Kicking Off the Year With Purpose: Serious Business 2025

This January, the beauty industry gathered in the heart of New Orleans for Serious Business 2025. With the theme “Evolve,” the conference invited salon owners, beauty professionals, and entrepreneurs to embrace change and growth, both personally and professionally. Here’s a look back at a weekend that left us inspired and ready to grow! 

The main stage came alive with powerful stories, fresh perspectives, and actionable insights from some of the most inspiring leaders in their fields. 

Alua Arthur, a Death Doula, captivated the audience with her thought-provoking keynote on embracing mortality to live more authentically. “Our legacies are often unknown until our deaths, but we have the opportunity to choose.” Alua’s words left the audience reflecting on their purpose and how to infuse intention into their lives and work. 

Ben Nemtin, the #1 New York Times bestselling author and motivational speaker, took the stage with electrifying energy, sharing his bucket list journey that started with the question, “What do you want to do before you die?” His stories of accomplishing seemingly impossible dreams—and helping strangers do the same—were a wake-up call for attendees to dream big and take action. 

In addition to the keynotes, Serious Business offered a variety of breakout sessions and workshops designed to equip beauty professionals with practical skills and strategies.  

Attendees explored topics like wealth-building for beauty entrepreneurs, leading through change, and AI-powered marketing strategies tailored to salons and spas. 

Beyond the sessions, Serious Business was a celebration of connection. Attendees gathered at the Roosevelt Hotel to share their stories, exchange ideas, and uplift one another in a supportive and inspiring environment.  

The journey doesn’t end here. As the beauty industry continues to evolve, we’re excited to see how the insights, connections, and inspiration from this year’s conference shape the future.  

Thank you to everyone who joined us in New Orleans for a weekend to remember! 

Tickets for 2026 are on sale now: seriousbusiness.net/tickets