MODERN SALON, a leading media outlet in the professional beauty industry, hosted its third Independent Boot Camp October 24, 2022, at the Hotel Drover in Fort Worth, Texas. The Independent Boot Camp featured an incredible line-up of content designed specifically for professionals looking to expand their beauty business. Additionally, this event kicked off Saturday, October 23, with the MODERN SALON 100 honoree ceremony and the Indie Pro Awards, a combined event to recognize the MODERN SALON 100 “gamechangers” of 2022, and an awards ceremony from MODERN SALON, NAILS and BARBERING TODAY, for the winners in this recently launched creative challenge.

The Independent Boot Camp opened with host Anne Moratto, director of brand content strategy for MODERN SALON and NAILS, welcoming the over 200 beauty professionals in attendance. The day’s agenda included:

• The Power of Independence with Kimi Bennett, Sola Culture Ambassador

• Social Media Mastery with Adrienne Velazquez, The Seven Figure Boss and Kristen Ewing, Lumiere House

• Financial Fitness with Cyd Charisse, Destroy the Hairdresser; Kenesha Coleman, ColemanTax and Michelle Wheatley, Beauty Business Guide

• Work Smarter, Not Harder: Tap into Technology with Cyd Charisse, Destroy the Hairdresser; Jack Winn, Jack Winn Pro; Kristen Ewing, Lumiere House, moderated by Marisa Armand, Bobit's Beauty, Health & Wellness Division

• Maximizing Your Indie Space with Tim “Bo” Mack, Aspire Studios for SalonCentric; Kimi Bennett, Sola Culture Ambassador & Keynote Speaker, moderated by Brian O'Rourke, Bobit's Beauty, Health & Wellness Division

• Succeeding in a Salon Studio with Minnie Little, Shag Noir; Brooke Weast, PIP University; Kimberly Michelle, Jack Winn Pro and Steve Wren, Mr. Wren Cuts

• Expansion Through Addition & Extension with Sacha Quarles, SHE Hair Extensions; Heather Occhionero-Tialdo, Glo Extensions Denver; and Julie Isobe, Beauty Architect, Indian Harbour Beach, FL, moderated by Angela Reich, Bobit's Beauty, Health & Wellness Division

• Human Trafficking & the Beauty Industry with Sharla Wooten, National Cosmetology CE Provider

• See Yourself in Them: Profiles in Success with MODERN SALON 100 Darlynda George; Skyla Chaffin; Joie Wallace; moderated by Nicole Johnson, Bobit's Beauty, Health & Wellness Division

Throughout the event, attendees were able to gain valuable insights from seasoned industry professionals and connect with other independent salon, spa and barbershop owners. "The financial segment was really great, and I will definitely be using what I have learned today,” says Boot Camp attendee Angela Loiotile. “It’s just great to meet people like you. They always say surround yourself with likeminded people and who you want to be.”

“We were thrilled to be able to host such an inspiring event which offers independent professionals a platform to share successes,” says Brian O’Rourke, president, Bobit Beauty, Health & Wellness Division. “It’s been incredible to watch this event flourish and grow, and we can’t wait to share what we have in store for 2023.”

A special thank you to our sponsors Sola Salons, Jack Winn Pro, Great Lengths, SalonCentric, SheHair, and Wella.com.

The next Independent Boot Camp will be in Miami, FL, May 2023. Visit independentbootcamp.com to learn more.

Independent Success is Celebrated at the Modern Salon Independent Boot Camp