The Professional Beauty Federation of California’s ‘Welcome to Our World’ (W.O.W) lobbying event took place at the Capitol Events Center May 6. Beauty professionals volunteered by performing hundreds of different services over the course of the afternoon on more than 125 policymakers, regulators, and staffers.

PBFC’s intent is to bridge a connection between policy makers and industry professionals by creating an environment where the two can come together and discuss policy and regulation issues directly. This initiative has been proven successful as this is the 19th year the event has taken place.

Much of the legislation presented could have a direct impact on colleges, behind-the-chair professionals, salons, and students. PBFC reported that this year was especially important to protect its industry by redirecting well-intentioned but misguided legislation to more positive ends

“PBFC was pleased that senior officials from the State Board participated in this year’s WOW to help educate policymakers in support of a well-regulated, licensed profession,” officials reported.

Just last month, PBFC partnered with the State Board to do away with a bill that chipped away at the licensed scope of practice, worsening unlicensed activities – leaving beauty consumers unprotected and creating a competitive disadvantage for legitimate salons.