Don't wait, tickets will sell out!
Don't wait, tickets will sell out!
Join us on July 19th, 2026!
The Beauty Business Brunch (BBB) is the DC region's annual full-day conference experience for hairstylists, barbers, salon/shop owners, suite renters, educators, and beauty students. Designed for beauty professionals who want to strengthen both the business & personal sides of their careers, the event features conversations on pricing, profitability, financial literacy, mindset, customer experience, wellness, leadership, and long-term growth in the beauty industry. For four years, it's been the place where beauty professionals in this area come to do the real work — without having to travel to find it.
If You Know, You Know... and If You Don't, Now's Your Chance.
Quick Links
July 19, 2026 | 10am-7pm (VIP 9am) | MLK Jr. Memorial Library | Wash. DC
BBB is built around what actually matters: business, money, professionalism, and well-being. Not trends. Not hype. The kind of education that holds up when the algorithm changes, the economy shifts, or the industry gets loud with advice designed to make you feel behind.
What started as a small brunch with six hairstylists has grown into one of the DC region's most anticipated events for beauty professionals: 42 attendees in 2023, 96 in 2024, more than 140 in 2025, and expanding to 175+ in 2026.
Ready to join us?
Purchase your Beauty Business Brunch tickets HERE
How is the Beauty Business Brunch different from other events?
Our speakers come from inside and outside the beauty industry, bringing perspectives that help you grow not just behind the chair, but as an entrepreneur, a leader, and a person.
Our programming is shaped by the people in the room. Through surveys, community feedback, and live polling, every session reflects what we all are actually navigating right now. You don't just attend BBB, you help build it.
“It shifted my mindset from seeing a cosmetologist as someone who simply masters techniques to someone who builds a personal brand, creates unforgettable client experiences, and thinks like an entrepreneur from day one!”
“This was such a refreshing experience. I really enjoyed conversing with like minded stylist in a safe environment.”
What Attendees Say…
“It was inspiring to see our collective efforts to elevate the industry, making the experience better for both clients and stylists, and sharing our craft and passion.”
Schedule
8:30 AM - Doors Open & Check-in for VIP Ticket Holders
Check in, capture a moment at the step-and-repeat, and enjoy complimentary refreshments before taking your seat for the VIP Session!
9:00 AM - VIP Workshop - Stop the Leaky Bucket: Fix Client Communication Gaps Costing You Thousands (Shawna Murphy)
You're not losing clients because of your skill, you're losing them in the gaps between inquiry and booking. This hands-on workshop helps you identify exactly where your communication is breaking down and gives you a simple, repeatable system to fix it. You'll leave with a completed audit of your booking flow and plug-and-play message templates you can use the same day.
This session is for independent stylists, commission stylists, and salon owners who feel busy but inconsistent and want a practical system to turn inquiries into consistent, rebooking clients.
9:45AM - Doors Open & Check-in for General Admission Ticket Holders
Check in, capture a moment at the step-and-repeat, and grab your seat in the auditorium before the day gets started!
10:30 AM - Welcome + State of the Industry (Sammi & Robert)
Before you can plan where you're going, you need an honest picture of where things actually stand. Robert breaks down the data, financial news, market updates, and industry shifts that matter most to beauty professionals right now, not speculation, not social media narratives, just a clear-eyed look at the landscape and what it means for your business, your career, and your future.
10:45 AM - Keynote (Darius Davie)
What does it actually mean to be a professional in today's beauty industry? In this keynote, Darius Davie challenges you to raise your standard, not just behind the chair, but in how you present yourself, build your brand, and create an experience that sets you apart. This is the session that reminds you that excellence is a choice, and that the details of how you show up are the difference between being good and being unforgettable.
11:04 AM - The Main Stage Session Previews
Before you head into your afternoon workshop, get a taste of what's waiting for you. Zach Zinober, Eva DuPont, Mireya Villarreal, and Wafaya Abdallah each take a few minutes on the Main Stage to share a key insight, a perspective shift, or a practical idea drawn directly from their session. Think of it as a preview that helps you decide where to spend your afternoon and guarantees you walk away with something useful, no matter which room you end up in.
12:36 PM - Choose Your 50-min Workshop
Start Building Wealth Now: A Simple Framework to Build Your First (or Next) Investment Plan (Nicole Carson, CFP®, MBA)
You don't need to be a finance expert to build real wealth; you need a clear, simple plan and the confidence to start. In this hands-on workshop, CFP® Nicole Carson walks you through a straightforward investment framework, helps you identify the right accounts for your goals, and shows you how to balance competing priorities like debt without losing momentum. You'll leave with your next steps already mapped out and a plan you can act on immediately.
Build a Team That Stays: The HR, Payroll & Compensation Playbook Every Owner Needs (Eva DuPont)
Most owners don't struggle because they lack passion or skill; they struggle because they don't have a structure that keeps great people from leaving. In this working session, Eva DuPont breaks down the three systems that determine whether your team grows or walks: compensation structure, payroll clarity, and compliance. You'll evaluate your own business in real time and leave with clear, prioritized next steps — whether you're hiring your first employee or stabilizing an existing team.
Wellness and Living Beauty-fully (Wafaya Abdallah)
The way you show up in the salon starts with how you take care of yourself outside of it. In this session, Wafaya Abdallah guides you through the science and practice of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and stress management — tools that help you recharge, stay present, and lead with intention. You'll leave with practices you can bring into your daily life and your work immediately.
1:41 PM - Brunch & Networking
VIP Attendees
Bottomless Brunch is ONLY INCLUDED with VIP
Your bottomless brunch is waiting one block away at Cuba Libre, on the corner of 9th & H Street NW. This is your time to slow down, eat well, and connect with the people you just spent the morning with, including the speakers, who will be joining you. With only 120 VIP spots available, this is where the real community gets built.
Enjoy a bottomless brunch spread that includes tropical chips and dips, fresh fruit, Latin pastries, Cuban strata, Cafe con Leche French toast, Banana Crispy Waffles, Ropa Vieja hash, poached eggs, applewood smoked bacon, and more! Bottomless drinks include Classic Mojitos, Sangria, house wine, beer, soft drinks, juice, and coffee.
VIP brunch is exclusively included with your VIP ticket and is not available for purchase on site.
General Admission Attendees
Bottomless Brunch NOT INCLUDED
Brunch is on you, and that's actually a good thing! The MLK Jr. Memorial Library sits in the middle of one of DC's most vibrant neighborhoods, with great spots steps from the venue in every direction (Zaytinya, The Smith, Cafe Riggs, Succotash, and more!) Grab a meal with a new friend, explore the rooftop, linger in the expo, or take a few quiet minutes to recharge before the afternoon. This midday break is yours to use however you need it.
3:16 PM - Choose Your 50-min Session
Salon & Shop Owners Panel (Jannay McIver, Ash Fortis, and Lesley Bryant)
Three salon and barber shop owners. Three different business models. One honest conversation about what it actually takes to lead, grow, and sustain a beauty business in today's climate. This panel gets into the real stuff: building and retaining a strong team, preventing burnout without sacrificing momentum, adapting when the economy shifts, and creating a culture and client experience that keeps people coming back. Whether you're already running a business or building toward it, this conversation will meet you where you are.
Stop Trading Time for Money (Mireya Villarreal)
If your income is completely tied to how many hours you work, your earning potential has a ceiling — and it's lower than you think. This session helps you identify realistic income opportunities beyond your booked hours, build better time management habits, and create a plan for sustainable growth that doesn't lead to burnout. You'll leave with a clearer picture of what's possible and a starting point for getting there.
Clean & Sustainable: Where to Begin (Jacquelyn Rodriguez)
Your clients are paying attention to more than just the service; they're evaluating your products, your values, and what your business stands for. This workshop gives you a practical, pressure-free framework to start building a cleaner, more sustainable practice without overhauling everything at once. You'll leave knowing exactly where to start and with a 90-day action plan tailored to where you are right now.
4:06 PM - Expo & Activities
Take a breath, grab a snack or a drink, and explore. The BBB26 Expo is where our sponsors and partners come to connect with you, not just to showcase what they do, but to put real resources, offers, and tools directly in your hands.
Pop-up activities, surprise moments, and conversations you didn't plan for are all part of it.
5:18 PM - Choose Your 50-min Workshop
The Creator Approach to Social Media (Zach Zinober)
Most beauty professionals post like they're selling a product, but clients choose a chair the way they choose a person. This session gives you a smarter, more intentional social media system that helps you clarify your brand, stop posting randomly, and use your content as real market research. You'll leave with a clearer content strategy that actually communicates what makes you different.
Booked But Broke: Why Your Calendar Is Full and Your Bank Account Isn't (Chrystal Graves)
Being fully booked doesn't automatically mean you're building financial security, and most stylists don't know their real take-home number until it's already costing them. In this session, Chrystal breaks down exactly where your money is going, what you're actually keeping after hidden costs, and gives you three specific moves to change that number. You'll leave with your real numbers in hand and a clear path forward, no shame, no judgment, just math and a plan.
Workshop Info Coming Soon!
6:08 PM - Closing Expo Party, Prize Drawings & Swag Bags
The sessions are done, but the day isn't over yet. Close out BBB26 with us in the Expo for drinks, snacks, and the kind of conversations that only happen when the pressure is off. Connect with sponsors, reconnect with new friends, and stay close because prize drawings are happening throughout the closing event and you must be present to claim. Every attendee leaves with a swag bag. Stick around and make the most of it.
Your Speakers
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Darius Davie is the Founder and CEO of Groom Guy, a luxury men’s grooming company redefining the barbershop through hospitality, wellness, and modern self-care. A Brooklyn native with more than a decade of experience in men’s grooming, Davie launched Groom Guy in 2020 to create elevated grooming experiences that blend precision barbering with the service standards of luxury hospitality. What began as a pop-up inside a Washington, DC hotel has grown into a premium brand with partnerships at destinations including PGA National Resort in Florida and Salamander Washington DC. Through Groom Guy, Davie is helping reshape the future of grooming by connecting barbering, wellness, and hospitality while championing confidence, community, and the power of self-care.
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Jannay McIver has been a prominent influence in the natural hair industry for over 10 years. She has served in many roles at many levels on the frontier for proper natural hair care and education. For Jannay McIver, natural hair is a balance between our outward reflection and holistic wellness.
As a Registered Dietetic Technician, she incorporates health and nutrition in her innovative approach to natural hair care. She emphasizes lifestyle changes as a means to address common issues women face when it comes to hair. Jannay makes it her priority to provide education and practical experience to the natural hair community. She has established herself as a resource to the community by hosting classes and events at various institutions including American Beauty Academy, Milford Mill Academy, Morgan State University and Coppin State University. She has served as the Director of Education for the Aesthetics Institute of Cosmetology. As a nutritionist, she has worked with organizations such as Johns Hopkins University and No Kid Hungry, a nonprofit organization, to educate at risk populations on how to make healthier choices in their communities.
She established her salon business, Asili Hair Care Center, as a way of featuring chemically free services for textured hair. Her clients leave her chair knowledgeable on how to live a healthy lifestyle and how it connects to their hair goals. She has successfully launched two award winning locations that have become staples in their respective communities. These flagship centers serve as our proof of concept, demonstrating that high quality, affordable hair care can thrive while maintaining a commitment to professional ethics.
By hiring stylists as W2 employees, she provides them with the job security and professional benefits often missing in the beauty industry. This investment in her team has resulted in industry recognition and, more importantly, a loyal clientele that receives consistent, high standard care from a team that is supported and valued.
Driven by a commitment to both technical mastery and industry advocacy, Jannay McIver has established herself as a powerhouse in beauty education. Her leadership is anchored by her tenure as the Director of Education at the Aesthetics Institute of Cosmetology and her strategic contributions as an Advisory Board Member for Empire Beauty Academy.
Beyond the boardroom, Jannay is a dynamic presence on the international stage. She has captivated audiences as the Host of FroFest Antigua, served as a specialist Educator for the N Natural Hair Festival, and shared her high-level expertise as an Elite Educator for HEBS. Whether she is dissecting industry trends as a guest on the Hairdresser Strong podcast or mentoring emerging talent, Jannay remains dedicated to elevating the professional standards of the hair and beauty community.
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Shawna Murphy is a hairstylist, educator, and the founder of StyleSmart VA, a company built from one frustrating realization: she wasn’t losing clients because of her work, she was losing them because of communication.
After struggling with missed messages, inconsistent follow-up, and unpredictable bookings, Shawna developed a system to capture every opportunity coming into her business. That system became the foundation for StyleSmart VA, which now helps beauty professionals streamline client communication and create more consistent income.
Today, Shawna teaches stylists and salon owners how to stop the silent leaks in their business and build systems that turn interest into loyal, returning clients.
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With more than 17 years in the beauty industry, Chrystal's journey in the beauty industry spans nearly every business model as a salon owner, from booth rental to commission salons.
Innovation has fueled her entire career building the first salon suite concept in her city, creating multiple salon models, and scaling her salon business before selling it for 7 figures in 2023. Named to Modern Salon's Top 100, she coached hundreds of salons on pricing, profitability, inclusivity, operations, and client experience.
Throughout her career, Chrystal became known for helping owners understand the gap between being busy and being profitable. She turned complex business decisions into clear, actionable guidance that worked in real salons, not just on paper.
After selling her salon and supporting the industry as an educator, the demand to scale that support beyond one-on-one coaching became undeniable. That demand led to LiQUiD, the first AI-powered business assistant built by hairstylists, for hairstylists.
LiQUiD provides expert guidance and real-time support around pricing, profitability, and everyday business decisions… helping beauty professionals take home up to 30% more, work with intention, and build sustainable businesses without burnout.
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Bio coming soon!
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Wafaya Abdallah has been in the hairdressing industry for 36 years. She has owned Curly Oasis specialty salon for 20 years. Her passion for the curly hair industry and the connections that people can create in a salon setting runs deep.
As a child immigrating from Egypt to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1970, she became extremely conscious of racial, social and gender inequality. Whether the question of race in Charlotte or the role of women in Islamic traditions, the lack of fairness all around her was impossible to ignore. Originally, she had her sights on law school as a way to try and make change in society, but she realized that spreading a message of acceptance and inclusion is better accomplished in everyday human interactions.
Realizing that the salon industry will always be a foundation in human interaction, Wafaya’s intention was to create a salon within a salon, using her platform to host events, put out content with the messaging of acceptance, and provide a gathering place for everyday interactions of positivity and unity. This purpose also set her on the path to learn more about human consciousness and what it means to live fully. Wafaya leaned more into teaching and coaching beauty professionals to live a more purpose driven, happier and fuller lives.
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At 23 Ash decided to pursue her passion for the hair industry. She excelled quickly, graduated with honors and went on to spend time at a high end salon apprenticing. While apprenticing Ash further developed her passions and skills of hair dressing. Ash took to heart the importance of professionalism and being a team player which has led to a great deal of her success.
Over the course of her career she’s never stopped learning and dedicating her time to creating and fostering one of a kind experiences for her guests, Ash has never shied away from a challenge and that driving force has made her at the top of her game when it comes to transforming clients. Ash’s passion for her craft has given her national and international publications, award nominations, and she is recognized as an innovative trailblazer in the hair industry.
Ash Fortis went on to help build and co create Pulp Riot hair care from the ground up as an original co creator/owner. Pulp Riot sold to Loreal and Ash Fortis continues to educate for Pulp Riot, and work closely with the company and its team.
Being at the hight of her career Ash knew that she wanted to build a salon & spa that would bring her dreams of providing the best hair and skin care to our community. Her dream of creating an inclusive space where our team brings out the beauty in one another and our guests is why the Xo Culture is like none other. At Xo Ash is proud to inspire and foster Team work,Creativity,Professionalism, Collaboration, Education and Value to our team & Guests.
When Ash is not behind the chair she is leading our team and growing our stylists and business. Ash also spends time sharing her knowledge digitally, as well as in salons, and on stages across the world. She is a proud Author of Hair to dye for Published May 2020 and loves spending time with her friends, family, pets and her community of bad ass’s.
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Bio coming soon!
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Lesley "Lady Clipper" Bryant is a multi-award-winning master barber that has a true passion for precision, artistry, and people. Over the last 10 years, she has dedicated her love for being a Barber-Stylist to clientele throughout the Washington, DC community.
She understands her clients and creates looks that embody clean construction and elegant lines. Her mission is to reveal the best of your style with a look that speaks for itself. In May 2017, Lesley proudly opened the doors to The Lady Clipper Barber Shop, where you can expect exceptional service in a lively environment.
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Nicole C. Carson, CFP®, MBA is the Founder of 2nd Story Wealth Planners, a firm she co-owns with her husband, Tarif. She provides virtual, values-based financial planning for professionals and business owners who want a trusted partner to help build wealth with purpose.
With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Nicole’s career spans advising, leadership, and client relationship management. She previously led ultra-high-net-worth client relationships at Vanguard and supported advisor growth at Lincoln Financial before launching her firm to expand access to personalized planning.
Nicole holds a B.S. in Finance from DeSales University and an MBA from Holy Family University. She volunteers on the CFP Board’s Scholarship Review Panel and is a member of the FPA, AAAA, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.
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Zach Zinober is a social media content advisor, manager, and creator working at the intersection of filmmaking, social media, and emerging AI tools.
With skills in professional videography and photography, he's worked for social media giants like Barstool Sports, recognizable brands like Hot Pockets and Coffee Mate, and salon industry celebs like Johnny Ramirez on top of being successful on Youtube himself. In the past year alone, his personal and client content has generated over 55 million views on Instagram.
Across his work with clients, he's seen a lot of people make the same mistake: too often, people have this feeling that they are obligated to post to keep up with social media's breakneck pace. Zach's work challenges this narrative by applying his marketing research background to social media, focusing on how data and analytics can help you use your socials in a targeted way to meet specific goals you're setting.
Come to Zach's session if you want to demystify social media and learn how to turn it into a tool to make content intentional and outcome-driven, whether your purpose is growth, revenue, or brand positioning.
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Jacquelyn Rodriguez is a Clean Beauty Business Coach, author of Changeworthy: Profit with Purpose, and founder of Enlightened Styles a holistic, eco-conscious salon and the Holistic Salon Academy, where she teaches beauty and wellness business owners how to align their values with their profitability.
As Co-Founder and Education Director of the Green Beauty Community and host of the Impactful Salon Owner Podcast, Jacquelyn has built a platform at the intersection of clean beauty education, sustainable business practices, and conscious leadership.
She helps practitioners at every level build businesses that are good for their clients, their communities, and themselves.
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Bio coming soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Beauty Business Brunch is a full-day conference for hairstylists, salon/shop owners, suite renters, barbers, beauty students, and independent beauty professionals. Sessions focus on topics like business growth, financial literacy, leadership, customer experience, mindset, wellness, and long-term success in the beauty industry.
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This event is designed for beauty professionals at every stage of their career , whether you're a student preparing to enter the industry, a stylist/barber building your clientele, a suite renter, salon/shop owner, or educator.
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No. The Beauty Business Brunch is not a traditional hair show focused on trends or technical demonstrations. This event focuses on the business, mindset, financial, and personal development side of the beauty industry.
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Topics may include:
Business growth & leadership
Pricing & profitability
Financial literacy
Customer experience
Mental health & well-being
Personal development
Branding & marketing
Community & industry conversations
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The event will take place at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, DC.
The address is: 901 G St NW, Washington, DC 20001
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We recommend taking public transportation or rideshare to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, as the library does not have on-site parking available. If you plan to drive and park on the street, please allow additional time to find parking in the area.
The library is conveniently located near the Gallery Place–Chinatown Metro Station. Gallery Place has three exits; attendees should use the “9th Street” exit for the closest access to the library. The venue is also accessible via Metro Center Station, though it requires a slightly longer walk.
Nearby public parking garages include:
CityCenterDC Parking Garage
870 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Open 24 hours/day, 7 days/weekQuik Park (Grand Hyatt Garage)
716 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week -
General Admission — The Full-Day Education Experience
General Admission includes access to the full Beauty Business Brunch experience, including:
Access to all main stage sessions
Access to all breakout sessions — choose the topics most relevant to you
Expo access
Curated swag bag
Lunch is on your own (or with a new industry friend!). The venue is located in downtown Washington, DC, with many restaurants and coffee spots just steps away, making the midday break a great opportunity to explore and connect.
