Cosmetology Association of Minority Owners
Uniting the immigrant entrepreneurs who power America's beauty industry.
Founded by and for Vietnamese, Spanish-speaking, and other minority-owned salon owners — building a fair, lawful, and thriving future for the trade, together.
National · Headquartered in Largo, Florida
Why we exist
America's salons were built by immigrant entrepreneurs, often working in a cash-and-1099 model passed down for decades. That model is now colliding with stricter worker-classification rules and rising enforcement. In 2026, the owners of a 60+ location nail-salon chain pleaded guilty to federal tax crimes over $116 million in unreported cash payroll — a wake-up call for the entire trade.
The hard truth: no single salon can fix this alone. If one owner goes fully compliant while the shop down the street doesn't, they risk losing their technicians. That is exactly the problem an association is built to solve. When fair, lawful business becomes the shared standard, doing the right thing stops being a disadvantage — and becomes our reputation.
Our mission
CAMO unites and advances minority- and immigrant-owned cosmetology businesses across the United States. We equip our members with language-accessible education, fair and lawful business standards, regulatory advocacy, and community — so the newcomer entrepreneurs who power the beauty industry can build legitimate, thriving, and protected businesses.
Starting with the two largest communities in the field — Vietnamese and Spanish-speaking salon owners — with a charter built to welcome all minority-owned cosmetology professionals as we grow. Nails, hair, skin, and beyond.
What we do
More money on the books — not less. CAMO connects members with partner products and high-margin services like head spa and facials, plus the training and fresh ideas to add them. Growing real revenue lifts both owners and technicians and builds a legitimate, bankable business — the healthy answer to tight margins, instead of under-reporting taxes.
License prep, continuing education, and payroll, tax, and health-and-safety training — delivered in Vietnamese and Spanish, the languages our members actually speak.
A unified, nonpartisan voice representing minority and immigrant owners before state cosmetology boards, tax authorities, and lawmakers.
The CAMO Compliant Salon™ certification — a credential that turns fair, lawful business into a visible mark of trust for clients and workers.
Networking, mentorship, group buying power, and emergency assistance — so no owner has to navigate the hard moments alone.
Grow your income
The healthiest fix for tight margins isn't hiding income — it's adding high-value services and products. Here are proven ideas CAMO helps members launch, with partner products and training. (Figures below are illustrative.)
A relaxing scalp-and-hair treatment you can add to almost any visit. High perceived value, short chair time, low product cost.
Example: 10 sessions/week at $80 ≈ $3,200/month in new revenue.
Express facials and skincare add-ons pair perfectly with nail and hair appointments — and bring clients back monthly.
Example: 8 facials/week at $70 ≈ $2,240/month extra.
Sell take-home products — scalp serums, cuticle oils, masks — through CAMO partner brands. Profit even while you sleep.
Example: $1,000/month in retail at a 40% margin = $400 profit, almost passive.
Bundle services into monthly memberships for steady, predictable income and loyal clients.
Example: 40 members at $99/month ≈ $4,000 recurring revenue.
Numbers are illustrative examples, not guarantees — actual results vary by salon, location, and pricing. CAMO helps you find the mix that fits your shop.
The movement
A shared commitment to do right by our workers, our businesses, and our community. When we stand together, “going legit” stops being a risk and becomes the norm.
Add Your SalonMembership
Dues fund bilingual education, advocacy, and a relief fund for member businesses. Founding-member pricing for our first year.
CAMO is launching now — and the owners who join first will shape it. Add your name, your salon, and your voice to the movement.