Tom Kuhn is a visionary leader and trusted beauty and wellness expert. For nearly three decades, he has dedicated himself to elevating the economic reality and possibilities of a career in beauty. Through an unwavering commitment to finding innovative solutions, making financial education accessible, generating groundbreaking data, providing essential resources for businesses, and fostering partnerships with leading educational institutions, his expertise in the economics of pro beauty is unparalleled.
Kuhn is a fierce advocate for the financial success and sustainability of the beauty industry, driven by his passion for data, education, and financial literacy. Drawing from his experience as a former salon owner, Kuhn recognized the industry’s pain points and set out to develop simple, visual learning tools and programs that make financial education accessible and engaging for professionals from all backgrounds.
Kuhn’s leadership extends beyond the creation of companies and educational products. He has been a prominent voice advocating for the economic empowerment of beauty professionals and the elevation of industry standards. The Qnity Institute, a direct result of Kuhn’s commitment to overcoming misperceptions about careers in professional beauty, has conducted groundbreaking research on salon compensation models, multilocation performance, and workforce trends. The findings have been presented to the Chief Economist at the US White House and on Capitol Hill, catching the attention of policymakers and providing invaluable insights to industry stakeholders.
BeautyMatter sat down with Tom Kuhn, Founder and CEO of Qnity Inc. and NEXT 2024 Changemaker Of The Year finalist.
What was the challenge or problem you identified that necessitated a change?
It was the lack of accessible financial literacy, verifiable data, and supportive resources within the professional beauty and wellness industry. Historically, beauty professionals have faced significant obstacles in understanding financial concepts, accessing accurate industry data, and finding tailored business support. This gap not only hindered their personal financial growth but also affected the overall perception and viability of careers in the beauty sector.
In particular, there was a scarcity of reliable compensation data, which made it difficult for industry stakeholders to advocate for a career in beauty, attract talent, and influence public policy. Additionally, beauty and wellness businesses, often led by creative professionals rather than business experts, lacked the tools and systems needed to manage and grow their operations effectively. This led to issues such as poor profitability, inadequate succession planning, and limited opportunities for long-term career advancement within the industry.
With these challenges, we saw an urgent need for change and set out to develop solutions that would bridge these gaps. Initiatives, such as the Qnity Institute's groundbreaking studies, Qnity for Schools' financial literacy curriculum, and Qnity for Business' consulting services, were all designed to address these core problems by making financial concepts simple and visual, providing actionable data, and equipping professionals with the tools they need to succeed. These efforts have not only elevated the industry but also empowered countless individuals within it.
Creating change is a complex process, usually filled with hurdles. What drives your commitment to keep going?
What drives my commitment to keep going is the profound belief that the beauty and wellness industry deserves the same level of respect and recognition as any other profession. I've seen firsthand the transformative power of financial literacy and data in empowering individuals and businesses. Knowing that our work can make a tangible difference in someone's life—whether it's helping a student gain confidence in managing their finances or providing business owners with the tools to succeed—fuels my passion to continue pushing forward.
I’m also driven by the impact that accurate data can have on public perception and policy. When I see how our research has influenced discussions at the highest levels, like Capitol Hill, it reinforces the importance of what we’re doing. The hurdles are real but so is the potential to elevate an entire industry. That potential keeps me motivated to overcome any challenges that come my way.
Creating change requires rallying consensus and motivating others to support the cause. How did you achieve this?
We are achieving this by focusing on clear communication, building trust, and demonstrating the tangible benefits of the change we were advocating for. First, I made sure to present our vision in a way that resonated with different stakeholders, from policymakers to business owners and educators. By simplifying complex financial concepts and making data accessible, I was able to show how these changes could directly benefit them, whether it was improving profitability, attracting talent, or elevating industry standards.
Building trust was crucial. I worked closely with experts—like CPAs, PhDs, and industry leaders—to ensure that the data and solutions we provided were credible and actionable. This credibility helped rally support, as people were more likely to back a cause they believed was rooted in solid research and expertise.
Finally, we focused on creating a sense of community and shared purpose. Through events like The FiLL Conference and our ongoing educational initiatives, we brought people together to learn, share, and grow. This collective momentum helped to motivate others to not just support the cause but to become active participants in driving the change forward.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?
This is tough. I’m proud of so many of our accomplishments. I’ll go with what is most recent, which is the creation and impact of the Qnity Institute. When we founded the Institute, my goal was to fill a critical gap in the beauty and wellness industry by providing verifiable data and promoting financial literacy. Seeing our research presented on Capitol Hill was a defining moment. It validated our work and showed that the industry could have a seat at the table in important policy discussions.
But beyond the recognition, I’m proud of how this initiative has empowered beauty professionals. By making financial data accessible and understandable, we've helped countless individuals and businesses improve their financial health, attract talent, and achieve greater success. Knowing that our work has made a meaningful difference in people’s lives is incredibly fulfilling and motivates me to keep pushing forward
BeautyMatter has a platform to amplify your work. How can our community support it?
BeautyMatter can support by helping amplify the importance of financial literacy and data-driven insights in the beauty and wellness industry. Sharing our research findings, stories of impact, and educational initiatives with your community would help spread awareness and encourage more professionals to take advantage of these resources. Additionally, your platform can serve as a connector, bringing together industry leaders, educators, and policymakers to engage in meaningful discussions about the economic realities and opportunities in beauty. By hosting webinars, panels, or featuring articles on these topics, BeautyMatter can help foster a broader understanding and support for the changes we’re working to achieve. Your community’s engagement and advocacy can drive momentum, helping to elevate the industry and empower more professionals with the tools they need to succeed.
What advice would you give to others looking to make a difference?
My advice to others looking to make a difference is to start by identifying a specific gap or need that truly resonates with you. Focus on something that you’re passionate about and where you believe you can have a meaningful impact. Once you’ve identified that, commit to it fully, and don’t be afraid to take the first step, even if it feels daunting.
Build a strong foundation by surrounding yourself with the right people—those who share your vision and can offer expertise and support. Collaboration is key, so be open to learning from others and leveraging their strengths.
Finally, stay persistent. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and you’ll likely face setbacks along the way. But if you stay true to your mission and keep pushing forward, the impact you can make will be worth every challenge. Remember, even small steps can lead to significant change over time.
What excites you about the future of the industry?
What excites me most about the future of the industry is the growing recognition of beauty and wellness as not just an art form, but a vital and respected profession. There’s a real shift happening where financial literacy, data, and business acumen are becoming integral parts of the industry’s fabric. This evolution opens up incredible opportunities for professionals to thrive in ways that weren’t possible before.
I’m also excited about the increasing emphasis on education and empowerment. As more tools and resources become available, we’re seeing a new generation of beauty professionals who are not only passionate about their craft but also savvy in managing their careers and businesses. This combination of creativity and business intelligence is setting the stage for sustained growth and innovation.
The future of the industry is bright because it’s becoming more inclusive, data-driven, and financially empowered. I’m thrilled to be part of this transformation and to see how these changes will elevate the industry and the lives of those within it.
