Alli Webb’s journey from stay-at-home mom to the founder of a multi-million dollar blowout empire is a true testament to the power of a side hustle. In her twenties, Webb worked in hair salons, honing her styling skills and building relationships with clients. But it wasn’t until she moved to Los Angeles and became a mom that she found her true calling.
With a passion for hairstyling and a desire to work on her own terms, Webb started a mobile blowout service. She would visit clients in their homes, blow-dry and style their hair for $40, all while their babies were sound asleep. Her first clients were fellow moms from a Yahoo group, and soon, demand for her services skyrocketed.
Unable to keep up with the demand, Webb saw an opportunity to open a brick-and-mortar salon. With financial backing from her brother Michael Landau, Webb, along with her then-husband Cameron Webb, opened the first Drybar salon in Brentwood, California in 2010. The concept was simple: no cuts, no color, just wash, blowout, and style.
Despite offering a limited range of services, Drybar became an instant hit. With a goal of 30 to 40 blowouts per day, Webb was surprised to see demand double, with 60 to 80 blowouts per day. The success of Drybar quickly spread, leading to the opening of over 150 salons nationwide within a decade.
Webb’s entrepreneurial journey culminated in the sale of Drybar’s product line to Helen of Troy for $255 million in cash in 2020. WellBiz Brands acquired the franchise rights to Drybar salons in 2021, solidifying its status as a household name in the beauty industry.
Looking back on her humble beginnings, Webb never imagined the success Drybar would achieve. For her, it was simply a place to do what she loved. From a mobile side hustle to a multi-million dollar empire, Webb’s story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs.