Blo | Blow Dry Bar

Blo, currently North America’s only blow dry bar without salon services was founded by a mother and daughter team, Judy and Devon Brooks. First launched in Vancouver, British Columbia three years ago, the idea came due to the lack of quick, easy and affordable hair services for women (a blow out at Blo is $31). Both women have a background in business, Devon, an alumna of the London College of Fashion, studied fashion and business and her mother, Judy, has successfully founded, run and sold several companies, including one which worked with organizations to build respectful workplaces. Blo has a third partner, Val Litwin, who is the General Manager.
Blo came into fruition when Devon, submitted the idea as a project for one of her classes. This was when she was in her second year. Blo launched one year later in Vancouver, with Devon travelling back and forth, as she was still completing school. Eventually, it expanded to three locations in Vancouver and opened its first Toronto location just this month (another Toronto location will launch in September). While many young people my despise working with a parent, this is certainly not the case for Devon. They’ve always enjoyed each other’s company, according to Judy, being a boss is kind of like being a parent – as boss, you are constantly motivating staff.

Currently, both mother and daughter are not only promoting Blo, but are heavily involved in non-profit organizations. Devon has recently been appointed Director of Brand and Strategic Growth for Face of Today, a charity which facilitates entrepreneurship for underprivileged youth. Blo has also been involved with other groups, including POGO (Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario) and Ronald McDonald House.

A little bit about Blo:
Blo is NOT a salon – it does not offer cut and colour services, nor does it offer other spa services such as nails and make-up. It is meant to be, like its coffee counterpart, Starbucks, a lifestyle – unlike most other hair places, Blo has very flexible hours, opening early in the morning (7 am!) to later in the evening. They have also developed their own terminology. Stylists are called “bloers” and clients blo bro (male clients), hair cadets and blo girls (young females). Blo also has its own products formulated with very light scents – good for an office environment as most places no longer allow staff to wear strong smells.
In addition to operating blow dry bars, Blo also has travelling services, which go to offices, homes and hotels. Its expansion to Toronto is only the beginning. Devon and Judy would like to see Blo in every major city in the world!

p.s. don’t forget about our Blo contest! Last day to enter is Monday, July 20.

- Prospere Magazine, July 15, 2009

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