As a third-generation esthetician―my grandmother founded the first fully-accredited esthetics institute in the US―I saw a white space in the skincare industry. I struggled to find an effective, accessible, and trustworthy source for consistent facial treatments administered by expertly trained estheticians. So I created Glowbar, a new skincare concept disrupting the spa industry with 30-minute, no-frills, and results-driven facials at $65. Glowbar’s expert facials help consumers reach their skincare goals without the pain points of time or expense. It is an inclusive, affordable, time-sensitive facial that has lasting effects, allowing anyone to add a Glowbar facial into their routine.

Founder: Rachel Liverman

Founded: 2019

Leadership: Rachel Liverman, CEO and Founder

2023 Full Year Expected Revenue Range: $10 to $20MM (estimated by industry experts)

Primary Beauty Category: Skincare, Spa Services, Wellness

Distribution Channel: DTC

Funding Rounds: Venture Capital

Total Funds Raised: $10 million

In January 2023, Glowbar closed its first outside capital with a $10 million growth investment led by Peterson Partners, a Salt Lake City-based firm whose investments have included Allbirds, Solidcore, Bonobos, Rails Clothing, and Madison Reed.

Notable Investors: Peterson Partners

Notable Advisors/Board Members: Marla Beck, Co-Founder of Bluemercury and Alli Webb, Co-Founder of Drybar

What are some of your key business initiatives for 2023?

Glowbar expects rapid expansion over the near term, with plans to more than double our studio count by the end of 2023, both in the Tri-State area and in additional markets. We will be expanding our head count across the organization, including senior leadership, and will continue investing in state-of-the-art training for our 100+ licensed estheticians.

What are you most proud of having accomplished?

I’m most proud of carrying on my grandmother’s legacy of pioneering the skincare industry and following my vision with Glowbar.

What has been the biggest surprise since the brand was founded?

The biggest surprise since the brand was founded is how popular our member program is. The shift we have seen in consumer behavior is inspiring and motivating. We have seen more and more people commit to a monthly membership. We have taken the average consumer, who would normally get zero to one facials a year, and motivated them to get facials 12 times a year, is incredible.

What aspect of your brand DNA fuels your competitive advantage?

We sell time and value, and those are the two most important things a consumer considers when making a choice to purchase.

Please share your insight on the future of the beauty industry.

The consumer is only getting smarter, and therefore, the future is going to be reliant on brands that are focused on top-quality results.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

To ask for help.

Paying it forward, what advice would you give to someone contemplating launching a beauty brand?

Some advice I would give to someone contemplating launching a beauty brand is to primarily have a compelling reason for existing. And the answer to that comes from doing your consumer research. Success is based on timing and consumer interest more than anything. It is crucial to know what the consumer wants and what they’re looking for. Doing that up-front research will set you up for success and make your final product successful as well.

If you could change one thing in the beauty industry what would it be?

If I could change one thing in the beauty industry it would be to establish more regulation around ingredients.