In 2002, Paula Kent Meehan, founder of Redken, created the B.E.S.T. Foundation (Business Education for Salons Today) as a way to give back to the industry. B.E.S.T. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement, global recognition and growth of the professional salon industry. Through the B.E.S.T. Foundation, the Global Salon Business Awards were created.

This dynamic program, which commences every two years, recognizes and honors leading salon owners who have consistently demonstrated extraordinary business and entrepreneurial success in the areas of salon leadership, general management, financial prosperity, marketing & promotion and who contribute to the salon industry and their community with a lasting, positive impact.

The second biennial GSBA’s took place in Barcelona Spain, June 2006 and yielded the highest number of participants the foundation has seen to date. The numbers of salons that made it to the final judging phase in 2006 increased by 67 percent and represented nearly 1700 qualified salons that were nominated from 22 countries.

78 of the world’s leading salons, representing the 23 countries, were honored with the coveted Salon Entrepreneur of the Year™ & Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards at a ceremony that followed three days of incredible seminars, panels, educational forums, dinners and exclusive celebrations. It was an event to unite the industry like no other has done before.

Mission
The B.E.S.T. Foundation (Business Education for Salons Today) is a non-profit organization that supports the continued growth and development of the salon industry globally through recognition, awareness, advanced business education and resources. The Foundation recognizes successful salon business leaders and entrepreneurs by producing the Global Salon Business Forum & Awards.

Vision
For all salon owners to be regarded as successful business leaders, by offering financial viable career opportunities and contributing to the socio-economic prosperity of their community.

B.E.S.T. Philosophy
Recognize salon entrepreneurs for their business and entrepreneurial success through the Global Salon Business Awards.

Inspire salon professionals to engage in better business practice by improving business performance and profitability.

Attract new, motivated people by increasing awareness of the benefits of salon ownership and career opportunities in the professional salon industry.

Educate salon professionals by providing advanced business education through our exclusive partnership with the UCLA Anderson School of Management, custom designed for salon professionals to integrate the current B.E.S.T. business practices and maximize salon profitability and success.

Sponsors of the 2008 Global Salon Business Awards include:

Chairman Sponsors

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CEO Sponsors

*Founding Sponsors

Media Sponsors

Event Participants

Previous GSBA sponsors

American Crew

Revlon

TIGI

Wella

COIFFURE DE PARIS

Overhead

Salon Business Magazine

VIBRA