Wella Announces the Finalists of Wella Trend Vision Awards
This year’s awards centered around the Monochromatic trend, which is rooted in minimalism and intentional by design.
by Anne Moratto
She Is Fighting for Self-Employed "Business of One" Artists
Gina Rivera is lobbying lawmakers to include provisions in COVID-19 stimulus plans to help self-employed stylists, manicurists, and other beauty and wellness professionals.
April 16, 2020
"I dropped out of high school at just 17. By age 21, I fulfilled my dream of becoming a hairstylist, and by 22, I was renting my own booth. Like you, I wanted to be in business for myself. Today, we find ourselves in a desperate fight for our businesses and our way of life."--Gina Rivera
2 min to read
It’s time to organize, says celebrity hair artist and owner of Phenix Salon Suites,Gina Rivera. During this crisis created by COVID-19, Rivera, along with her life and business partner, husband Jason Rivera, is calling for a permanent self-employment plan that addresses the needs of “tiny businesses.” Through their Business of One movement (www.businessofone.org), they are speaking up on behalf of solo artists (hair stylists, manicurists, estheticians, massage therapists, etc.) and proposing the formation of a union to protect these independent lifestyle professionals who have been so hard hit by the shutdowns.
“In our 270 locations around the country, we work with approximately 10 thousand lifestyle professionals and we are seeing, up close, how this is impacting them,” Gina says. “We were headed in the right direction (with the CARES Act) but the states are being so overwhelmed with unemployment claims they can’t handle the demand. They don’t even know how to process these people and they are getting pushed to the back of the line.”
The “tiny business” owners, Gina says, don’t typically qualify for payroll loans or Small Business Administration aid. They are a unique entity and one that The Riveras feel needs representation.
“We want to push for funding to be included in the next packages, specifically for the Business of One entrepreneurs,” says Jason. “In the short term, we realize this is an uphill battle…but we’re willing to fight it because Gina is so passionate about providing support for the booth rent salon owner. She gets so many messages from these stylist/owners who don’t have a voice and don’t know where to turn. And Gina understands what they’re going through; she is an artist, someone who got into this industry as a kid, and comes from a long line of stylists. She knows what it is to have children while working as a stylist, without maternity leave, and to live without a cushion.”
The Riveras say that it’s time a union for independent professionals is established, especially considering the economic contributions that come from this group.
“These independent lifestyle professionals serve over 100 million clients a month, they pay a substantial amount of self-employment tax and they bring in an estimated 50 billion dollars of revenue a year,” Jason concludes. “They have never had a voice to vouch for them…but now, with Gina, they do.”
At the site is a prepared letter that can be submitted to local state representatives, asking them to support Gina Rivera’s Business of One Initiative.
LEARN MORE: http://businessofone.org/
Gina Rivera founded Phenix Salon Suites. Rivera was featured on the show Undercover Boss and her business was named to Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchise List.
More In The Know
The Doux Launches Roblox Hair Salon Game Celebrating Textured Hair and Entrepreneurship
Haircare brand The Doux has launched “My Salon Empire,” a free-to-play salon management game on Roblox, helping the next generation celebrate the diversity of textured hair and explore salon entrepreneurship.
Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric Achieves Record-Breaking Success in Historic Partnership Year
The show reported 30% attendance growth. It felt that way. This event for the southwest professional beauty community had heart, spice, and something for everyone.
by Anne Moratto
House of Wella Los Angeles Brings Fall/Winter 2026 Trends to the Stage and Innovation to the Salon
Wella artists presented the Monochromatic trend movement, introduced new Pure Perfection color and Sebastian styling innovations, while the Wella team created interactive fun throughout Wella Studio in Los Angeles.
by Anne Moratto
The Industry Remembers and Mourns Educator and Artist Dominique LyVar
Dominique LyVar, an influential educator and artist, is remembered by those who loved him for his significant impact on the industry and contributions to the community.
by Angela Reich
Brad Johns Dies at 70: A Friend Remembers the Celebrated Celebrity Colorist
Known for his buttery blondes and a technique for highlighting hair with more precision that he called chunking, Brad Johns died on August 27. His friend and fellow colorist, David Stanko, shares thoughts on his talented colleague and close friend.
by Anne Moratto
Salon Today 2026 Technology Guide
As technology evolves at an accelerated rate, you want to make sure you have the best in your business toolkit to help you grow sales, motivate your team, communicate with your current and future clientele, and streamline your managerial tasks. The 2026 SALON TODAY Technology Solutions Guide is designed to help you navigate today's growing landscape of salon and spa technology. In this guide, you'll find a curated look at more than 50 of the latest software platforms, digital solutions, and innovative features to help you compare options and identify the best fit for your business.
Looking Inward: With Community at Its Heart, Davines Reinvents Its Pro Channel for North America
The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.
by Anne Moratto
RÜTE Wash Launches Shower Cap Designed for Crown Washing and Hair Extensions
RÜTE Wash introduces a shower cap designed specifically for crown washing, helping clients with hair extensions cleanse the scalp while protecting the lengths from water.
by Anne Moratto
Premiere San Antonio Returns as a Must-Attend Beauty Trade Show in the Southwest
Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date.
by Anne Moratto
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Is Coming to Philadelphia
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
by Anne Moratto
Reddit Releases Its First Beauty-Specific Report: Conversations Around Beauty, Hair, Nail, and Skincare
According to the report, people are moving away from copy-paste trends and toward community, using real experiences to develop a sense of taste and beauty that reflects who they are.
by Anne Moratto
Entries Are Open for Wella Professionals’ Trend Vision Awards 2026
Hairstylists and barbers can showcase their creative and technical vision in two global categories with cash prizes and a chance to represent in Portugal.
by Anne Moratto
Black Beauty Roster Hosts Beauty Expo Presented by SalonCentric in NYC
The BBR Beauty Show featured a prominent speaker lineup including Lacy Redway, Karrueche Tran, Danessa Myricks, Chelley B., Sabrina Elba, Jessica Harris-Dupart, and more.
by Staff
Pro Beauty Pulse: A Monthly View of Industry Confidence
The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.
by Stacey Soble
ASCP, ISPA and PBA Receive 2026 Power of Associations Award for Esthetics Licensure Compact
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
by Stacey Soble
In Dubai, Clients Visit the Salon Every Week. Here’s What That Market Can Teach You
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai