truly experience user circumstances firsthand. 

“At Vagaro, our product roadmap is heavily influenced based on the needs and direct requests from the businesses who use our platform. We want our customers to not only feel heard, but also acknowledged and responded to. We want them to know that the product is genuinely theirs.” Vagaro CEO Fred Helou, said.  

“By collaborating with trusted leaders in their industries, whom they may even look up to, we hope to keep those lines of communication open and facilitate innovation.”  

For more information, please contact press@vagaro.com.  

Vagaro Seeks Deeper Insight into Industry Challenges with Launch of Brand Partner Program

PLEASANTON, CALIFORNIA – Vagaro, the leading comprehensive business management platform for the beauty, fitness, and wellness industries, recently announced the company’s 2nd annual user conference, iconic.23.  

The event will feature returning guest speaker Tabatha Coffey, celebrity hairstylist and television personality, as well as Jeannie Mai Jenkins, Emmy Award-winning television host, and Kendra Scott, Founder and Lead Designer of Kendra Scott Lifestyle & Jewelry Company.  

“All three of our keynote speakers have such unique and inspiring entrepreneurial journeys to share with our audience. From building their careers from the ground up, trailblazing new paths, juggling multiple roles, and overcoming adversity to achieve success – we look forward to learning a lot from them, whether personal or professional,” said Vagaro Founder and CEO, Fred Helou.  

The annual conference brings together professionals from the beauty, fitness, and wellness sectors to share industry perspectives, spark inspiration, and grow their networks over two days of educational panels, breakout sessions, and complimentary wellness classes.  

More than 400 service professionals from around the world attended Vagaro's inaugural event last year, where discussions led by renowned industry experts offered actionable insights and effective strategies for business and personal growth.  

“We received amazing feedback from attendees last year, so we were able to learn as much from them as they gained from our event. Meeting our users and prospects face-to-face is an invaluable experience, and we’re both honored and excited to be able to do that again,” said Vagaro’s VP of Marketing, Charity Hudnall.   

iconic.23 will be held on September 24-25 in San Diego, California at The Westin Hotel & Resort in the historic Gaslamp Quarter.  

The event will also include raffles, giveaways, and other special offers to be announced at the conference.  

Additional speakers include Paula Peralta, celebrity hairstylist and John Paul Mitchell Systems Artistic Director; Luka Hocevar, former professional athlete and founder of Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance; Jack Mead, multi-award-winning hairstylist and U.K. reality TV star; Cameron Kepford, social media guru and founder of Haus of Heir, and more. 

Early bird priced tickets are available now! The event will also be accessible virtually via livestream. To register, or to learn more about iconic.23, click [here](https://iconic.vagaro.com/). 

Sponsorship opportunities for iconic.23 are still available. If your organization is interested in sponsoring, please contact Senior Communications Manager, Elizabeth Olveda at press@vagaro.com. 

Tabatha Coffey, Jeannie Mai Jenkins, and Kendra Scott to Headline Vagaro’s Annual iconic.23 Conference

OCT 18, 2022

LONDON, England – As inflation across the U.K. remains at record highs, with reports earlier this year revealing prices rising at the fastest pace in 40 years, Vagaro seeks to lessen the burden of maintaining business operations and financial woes on small business owners during this time.

[Vagaro](https://www.vagaro.com/pro), the leading comprehensive business management platform for the beauty, wellness, and fitness industries, is offering generous service options to small businesses in the U.K.

Realizing many owners are currently facing unavoidable cost increases in expenses such as wages, electricity, and supplies, the software company is providing relief for businesses by offering its most popular add-on features such as Xero integration, online store, and website builder, at no additional cost to the base price.  

These tools all have a proven history of increasing sales and revenue for users, which can greatly benefit businesses especially during these trying times.  

Additionally, Vagaro aims to help business owners find more breathing room by offering a low payment processing fee of just 1.29% + £0.20.  

VP of Marketing, Charity Hudnall, says, “Cultivating strong relationships with our customers by truly putting them first is the strongest pillar in our company’s culture.  

Listening to their needs, especially during trying times, and responding not only with a solution, but a helping hand along the way, is ingrained in the way our entire team operates.  

When our customers succeed, we succeed, and our relationships are strengthened.”  

This is not the first time Vagaro has implemented discounted rates for small businesses during uncertain economic circumstances. In 2020, the company previously offered services to its users completely free of charge due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  

Small business owners not currently on Vagaro but are looking to try new software to help manage and automate their tasks can also sign up for an extended, 30-day free trial.  

Earlier this year, Vagaro officially opened its first international office in London to meet growing customer demand and facilitate efforts for their campaign dedicated to helping U.K. businesses get “beauty and wellness bookings with more va va Vagaro.”  



Vagaro Offering Key Tools to Small Business Owners As U.K. Inflation Remains at Record Highs

SEP 30, 2022
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - [Vagaro](https://www.vagaro.com/pro), the leading comprehensive business management platform for the [beauty](https://www.vagaro.com/pro/salon-software), [fitness](https://www.vagaro.com/pro/fitness-software), and [wellness](https://www.vagaro.com/pro/spa-software) industries, celebrated a successful close to the company’s inaugural conference, iconic.22, in San Francisco on Monday.  

Over 400 guests registered for the event, headlined by celebrity speakers Venus Williams and Tabatha Coffey.

The two-day conference allowed small business owners to network, learn business growth strategies from industry leaders, and hear directly from Vagaro CEO Fred Helou.  

Contributions from key sponsors were vital to the event’s success.

VP of Marketing, Charity Hudnall said, “Our sponsors are a huge part of the Vagaro family. Together, we are always looking for ways to innovate and create opportunities for the businesses we serve.

I am so grateful that our sponsors were there to help make our very first conference a memorable one. Thanks to them, we created an inspirational event in an inclusive environment, making every attendee feel special.”  

iconic.22 sponsors included: American Express, a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.  

[Chase for Business](https://www.chase.com/business), which offers various business banking solutions including loans, credit cards, and lines of credit.

[Certegy](https://certegy.com/), a leading provider of payment & risk management technology for retailers and financial institutions across North America. Backed by more than 60 years of experience in payments, Certegy incorporates AI, machine learning and other innovations into its platform to securely serve today’s growing digital payment demand.  

[Liberis](https://www.liberis.com/), a leading global embedded finance platform with a mission to provide small businesses with accessible and responsible finance, based on the belief that funding should always be a positive force for small businesses. Liberis provides partners with the technology platform and financial solutions to offer hyper-personalized and accessible funding, empowering their small business customers to grow their revenues.

[Gusto](https://gusto.com/), a modern, online people platform that helps businesses take care of their teams. In addition to full-service payroll, Gusto offers health insurance, 401(k)s, expert HR, employee self-onboarding, and team management tools. The company serves over 200,000 businesses in the United States and has offices in Denver, New York City, and San Francisco.

[Thrivo](https://www.thrivotechnologies.com/), which empowers salons with omnichannel capabilities through technology that seals customized salon hair color, to serve the entire hair color market sustainably.

[SalonEVO](https://salon-evo.com/), a leading industry magazine for hair, nail and beauty professionals in UK, Ireland, and North America.

iconic.23 sponsorship opportunities available soon, please contact press@vagaro.com if your organization is interested.



Vagaro Thanks Sponsors for Successful Inaugural Event, iconic.22

AUG 11, 2022

PLEASANTON, CALIFORNIA -- Vagaro, the leading business management software for the beauty, wellness, and fitness industries will officially celebrate the company’s move into their new office space in Pleasanton, CA with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, August 1at 11 .

Vagaro CEO Fred Helou and Pleasanton Mayor Karla Brown will open the ceremony with a few words, followed by a ribbon cutting.    

Deputy City Manager Pamela Ott, Economic Development Manager Lisa Adamos, and City Councilmember Kathy Narum will also be in attendance.

The recent move from Dublin to the much larger office space Pleasanton was fueled by the team’s growth during a period of ongoing expansion.

Vagaro achieved “unicorn” status last year, which designates a privately held startup company valued at $1 billion or more.

This status attainment brought extensive press coverage to the software company which has been headquartered in the Tri-Valley region since its inception.

Vagaro also owns two of its own salons in the area. Salon 77 West is located in both Danville and Pleasanton – the latter belongs to the Pleasanton Downtown Association.

Earlier this year, Vagaro opened its first international office space in the U.K. in order to better serve the platform’s growing user base across the globe.



Unicorn Company Vagaro To Celebrate Pleasanton Move with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

JUN 27, 2022
Vagaro and [Thrivo](https://www.thrivotechnologies.com/) recently announced they will co-host a free Pride celebration at the first-ever Metaverse salon on June 30th to officially close out Pride Month.

The [virtual dance party](https://www.thrivotechnologies.com/metaverse-access) will take place on the rooftop of the Thrivo Salon, located in the Fashion District of Decentraland, at 4pm PT/7pm ET.

Virtual partygoers can enjoy music and entertainment from a live DJ, and they will be able to interact and network with likeminded salon industry peers from across the nation during this innovative celebration of diversity.  

“At Vagaro, and in the salon industry at its core, encouraging self-expression and embracing our differences is where we find strength and unity,” says Vagaro’s Vice President of Human Resources, Matthew Waggoner. “Recognizing Pride, especially in this unique way, is important to us.”

To join the celebration, attendees simply need a computer with internet access to access the [Metaverse](https://www.thrivotechnologies.com/metaverse-access).  

“We’re so excited to celebrate Pride in a way that has never really been done before in our industry,” says Vagaro’s Vice President of Marketing, Charity Hudnall.  

“To be able to commemorate such a significant and worthy cause on a groundbreaking tech platform that can bring people from all over the country together at once is something we’re absolutely honored to be a part of,” Hudnall says.  

Attendees can also claim and download the event’s free NFT wearable – a trendy “iconic pop” t-shirt ahead of Vagaro’s inaugural user conference, iconic.22, taking place in September.  



Vagaro and Thrivo Host Pride Party at First-Ever Metaverse Salon

JUN 16, 2022

**Vagaro opens international office to meet growing customer demand**

STEVENAGE, England – Vagaro, the leading comprehensive business management software and app for the [beauty](https://www.vagaro.com/pro/salon-software), [fitness](https://www.vagaro.com/pro/gym-software), and [wellness](https://www.vagaro.com/pro/spa-software) industries, recently opened a new office in Stevenage, England to address increasing global customer demand and foster stronger customer relationships in the U.K.

The rapidly growing tech company hopes to leverage the area’s abundance of U.K. transport links which connect the office to a great pool of talent.

With the opening of these offices, Vagaro maintains commitment to a consistent global customer experience; currently training U.K. employees in support, sales, and learning development in accordance with the same standards as the company’s headquarters in Dublin, California.

Throughout the coming weeks, Vagaro plans to meet with various international customers both at virtual and physical events to develop close relationships with users of the platform.  

Well invested in the voice of their customer, the team aims to spread awareness of the brand as well as to learn the unique needs and wants of the U.K. audience.

U.K. Managing Director, Jason Downes, says, “We’re eager and excited to have a physical presence in the U.K. as demand for our services across the world continues to grow. Our key desire is to make sure our worldwide users feel heard, acknowledged, and most importantly, supported.”

Downes adds, “In fact, our commitment to ensuring we address our customers’ needs and pain points is so strong that we’ve actually hired one of our star U.K. users, Tom Mason-Smith, Founder and CEO of the Fit Collective, as our Head of Customer Success.”

Additional key hires include International Marketing Lead, Sofia Qureshi, to spearhead marketing strategies customised to the platform’s international audiences.

The company offers 24/7 global support to its users and will be offering special discounts for business owners in the U.K. marketplace in the coming months.



Vagaro Accelerates International Growth with Opening of New U.K. Office

APR 13, 2022

Vagaro, the leading comprehensive business management platform for the beauty, fitness, and wellness industries, recently announced the company’s inaugural user conference, iconic.22

The conference will feature guest speaker Venus Williams, 4x Olympic gold medalist and champion women’s tennis player, as well as Tabatha Coffey, celebrity hairstylist, salon owner, and television personality.

iconic.22 will bring together professionals from the beauty, fitness, and wellness world to share industry insights, draw inspiration, and network through a schedule of educational panels, complimentary wellness classes, and breakout sessions customized for each vertical.

“There will truly be something for everyone at our first-ever user conference,” said Vagaro Founder and CEO, Fred Helou.

Discussions led by well-known industry experts & Vagaro Super Users will provide effective tips and leveled strategies for business and professional growth, helping attendees learn how to become an iconic leader in their industry.

The conference will be a two-day event held on September 25-26 in San Francisco, California, at the premiere venue, Bespoke.

The event will also include raffles, giveaways, and other special offers to be announced at the conference.

“We’re excited to kick off our inaugural event because our attendees will get the chance to not only grow their professional networks, but also hear inspiring success stories from fellow entrepreneurs, peers, and thought leaders,” said Helou. “We look forward to continue growing this event in the years to come.”

Other keynote speakers include John Hallberg, Founder of TheSalonBusiness.com, Luka Hocevar, Founder of Vigor Ground Fitness Professional, Cameron Kepford, Founder of Haus of Heir, and Lisa Suarez, Owner of Lacquer Gallery.  

Early bird priced tickets are available now! To register, or to learn more about iconic.22, click [here](https://iconic.vagaro.com/).

**Sponsorship opportunities for iconic.22 are still available**. If your organization is interested in sponsoring, please contact Senior Communications Manager, Elizabeth Olveda, at press@vagaro.com.



Vagaro Announces Inaugural User Conference, iconic.22

MAR 22, 2022

Vagaro, the leading comprehensive business management platform for the beauty, fitness, and wellness industries, reached a $1 billion valuation after a recent investment by FTV Capital.  

The newly designated unicorn company’s very humble beginnings meant this ascent was anything but guaranteed.

Founder and CEO Fred Helou is an immigrant entrepreneur from Beirut, Lebanon. He left the country during the Lebanese civil war at the age of 19 in hopes of making a better life for himself in America.

Helou had just a few thousand dollars to set off and start his new life, but he was pickpocketed for everything he had during an airport layover on his way to the U.S.  

He arrived in America with $0 and began working as a delivery/pickup boy for just $5 an hour. Helou tirelessly worked his way up the ranks while also attending school full-time.  

Years later, he landed a job as software director at Novellus but was subsequently laid off during The Great Recession.  

Turning adversity into opportunity, Helou decided to put the wheels in motion for an idea he’d had years earlier while on a business trip in South Korea. The concept was simple enough – he needed to make a haircut appointment with his barber back in America. At the time, there was not an app or online option to do so.  

In 2009, he created Vagaro from the ground up, which later bloomed into the successful start-up it is today.

Most importantly, Helou hasn’t lost sight of the importance of the personal connections with users that he fostered during the company’s infancy.

Helou says, “I was 24/7 support. I’d answer the phone at 2 A.M. for somebody asking me how to upload a photo. I still have a lot of customers that call me that signed up with me from day one. They still have my cell phone number.”  

Vagaro continues to grow at the forefront of innovation and recently expanded full services for international customers in several countries.

Helou says, “We’re still learning as we go. I feel like we’re barely scratching the surface, I feel like this is just the beginning.”

Learn more about Vagaro’s origin story in this [short video](https://vimeo.com/670894871/5bf1303c3b).



Immigrant Entrepreneur Builds Successful Unicorn Company in U.S.

JAN 19, 2022

DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA – Vagaro, the comprehensive business management software for businesses in the beauty, fitness, and wellness industries, continues to evolve based on insight from industry experts. 

The brand, which actively encourages feedback from its users, is amplifying those industry voices even further with the launch of the new Vagaro podcast, On Point. 

The weekly podcast launched January 12. New episodes will be released every Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST. 

In it, host and former iHeartRadio reporter, Taylor Burke, sits down with a revolving schedule of experienced pros in the beauty, fitness, and wellness industries - as well as more niche services. 

Burke explores their personal and entrepreneurial journeys while uncovering valuable industry insights from an insider’s perspective. On Point aims to educate and entertain audiences across the industries Vagaro serves. 

Listeners can expect the inside scoop on trending industry topics, tips for improving and growing their business, as well as hearing some of the funniest, toughest, and sometimes completely awkward situations their peers have encountered. 

The pilot episode with experienced hairstylist Alyssa Hare touches on her early career struggles, a relatable topic for many just starting out. Hare admits, “I couldn’t even curl my own hair when I got into beauty school, which made me a little insecure going in…I almost did drop out because I just didn’t know if I was cut out for the industry…but here I am, doing hair for 11 years now and a full clientele!” 

Host Taylor Burke says, “We wanted to create a fun, yet informational, channel where the audience can do some easy listening to become inspired on their own journeys. It’s a podcast where there's a bit of something for everyone - listeners can really relate to both the struggles and successes of our guests and business owners can also learn tips to help them improve the amazing work they do.” ‍

On Point is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and other streaming platforms. Check it out [here](https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theonpointpodcast). 




Vagaro Launches On Point Podcast

DEC 6, 2021

DAVENPORT, IOWA – Orion Technical College (OTC) and Vagaro have announced a partnership to create a seamless online ecosystem for students, spa patrons and staff alike. Utilizing Vagaro’s cutting-edge platform, patrons will be able to schedule appointments in real time, shop product inventory, and see full-menu and pricing options, while completing the transaction from their mobile device or computer.  

"With the successful completion of onsite construction, we’re incredibly excited to begin sharing our new programs and services with our local community,” said Troy Harris, CEO of Orion Education Group. “At the end of the day, we want people to know that Orion is more than just a place to learn; it’s a place to grow, a place to renew, and a place to discover yourself.”

The Spas at Orion will provide visitors with a luxurious high-end spa experience serviced by professional and credentialed staff while also providing Massage Therapy students at OTC the opportunity to glimpse into a real-world business environment.

“We are thrilled to work with OTC staff to help their students learn how to efficiently manage a business,” said Fred Helou, founder and CEO of Vagaro.“The team there has been a delight to work with, and we know they will benefit from our all-in-one solution. We’re also eager to continue learning from them about the nuances of running a large and growing wellness enterprise.”

Orion Technical College has provided quality education at affordable prices to the Quad Cities for over 50 years. For more information, visit [orion.edu/new](https://orion.edu/new/) or contact the campus at (563) 674-6633.



Orion Technical College Participates in First-of-its-Kind, Large-Scale Partnership with Vagaro

NOV 2, 2021

**Investment to build on business management platform's record growth by fueling enhanced product offering for health and wellness businesses and international expansion**

DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA — [Vagaro](https://www.vagaro.com/pro), the leading cloud-based business management platform for beauty, fitness and wellness businesses, today announced it has raised a new round of funding led by FTV Capital, which previously [invested in the company](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005201/en/Vagaro-Raises-63-Million-in-Growth-Equity-Led-by-FTV-Capital) in 2018. Exact terms of the investment are not being disclosed. In line with Vagaro’s growth, this new funding values the company at $1 billion.



With the investment from FTV Capital, Vagaro will focus on continued development of tools for businesses to book appointments, manage inventory, collect rent, run payroll and more, in order to be a one-stop-shop for a business’ IT needs. Vagaro recently added credit card processing features in Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom and has focused its efforts on growing market share in those countries, as well as the United States. Vagaro plans to serve additional international markets in 2022.



Vagaro has helped its clients' sales grow more than 105% in the last year, while on average, clients are selling almost 15% more as compared to pre-COVID. Compared to other solutions on the market, Vagaro customers consistently say that they enjoy the depth of features, ease of use and lower cost. Vagaro’s a la carte pricing model allows the product to be affordable to businesses of all sizes, and its robust set of tools enables smaller businesses to operate as efficiently and professionally as much larger corporations.


“We are thrilled with Vagaro’s success over the last three years, as the company has continued to capture market share by putting customers first and delivering innovative, affordable products that help business owners foster sustainable growth,” said Robert Anderson, partner at FTV Capital. “Fred and his team have done an outstanding job of executing on their vision, and with enormous potential to serve the $10.5 billion health and wellness market still ahead, we are excited to continue working together as we begin this important next phase of growth.” 



FTV Capital was particularly impressed by how Vagaro navigated  the pandemic, which posed an existential threat to its customers. By putting its customers first, Vagaro not only survived but added a record number of new customers during this period. Vagaro was able to pivot from helping businesses like fitness studios book in-person classes to enabling them to livestream more than 313,000 classes - a critical new revenue stream at a time when customers were not able to visit in person.



“For over a decade, in response to the shift away from paper books to online booking, Vagaro has been serving small businesses and independent service professionals with our technology solutions to help them achieve their business operations goals in an efficient manner,” said Fred Helou, founder and CEO of Vagaro. “This was especially true in 2020, as our platform played a major role in the health and safety of our customers during the Covid-19 pandemic where we were able to provide a function that managed health and safety documentation, as well as [several other features](https://www.vagaro.com/pro/covid-features) that allowed them to do business safely.”



Vagaro’s roadmap for product improvements, international expansion, and continued superior customer support are all aligned with a plan for continued, strong growth, and this significant investment provides the resources to ensure it.


“FTV continues to be a value-added partner, bringing significant expertise, commercial introductions and operational support to the table. As such, they were the only financial sponsor we considered for this round,” said Helou. “We are very proud to reach the unicorn status. FTV’s support will help us  continue our mission to be an all-in-one solution for small businesses in the beauty, fitness and wellness industries. We’re excited for every business in these industries to have a chance to experience our best-in-class product and customer service.”





Vagaro Achieves $1 Billion Valuation with New Investment from FTV Capital

OCT 18, 2021

**Company is first to offer functionality as part of its “all in one” platform**

DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA – For salons and other businesses, charging booth renters and other contractors has traditionally been a hassle. Keeping track of payments via check, cash or Venmo has been a time-consuming challenge.

With Vagaro’s new Automatic Rent & Fees feature, businesses can charge their renters, schedule recurring payments and deduct commission from rent directly through the software they use every day. That means fewer missed, failed or unnecessary payments, and no more time wasted keeping track of payments.

The Rent & Fees feature is intuitive and flexible. Business owners have the option to set a rent amount and a specific date and add renters as necessary fora seamless experience. For those offering commission on sales of product, commission payments can be deducted from rent automatically – removing the need for 1099 forms.

Payment methods include ACH bank accounts (for US only) and credit cards. Business owners can request primary and backup payment methods for added peace of mind. In the competitive business software space, Vagaro is the first to offer this feature.

“Most of the features in our platform originate via requests from our customers, and this is a great example of that,” said Fred Helou, Vagaro’s founder and CEO.“We purchased a few hair salons of our own, to better understand the pain points of many of our customers. This was definitely one of them, and we’re thrilled to streamline this task for them.”

‍



Vagaro Adds New Feature Making Rent and Fees Payments Easy

JUN 30, 2021

**New partnership allows Vagaro business to streamline HR functions including payroll and benefits.**

DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA — Running a business is no easy feat, but with the right technology, many tasks can be automated to give back an owner’s most valuable resource: time. In that spirit, Vagaro is deepening its partnership with Gusto through its new initiative, Gusto Embedded Payroll, to further streamline payroll and people operations.

The partnership means that business owners will no longer need to go back and forth between the platforms, but can easily and effectively onboard employees and run payroll entirely within Vagaro. This seamless integration saves small business owners valuable time and money every payday. Even better, Vagaro will be able to collaborate with Gusto to customize payroll to the unique needs of customers specializing in beauty, fitness and wellness. Eventually, Vagaro will extend its business platform to offer HR features and benefits to its customers, too.

"Vagaro is a brand that's synonymous with quality,” said Fred Helou, CEO of Vagaro. “That's why we've partnered with a payroll software that's equally as reputable, by choosing Gusto as our official payroll and HR software partner. With Gusto features, Vagaro businesses can streamline payroll and benefits, letting business owners focus efforts on big picture objectives."

"We're excited to partner with Vagaro to combine online booking, payment processing, marketing and payroll all in one platform tailor made for beauty, wellness and fitness businesses," said Somrat Niyogi, Head of Partnerships at Gusto. “The collaboration means business owners can spend less time on business and people operations and more time on what they love - building and growing their business."

Specific features born of this new partnership between Vagaro and Gusto will be announced later this year. [Learn more about Vagaro](https://www.vagaro.com/pro/about-us).

**About Gusto**

Gusto is a modern, online people platform that helps small businesses take care of their teams. In addition to full-service payroll, Gusto offers health insurance, 401(k)s, expert HR, employee self-onboarding, and team management tools. The company serves over 100,000 businesses nationwide and has offices in Denver, New York City, and San Francisco.

‍



Vagaro Selects Gusto As Its Official HR Software Partner

APR 8, 2021

**• 46% of Americans say they’ve “let themselves go” during lockdown, research shows**

**• Americans are most interested in improving their appearance (60%), physical health 58%), skin (56%) and hair (53%) for the post-pandemic world**

‍

DUBLIN, California — Americans are ready to take on the post-pandemic world with a new look and mindset – a quarantine glow-up – new research from Vagaro suggests. While more than half (51%) admit 2020 was the hardest year they’ve ever experienced, two-thirds of Americans want to look (64%) and feel (68%) their absolute best for when the pandemic comes to an end – which 62% are optimistic will happen before 2022.

The research suggests Americans are ready to focus on self-improvement after nearly half (46%) said they’ve let themselves go while in lockdown. Weight gain was the highest cited way respondents have let themselves go, with 60% saying they’ve gained weight. Of these respondents, the average amount of weight gain was 17 lbs. Other ways people have let themselves go include losing touch with family and friends (49%) and avoiding makeup and facial grooming (46%) while staying at home. A little more than half (51%) of Americans cited going back to bad habits, including eating unhealthy (53%), excessive drinking (49%) and lack of grooming themselves daily (43%).

View full survey results in our i[nfographic](https://assets.website-files.com/5fa604ae7345b463a0d8de26/5fff95a8ccfc4c797fea44a4_Self-care%20Infographic%20(WIP4).png).

“The Covid-19 pandemic changed the way we live our lives and effected many people mentally and emotionally, thereby making it easy to go back to or start unhealthy habits,” said Fred Helou, CEO for Vagaro. “Hope is on the horizon and now is the time to get back on track and focus on personal goals. Taking that first step like signing up for a virtual yoga class can lead to bigger accomplishments like completing an intense exercise regimen. Little wins can lead to big results and can also help combat feelings of stress and being overwhelmed.”

Being sheltered in place was the motivation 58% of respondents said they needed to take time to focus more on self-improvement. The biggest motivators for self-improvement include attaining better overall health (52%), building confidence/self-esteem (48%) and wanting a better physical appearance (47%). Some have already started their post-pandemic transformation. Compared to before quarantine:

• 47% are exercising more.

• 50% are taking better care of their skin (with new skincare routines, adding specialty treatments, increasing frequency of treatments).

• 57% are eating healthier.

• 57% are taking better care of their hair.

• 47% said they feel like they’re in a better mental and emotional space now than when the pandemic started.

“As consumers are getting ready to face the post-pandemic world with a new look and mindset, wellness businesses should be prepared for the influx of interest they may receive,” added Helou. “As restrictions lift, gyms, salons and spas should have a business plan, tools and technology in place to not only survive, but thrive in a post-pandemic world.”

**About the research**

The online survey was created by Vagaro and conducted by OnePoll in March 2021. It includes responses from more than 2,000 Americans.



Pandemic Resolutions: Two-Thirds of Americans are Preparing for a Quarantine Glow-Up

JAN 14, 2021

**Americans plan to prioritize self-care: 69% plan to do more self-care in 2021 than last year; 73% were more conscious of needing self-care in 2020.
Self-care is here to stay: 70% believe it’s not just a pandemic fad; 71% believe society will collectively prioritize self-care in the next five years due to the events of 2020.**

DUBLIN, Calif., January 14, 2021 — As lives become increasingly stressful, new research from Vagaro suggests more people are turning to self-care as a form of stress relief. According to the new survey, 75% of Americans believe self-care activities can help reduce stress, with at-home spa rituals (40%), getting a manicure/pedicure (30%), exercising outdoors (28%) and working out in a gym (24%) listed as top stress-relieving activities. While self-care can mean different things to different people, respondents cited at-home spa rituals (47%), visiting a spa for wellness treatments (41%), getting a manicure/pedicure (36%) and getting a haircut (34%) as the top self-care activities that come to mind.

View full survey results in the infographic below.

The research found people plan to prioritize and make more time for self-care moving forward. In 2020, the average person only had 65 minutes per week dedicated to self-care; however 45% of respondents see themselves having more time per week for self-care in 2021. In fact, people are willing to go pretty far in order to have more self-care time: one-third of Americans would be willing to move (35%), sell a personal belonging (33%) or even give up their favorite food (30%) for more self-care time.

“There’s an inevitable correlation between stress and self-care,” said Fred Helou, CEO of Vagaro. “Many people get so caught up in day-to-day responsibilities that they don’t prioritize time to take care of themselves, however, placing importance on activities that encourage relaxation can make you better equipped physically, mentally and emotionally to face life’s daily stressors.”

Additional highlights from the survey:

Nearly three in five (59%) people will only practice self-care if they feel stressed.
More than seven in 10 (72%) people like to use self-care as a reward after a long, tough week.
Respondents cited these benefits of self-care: self-confidence boost (64%), increased productivity (67%), happiness (71%).
Split feelings on in-person self-care while the pandemic continues: half of Americans are not waiting for the pandemic to end before visiting the salon for a haircut or hair color treatment; 54% are ready to visit a spa for wellness treatments.
Added Helou, “The benefits of self-care are immeasurable. Businesses who are ready to operate in-person appointments can follow Vagaro’s COVID-Clean protocols to ensure the safety of staff and customers. In addition, establishments can offer virtual consultations/appointments on self-care activities for those who aren’t comfortable venturing out yet.”

Vagaro offers the following tips to help make self-care part of your permanent lifestyle:

Determine what self-care means to you. Some activities will work for you, and others won’t. Figure out what makes you feel relaxed and practice your preferred form of self-care to get the maximum benefits.
Schedule time for self-care. Determine how many times a week and which activity you want to do. Once it’s in your calendar, you’re more likely to keep your self-care appointment.
Businesses should prepare for the post-pandemic rush: Spas, salons and gyms should plan for the influx of appointments when restrictions lift, since research shows people will prioritize self-care more in 2021 and feel it’s not just a pandemic fad.
Visit the Vagaro blog for more tips on wellness.

**About the Research**

The online survey was created by Vagaro and conducted by OnePoll in December 2020. It includes responses from more than 2,000 Americans.  
<br />
**About Vagaro**

Vagaro, Inc. is the leading business management and payment processing platform, and online marketplace for the beauty, fitness, and wellness industries. Service professionals in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia use Vagaro to manage, market and grow their business. Consumers choose Vagaro to search for and book wellness services on any device. Learn more about the Vagaro [mental health practice software](https://www.vagaro.com/pro/mental-health-software).



Vagaro Survey Finds Three-Quarters of Americans Believe Self-Care Activities Provide Stress Relief

JUN 30, 2020

**Vagaro Supports Wellness Industry With New Health and Safety Features Play Video Vagaro Founder & CEO Fred Helou introduces a suite of new features aimed at protecting the health and safety of wellness industry professionals and their clients.**

DUBLIN, Calif. Vagaro, Inc., a leading business management platform and online marketplace for the wellness industry, is rolling out a comprehensive suite of tools aimed at helping businesses reopen safely. The features center around the idea of the **“COVID-clean business”**. To enable COVID-clean business practices, Vagaro has developed technology designed to handle safety concerns across all stages of the service process, from booking online all the way to processing payments.

The company has created the **COVID-19 Ready** badge to qualify the COVID-preparedness of businesses listed on their Vagaro.com marketplace. The badge is contingent on a business adopting specific safety features and on obtaining at least 5 positive safety ratings from visiting clients. It will be prominently displayed with the business name on Vagaro.com and on the Vagaro Client App, giving consumers the confidence to book their next appointment.

Vagaro has also added a new **COVID-19 Highlights** section for businesses listed on the platform. Located on the business’ listing page, the section will let business owners display what health and safety measures they are taking to safeguard consumers.

To minimize physical interactions on the day of their appointment, consumers can choose to prepay their service when they book it on the platform. If required, they’ll also fill out a digital **COVID-19 liability waiver** at that point. Digital waivers and client intake forms can also be added to appointment notifications, embedded into a website or shared via email or text marketing messages. “Even if clients arrive to their visit without their completed waiver, service providers can still send it electronically. This ensures that clients complete waivers on their own device. The client booking process becomes completely contactless,” says Alec Sukoski, Head of Design at Vagaro.

Providing a safe **COVID-Clean Check-In** is the next step in the service journey. Once clients arrive at the business location for an appointment, they can check in remotely using their mobile device. The business then notifies each client on their Client App when it’s time to come in and receive a service.

Once the service is completed businesses can keep the checkout contactless and safe as well by using the COVID-Clean Checkout, which consists of sending the checkout window directly to their customers’ Client App. There, customers can tip and sign on their phone without having to touch any point of sale hardware.

“We’ve designed a robust workflow that enables service providers to keep clients safe every step of the way. The reopening phase is critical to the survival of our industry and it is our responsibility to ensure that our service professionals can provide a safe and stress-free experience to their clients. This will go a long way in restoring consumer confidence,” says Fred Helou, Founder and CEO of Vagaro.



Vagaro Supports Wellness Industry With New Health and Safety Features

APR 14, 2020

DUBLIN, Calif. Vagaro, Inc., a leading business management platform and online marketplace for the beauty, fitness and wellness industry this week announced a new video conferencing service. The new offering extends the capabilities of Vagaro’s powerful, cloud-based tools by allowing businesses to live stream directly and seamlessly from within the Vagaro platform.

Service professionals can choose to live stream from their computer or from their mobile devices using the Vagaro Pro App. The feature is fully automated and works seamlessly with Vagaro’s booking and payment processing platform. Clients booking a remote service or class will automatically receive booking confirmations and reminders with their unique live stream link.

The new feature is part of a series of product innovations and economic relief measures that Vagaro has put in place to help the struggling wellness industry, one of the hardest hit during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Salon and spa owners, massage therapists and personal trainers work in close personal contact with their clients and as a result, revenue has drastically dropped as the virus spreads globally.

Vagaro’s in-house research shows that, in the U.S., the economic toll has been particularly steep in states with large populations and a significant number of COVID-19 cases. In the state of New York service appointments dropped by 90% and revenue decreased by 93% during the past 2 weeks. Even states with relatively small numbers of COVID-19 cases have not emerged unscathed. In Wyoming for example appointments were down 83%, with revenue plummeting by 89%.

“The impact of COVID-19 on the salon, spa and fitness industry worldwide has been nothing short of devastating. To help these professionals survive now, we have integrated video conferencing technology to enable live streaming of remote classes and one-on-one consultations. These services can be easily booked and paid online through our cloud-based platform,” says Vagaro Founder and CEO Fred Helou.

The company is also giving away its e-commerce, email and text marketing software modules for free, enabling businesses to cost-effectively manage, market and sell newly created remote services.

To encourage consumer support, Vagaro has outfitted Vagaro.com, its online marketplace, with a search engine that allows visitors to select local businesses with an online offering. The company also launched a social media campaign under the hashtag #StayInsideShopOnline to drive support for small businesses across the nation.

“Vagaro was founded during the great recession of 2009. Back then we supported industry professionals with affordable software and easy access to a free online marketplace. We are committed to helping them now by pushing product innovation, offering reduced pricing structures and supporting industry-focused relief initiatives,” says Kerry Melchior, COO and long-time Vagaro employee.

The company will be announcing further innovations in the near future with the goal of further strengthening the online presence of its customer base.



Vagaro Launches Video Conferencing

DEC 5, 2018

**Online booking, payments and business management platform for salons, spas and fitness businesses expands technology offering to meet digital demand.**

DUBLIN, Calif. [Vagaro](https://www.vagaro.com/pro), a leading cloud-based business management platform for the salon, spa and fitness industry, today announced the company has raised a $63 million growth equity round, its first institutional capital, led by FTV Capital. The company will continue to invest in cloud-based, industry-specific technology to help businesses of any size optimize operations, reduce complexity and seamlessly process payments. In addition, Vagaro will expand its sales and marketing team and geographic footprint. Vagaro will benefit from FTV’s Global Partner Network®, which includes executives from the world’s leading financial services and payments companies, and the firm’s experience in scaling high growth companies that operate in specialty industry verticals. As part of the transaction, FTV Capital partner Robert Anderson, and [FTV Capital](https://ftvcapital.com/) managing partner Richard Garman will join the Vagaro board of directors.

Vagaro’s platform successfully meets the needs of a digital-first, productivity-focused millennial generation by providing salon, spa and fitness business owners with a powerful and comprehensive suite of back-office and consumer-facing business management software solutions, including appointment booking, calendaring, client management, marketing, reporting, payroll, inventory management and payment acceptance.

Most recently, Vagaro added a form builder to collect registrations, waivers and surveys to its highly customizable platform, leaving the company uniquely positioned to aggressively compete in the fitness management software segment. The company also added a competitively priced multi-transaction EMV reader to its point-of-sales solutions, making EMV payment processing even faster and more convenient for U.S. business owners.

In addition to automating and streamlining business processes, Vagaro connects businesses to consumers who are searching for spa, salon and fitness services via [Vagaro.com](https://www.vagaro.com), an online marketplace, and via the easy-to-use [Vagaro booking app](https://www.vagaro.com/pro/vagaro-booking-app).

“I feel privileged to have led Vagaro's talented team for the past 10 years. Our company has completely transformed — moving from delivering industry-changing salon software technology to offering a full suite of industry-specific business management solutions coupled with a powerful online marketplace,” said Vagaro founder and CEO Fred Helou. “Vagaro’s partnership with FTV Capital opens up exciting new possibilities for us, including the expansion to additional international markets, and will usher in a new chapter in the company’s growth story. Thanks to our compelling price point and newer technology, we are perfectly positioned to compete against slow-moving, more traditional industry players.”

“We are energized by our new partnership with FTV Capital, a firm that has helped many high growth companies, like Vagaro, build on their success to best meet customer needs,” said Kerry Melchior, Vagaro’s chief of operations. “Our near-term plans include expanding the range of payment solutions and digital functionality for our clients, while continuing to deliver the highest quality, easiest to use solutions with superior customer service.”

“Vagaro’s innovative and integrated product suite makes it easy for businesses to run all aspects of their operation from attracting and retaining customers to managing day-to-day activities to accepting payments,” said FTV partner Robert Anderson. “The Vagaro team is well-positioned to continue to capitalize on secular growth trends across the more than $9 billion global health and wellness market, and we are excited to provide the capital and strategic support for this next phase of growth.”

**About FTV**

FTV Capital is a growth equity investment firm that has raised over $2.7 billion to invest in high-growth companies offering a range of innovative solutions in three sectors: enterprise technology & services, financial services, and payments & transaction processing. FTV’s experienced team leverages its domain expertise and proven track record in each of these sectors to help motivated management teams accelerate growth. FTV also provides companies with access to its Global Partner Network®, a group of the world’s leading enterprises and executives who have helped FTV portfolio companies for two decades. Founded in 1998, FTV Capital has invested in 106 portfolio companies, including CardConnect, CashStar, EBANX, Enfusion Systems, Clearent, NeonOne, VPay and WorldFirst. FTV has offices in San Francisco and New York. For more information, visit [https://ftvcapital.com/](https://ftvcapital.com/).



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