Blo Blow Dry Bar signs New Hampshire development deal

Blo Blow Dry Bar is expanding into New Hampshire through a development agreement with local entrepreneur Marissa Gardner, the company announced on 13 October 2026. The agreement covers locations in Bedford, Nashua and Southern New Hampshire and will make Gardner the franchise’s sole operator in the state.

Gardner is currently securing sites, with location details to be announced. The release did not give opening dates for the planned bars, which will extend the beauty services franchise’s presence in the US.

Beauty procurement executive moves into franchising

Gardner enters the franchise business after 19 years in global procurement at a leading prestige beauty company in New York, where she held leadership positions across multiple brands. She also holds a master’s degree in business management.

After moving to New Hampshire with her family, Gardner wanted to remain in the beauty industry while establishing her own business. According to the release, she selected Blo because of its track record and established franchise support.

Gardner said her experience as a Blo customer helped shape her decision and that she intends to build the business around customer service and local connections. Her plans place the guest experience alongside staff development as priorities for the new locations.

Staff development and local partnerships

Gardner plans to take a hands-on role with her stylists, drawing partly on her experience as a college soccer player. She intends to ensure employees understand the education, training and career development opportunities available through Blo.

“As a leader, it's important to motivate the people around you. You're only as good as your team,” Gardner said. She described a team-focused approach to leading the planned bars.

Gardner has begun building relationships with local organisations, including Greet Bedford and Greet Windham. She also plans to develop reciprocal client referrals with other small businesses and support local fundraisers and schools.

Blo chief executive Vanessa Yakobson welcomed the agreement, citing Gardner’s leadership and commitment to her community as qualities the company seeks in franchise partners. Gardner’s local engagement plans will accompany the work of securing premises.

North American operator recruitment continues

Blo opened its first location in Canada in 2007 and says it now has more than 170 locations across the US and Canada. Its original service model centred on blow dries rather than haircuts or colouring.

The company has since added makeup services, a membership programme and retail products to its bars. Alongside the New Hampshire agreement, Blo says it is continuing to recruit both single-unit and multi-unit operators for expansion across North America.