Be Here Salon Named Finalist for 2025 NAHA Most Inspiring Salon

Be Here salon, a salon founded by industry veteran Vee Vargas, has been named a finalist for the 2025 Most Inspiring Salon award by the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA).

The recognition highlights Be Here’s commitment to the level of care and service that the My Salon Suite franchise champions for professionals.

“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.”

Fostering Inclusivity

A seasoned hairstylist of 13 years, Vargas joined the My Salon Suite network when she founded Be Here in Oakland, CA, 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 nonprofit 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.

Certified Sustainable Salon

Outside of Be Infinite, Vargas says she’s 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.”