Empowerment Through Beauty: VRBC’s Journey in Fostering Women’s Entrepreneurship

Empowerment is a beacon of beauty, illuminating paths and possibilities for women across the globe. As we honour Women’s History Month throughout the month of March, we reflect on the remarkable achievements and enduring influence of women in shaping our world. At VRBC, this celebration resonates deeply with our ethos, for we believe that empowerment is the essence of beauty.

In our journey, led by the vision of our Founder Valerie Reynaert, we’ve witnessed a transformation in the landscape of the beauty industry. Over two decades ago, Valerie embarked on her career in the beauty salon industry, navigating an industry largely dominated by C-Suite men. It was a realisation that struck her profoundly, considering that the industry primarily caters to women. So, when she established VRBC, she sought not only to bridge this gap but to empower women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams in an industry close to her heart.

“Our slogan, “Where Empowerment Is Beauty,” encapsulates our commitment to fostering extraordinary success for women in the salon business. We believe that true beauty emerges when women are empowered to make choices, raise their voices, and carve out their destinies. In the work that we do we strive to cultivate an environment where women can unleash their full potential, supported by equal opportunities and unwavering advocacy for gender equality,” says Valerie.

“We are fortunate to live in the GCC, an affluent region with a strong economy where there is money to be spent and where the women prioritise beauty and looking and feeling their best. In an emerging market like this there is so much potential and opportunity for women to build their own futures. It is incredible to see the boom that is taking place,” she says.

VRBC is pleased to see that in recent years the GCC region has seen a stronger focus on stimulating and motivating female entrepreneurship as well as a drive to see women educate and develop themselves further. This has definitely impacted the increase in female business owners in the industry. Being part of this booming industry gives us a chance to help a lot of women, to build stronger foundations to grow profitable businesses.

At VRBC, our focus extends beyond merely assisting women in setting up beauty businesses; we aim to equip them with the knowledge and confidence needed to thrive in the competitive market. With decades of experience and a passion for mentorship, we walk alongside our clients, guiding them through every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

At VRBC one of our main focus areas is helping women to understand how to set up a business and what they can expect the business performance to be. Very often our clients are passionate about the services they offer but they don’t have the business expertise and experience. This is where we come in. We help build their confidence and share our knowledge. With our decades of experience, we empower, support and show them that they are able to do it. We love walking the path and the journey together, as they build their dream.

“Seeing the impact of what we do is very rewarding. When we first meet a client, they have a dream but they don’t know how to achieve it. Months later it is incredible to stand by and watch them on the opening day of their salon. Each success story reaffirms our belief in the potential of women’s entrepreneurship and fuels our dedication to driving positive change,” says Valerie.

Worldwide we are also seeing that the beauty salon industry has emerged as a powerful force in empowering women, offering avenues for economic independence, skill development, and confidence-building.

According to the International Franchise Association (IFA), women own approximately 32% of all franchised beauty salons globally (IFA, 2022). This percentage is significantly higher in the GCC, highlighting women’s significant presence and leadership within the sector.

“As I reflect on my own journey, from a beauty therapist to a business owner, I advocate for staying strong and resilient, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and kindness. I stress the significance of hard work in achieving one’s dreams and encourage others to join supportive communities like Professional Beauty GCC, where like-minded individuals in the beauty industry can connect and collaborate.”

In a world marked by constant change and evolution, we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering women and fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment. Together, we celebrate the beauty of empowerment and the endless possibilities it holds for women everywhere.