MODERN has always supported women in the professional beauty industry. We regularly feature female artists on our cover and on the pages of Modern Salon Magazine, including heavy coverage on all of our social and digital sites. Our sister publication, Salon Today, regularly devotes entire issues to women in the beauty world. MODERN’s Women of Substance and Healthy Hairdresser focus on women’s issues, dealing with breast cancer, stress and anxiety, family and body/spirit business among other female focused concerns.

When we learned about the EmpowHERment Project, we were thrilled. President Lyndsey Bardnell has launched the initiative to celebrate women in the industry. “Our mission is to promote the empowerment, equal recognition and mentorship of our industry’s talented women – both behind and in front of the chair,” says Bardnell, who serves as the Vice President, Strategic Projects and Industry Development, Luxury Brand Partners (LBP). “The EmpowHERment Project will leverage regional and grassroots events, plus the power of social media, to create and foster a supportive, collaborative and action-driven community. We will bridge the gap – regardless of age, gender, skill, role, brand or location.”

Bardnell has enlisted several equally passionate women in the industry to be members of the board of Advisors, including MODERN’s Beauty and Fashion Director Maggie Mulhern, who had the honor of introducing Bardnell and the project at the most recent LBP Idealogue in NYC. Mulhern joins other members of the PowerHER Council including Alexis Thurston, Elizabeth Maul, Riawna Capri, Nikki Lee, Debbie Webster, The Hair Nerds, Coral Pleas, KL Christoffersen, Nina Kovner and Jenny Strebe.

“The project is important because, while our industry is made up of almost 85% women, we still take back seat in terms of attention, resources, influence, fame and pay,” adds Bardnell. “What’s amazing is that there is no shortage of strong, talented, entrepreneurial women in our community.  We are going to hold the industry accountable for recognizing them, telling their stories and listening to the lessons they have learned and can pass on. It’s exciting and its needed.”

Getting involved is quite simple. To participate simply follow The EmpowerHERment Project on Instagram and Facebook and go to the website: http://empowhermentproject.com/   to learn more. The tag #followHERfriday is designed to make it easy to acknowledge the work of a deserving woman. Adds Bardnell, “We are collecting thousands of stories of amazing, empowHERed women who have made a difference.”

Is there anyone you think should be part of The EmpowerHERment Project?  “Tag us and nominate someone to be on the Council!” Bardnell says. “It’s a great way to acknowledge an important woman in your world.”