Dear Beauty United Supporters,

After a time of personal transition and reflection, I am reaching out to you—my respected peers in the beauty industry—not only as the volunteer Executive Director of the Beauty United Council of Ontario (BUCO) a non-for-profit organization, but as a longtime member of our industry.

As many of you know, Beauty United has been in existence since the pandemic and from the inception the founding members of BUCO invested financially and volunteered many, many hours of their time in the work BUCO performed. Subsequently all have stepped away over the past two years to focus on their businesses as most everyone has had to do. Despite these transitions I chose to carry the work forward in a volunteer capacity because I believe in the power and potential of this industry and am committed to elevating the recognition of our sector. I wanted to give back to the industry and the community that had given me so much. My life’s work is to be of service and assist in empowering the recognition, the betterment and elevation of this industry.

However, I can no longer do it alone without the driving support of members like yourselves from across our industry.

Over the past five years, BUCCO founders and I have continued to:

• Submit proposals to all levels of government for industry funding including the SDF and presentation to the legislative assembly of Ontario.

• Advocated before parliamentary committees for training and recognition programs.

• Lobbying to ensure beauty professionals were not left out of key policy and economic decisions.

• Sought out affiliated partnerships to provide services such as: grants, training and support.

Unfortunately, despite these efforts, there has been no support from the Ontario government and in the last two years little engagement or any financial support from the members of the industry. I understand this may be due to the time constraints and financial pressures many are facing in their own businesses. However, the work MUST CONTINUE, we need your support now to be able to successfully operate BUCO to keep it going.

Why Beauty United Council of Ontario Is Vital

The Beauty United Council of Ontario exists to advocate for and represent all beauty professionals—not just those who are licensed.

While licensed hairstylists in Ontario have representation through provincial colleges, most of the industry—estheticians, barbers, nail technicians, lash artists, makeup artists, cosmetic tattooists, spa professionals, and other independent practitioners—do not have formal representation or a collective voice at the table.

BUCO was founded to close this gap and to work in collaboration with other associations like the ABA, Ontario Barber Association and many more.

We are committed to:

• Representation for all sectors of the industry, licensed or not.

• Fair and equitable access to training, resources, and government programs.

• Industry advocacy that includes the full spectrum of beauty professionals.

• Equity, inclusion, and professionalism, with a focus on empowering women, BIPOC. LGBTQIA2S+,newcomers, and gig workers.

Deadline for Support: August 25th, 2025

In order to continue operating, we must reach a minimum 55% participation rate by August 25th. If this threshold is not met, I will be forced to dissolve the Council and step away from the work that I have proudly led for the past five years.

This is not a decision I take lightly. My passion for this industry and for ensuring its future has never wavered. But I cannot continue alone—your financial support and engagement are urgently needed.

Let’s not allow our industry to go unheard or unrepresented. Let’s come together to ensure every voice in Ontario’s beauty sector is counted, supported, and protected.

If you have any questions or would like to speak directly, I welcome your call or email. Together, we can decide what the future of this Council—and our industry—will look like.

New Membership Structure (Effective Immediately)

To move forward and continue our mission, BUCO will now operate under a membership-based model.

Annual Membership Rates:

• Gig Workers / Freelancers: $25

• Single Location Businesses: $55

• Multi-Location / Franchise Businesses:

• Up to 10 locations: $295

• 11 or more locations: $495

• Distributors: $500–$700

• Manufacturers: $500–$700

• Industry Affiliates: $400

• Industry affiliates include business service providers, educators, content creators, consultants, and allied professionals who support the beauty industry.

How to Join:

• E-transfer: info@beautyunited.ca

• Cheque Payable To: Beauty United Council of Ontario (Please call or email for forwarding address)

With sincere appreciation and gratitude,

Annette Palumbo

(647) 864-3587
Executive Director
Beauty United Council of Ontario
info@beautyunited.ca