Be Here Salon Emerges as a Finalist for the 2025 NAHA Most Inspiring Salon Award

Be Here Salon: A Beacon of Inclusivity and Innovation

Be Here Salon, founded by Vee Vargas and part of the MY SALON Suite family, has recently been acknowledged as a finalist for the prestigious 2025 North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) in the Most Inspiring Salon category. This recognition underscores the salon's unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive, luxurious, and innovative environment for all.

Vee Vargas, a seasoned hairstylist with over 13 years of experience, envisioned Be Here in Oakland, California, as a sanctuary dedicated to personal wellness and self-care. By offering a serene space where clients can indulge in personalized beauty services, Vargas aims to redefine the salon experience, allowing customers to unwind and escape from their fast-paced lives.

Vargas's commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the salon walls. In 2022, she launched Be Infinite, a non-profit apprenticeship program designed to empower marginalized communities through education and access to the beauty industry. This initiative focuses on trauma-informed teachings and cultivating emotional intelligence among aspiring beauty professionals, ensuring that they are equipped with both the technical and the soft skills necessary to thrive.

"Creating a space where patrons can focus on relaxation and self-care has been incredibly fulfilling for me. MY SALON Suite has given me the opportunity to bring my vision of a community-centric salon to life," Vargas expressed. This commitment not only enhances the salon experience but also emphasizes Vargas's desire to give back to the community.

In addition to her dedication to fostering future industry leaders, Vargas advocates for environmental sustainability. Be Here Salon operates as a Certified Sustainable Salon, which means it is committed to diverting over 95% of its waste from landfills. In 2024 alone, the salon successfully prevented over 45 pounds of beauty waste from ending up in landfills, demonstrating a clear commitment to the planet.

Susan Boresow, president of MY SALON Suite, praised Vargas’s dedication, stating, "Vee has gone above and beyond to build a salon that prioritizes wellness and community impact. I'm pleased that NAHA has acknowledged Be Here for its significant contributions beyond traditional beauty services."

For over 30 years, NAHA has highlighted individuals who are shaping the future of the beauty and wellness sectors, recognizing their artistry, skill, and innovation. Be Here is one of five finalists in the Most Inspiring Salon category, with winners set to be announced on June 1, 2025, at the award ceremony in Orlando, Florida.

This recognition from NAHA validates the importance of community involvement and the investment in the next generation of beauty professionals. Vargas’s journey with Be Here Salon encapsulates the powerful intersection of beauty, inclusivity, and sustainability, setting a standard for the industry.

To learn more about this remarkable salon and to book an appointment, visit Be Here Salon's website. For details on the 2025 NAHA finalists, check out the Professional Beauty Association’s site.

For more information about MY SALON Suite and its empowering environment for salon professionals, visit MY SALON Suite's website.