Be Here Salon Named Finalist for 2025 NAHA Most Inspiring Salon, Redefining Inclusivity, Innovation and Luxury Self-Care

A seasoned hairstylist of 13 years, Vargas joined the MY SALON Suite network when she founded Be Here in Oakland, California, launching her dream to create a suite space that offers a tranquil, customized salon experience that prioritizes relaxation and personalization. Beyond hairstyling, Vargas has dedicated her career to fostering inclusivity and accessibility within the beauty industry. In 2022, she launched Be Infinite, a non-profit cosmetology apprenticeship program designed to provide marginalized communities with pathways to economic empowerment and creative expression.

The program integrates trauma-informed teaching and an inclusive curriculum, ensuring the next generation of beauty professionals is equipped with both technical skills and emotional intelligence.

“Creating a salon environment where patrons can take a step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life has been extremely rewarding for me, and MY SALON Suite has given me the freedom to build a business that truly reflects my vision of self-care and inclusivity,” said Vargas. “Beyond the service experience we provide, I’m deeply grateful to have a platform that allows me to extend my impact beyond hairstyling and support my community through Be Infinite. This recognition from NAHA reinforces the importance of community involvement and investing in future industry leaders and it is a tremendous honor to be a finalist.”

Outside of Be Infinite, Vargas is committed to social responsibility through Be Here’s status as a Certified Sustainable Salon, operating under the mission of “Keeping People and the Planet Beautiful.” The salon is dedicated to diverting over 95% of its waste from landfills. In 2024 alone, Be Here successfully prevented more than 45 pounds of beauty waste from ending up in landfills.

“Vee has gone above and beyond to build a salon that prioritizes wellness and community impact,” said Susan Boresow, president of MY SALON Suite. “I’m proud that NAHA has recognized Vee and Be Here for their impact beyond providing beauty services and look forward to how she will continue to grow in her mission.”

For over three decades, NAHA has honored the visionaries shaping the future of beauty and wellness. As the industry’s most prestigious competition, NAHA celebrates the artistry, skill and innovation of North America’s top hair professionals. Be Here is among five finalists selected for the “Most Inspiring Salon” category. Hosted by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), winners will be announced on June 1, 2025, at the awards ceremony at Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

MY SALON Suite is a nationwide network of turnkey beauty salon suite studios designed to empower independent salon professionals to provide beauty services to their own respective clients. The co-working style space represents the latest concept in the beauty services industry, bringing together a community of independent beauty professionals in one luxurious location. Founded in 2010, MY SALON Suite has since expanded to more than 350 locations across the U.S. and Canada, providing entrepreneurship opportunities to over 10,000 Members.

With industry-leading knowledge, operational processes, and support services, MY SALON Suite provides Members with the tools and resources they need to build, open, and manage upscale private salon suites. This supportive environment allows established beauty service professionals to invest in themselves and their professional success by running their own salon business.

With more than 360+ locations, over 200 units in development, My Salon Suite is the premier salon suites franchise opportunity in North America.