The Professional Beauty Federation (PBF), held its 15^th annual Welcome to Our World (WTOW) event in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 28.  WTOW creates a mini-salon/spa-like atmosphere on Capitol Hill where members of the professional beauty industry provide services to Members of Congress and their staff.  The purpose of the event is to educate Members of Congress about the power and influence of the $48 billion dollar salon industry.

“The Professional Beauty Federation brings Welcome to Our World to Capitol Hill as a way to showcase the talents of our industry. These in person meetings also provide us with an opportunity to share our successes and concerns with our public policy makers,” said PBF Member and Professional Beauty Association Executive Director, Steve Sleeper.

The PBF is a non-profit coalition of businesses and associations, including the Professional Beauty Association, the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, the International SalonSpa Business Network, International Spa Association, OPI, JCPenney Salons, Sexy Hair, and the Personal Care Products Council. The group works together to advance the interests of America’s professional beauty industry. WTOW provides an opportunity for PBF members to speak directly to Members of Congress about the professional industry’s key issues, including modernizing the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) cosmetic laws, access to cosmetology education and financial aid, equitable taxation, and small business support.

“The Professional Beauty Federation was pleased to be back on Capitol Hill to educate Members of Congress about the economic impact of the professional beauty industry. With close to $86 billion dollars in annual sales, the professional beauty industry remains a steady and significant contributor to the U.S. economy. Additionally, Welcome to Our World allows us the opportunity to speak directly to members about important issues such as student funding, tax reform and FDA reform for personal care product manufacturers.  This event provides us the opportunity to share our successes as well as our concerns with Members of Congress” said PBF President and OPI Products, Inc. Senior Vice President Eric Schwartz.

Over 100 professional beauty industry volunteers supported this event by donating their time and services.  Industry partners such as OPI, John Paul Mitchell Systems, Orly, Sexy Hair, Fullips, Fromm, Make My Day Beautiful!, Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, Alexandria Professional, Joe Grooming, and Mary Kay donated products to support the event.