VIP — The Full Experience
VIP includes everything in General Admission, plus additional exclusive experiences designed for deeper learning and connection.
VIP includes:
Access to all main stage sessions
Access to all breakout sessions
Expo access
Curated swag bag
Bottomless brunch at Cuba Libre, located one block from the venue
Exclusive VIP-only session:
Stop the Leaky Bucket: Fix Client Communication Gaps Costing You Thousands
This VIP session is designed for independent stylists, commission stylists, and salon owners who feel busy but inconsistent and want practical systems to turn inquiries into loyal, consistently rebooking clients.
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Coffee and water will be available throughout the day for all attendees. During the expo and networking portions of the event, attendees can also enjoy snacks and beverages. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
VIP ticket holders will receive morning pastries and coffee during the exclusive VIP experience, along with access to the VIP bottomless brunch at Cuba Libre following the VIP session.
General Admission attendees will have a midday break to grab lunch on their own. The venue is located in the heart of downtown Washington, DC, with many popular restaurants and cafés nearby, including Zaytinya, Boqueria, The Smith, Succotash, and more.
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We recommend business casual or elevated casual attire — something comfortable yet professional that makes you feel confident and like yourself.
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Yes. Networking and community-building are a major part of the Beauty Business Brunch experience. Attendees will have opportunities to connect with fellow beauty professionals, salon/shop owners, educators, brands, and industry leaders throughout the day.
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We’d love to connect. Please email sammi@hairdresserstrong.com to learn more about partnership opportunities, swag bag participation, and brand activations.
Our Generous Sponsors
Business Partners
Community Partners
Sponsor
Interested in Sponsoring? Let’s Talk!
“At the business beauty brunch, I learned how important it is to blend artistry with entrepreneurship. Beyond honing technical skills, success in the beauty industry comes from building genuine client relationships, understanding branding, and staying ahead of trends.”
What Attendees Say…
“The event offered an impressive range of engaging topics not normally covered at other events. It was also great to just hear and share different answers to the same questions.”
“Great GREAT event!!! Clearly the topics chosen were what people wanted to talk about because there were so many questions and lots of interaction. You picked amazing speakers and did such a great job hosting.”
July 27, 2025 • The Line DC Hotel • 147 Attendees • Sold Out Two Weeks Early
More than 140 beauty professionals filled The Line Hotel DC to spend a day focused on what truly drives long-term success: community, education, and shared growth.
RECAP: 2025 Beauty Business Brunch
2025 Speakers
2025 Schedule
VIP Workshop - Crafting Effective Business Strategies with Dana Fountain
Welcome & What's Ahead with Robert & Sammi
Serving & Building Community Through Entrepreneurship & Education with Herson Bautista
Bottomless Brunch & Networking on the Mezzanine
Meditation Session with Wafaya Abdallah
Financial Expert "Ask Me Anything" Q&A Session with Cindy Sentelle, CPA MST and Nicole C. Carson, CFP®, MBA
Know Your Investment Style: A Hands-On Guide to Building Your Portfolio with Confidence with Nicole C. Carson, CFP®, MBA
Expo & Activities
Leadership, Branding & Culture: Building Strong Teams + Systems with Ajia Minnis Cruz Lanham, Ashley Gray, and Diane Cole Stevens
Navigating Uncertainty: Adapting to Economic + Industry Trends and/or Consumer Expectations with Dana Fountain & Nick Stenson
Announce Raffle Prize Winners & Swag Bags
2025 Sponsors
“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with like-minded professionals and exchanging industry stories, experiences, and tips. Hearing what others gained from the event and what they planned to take back to their salons gave me valuable insight into how my peers are also evaluating their businesses.”
What Attendees Say…
“It's fun to get together with like-minded people and talk about issues only they would understand. Good opportunity to ask the panelist with years of experience issues I'm having.”
“The warm and welcoming environment made connecting with fellow hairdressers a breeze.”
