FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Tina Chestnut
Founder & CEO, The Ardent Factory
Email: admin@theardentfactory.com

Date: September 12, 2025 

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The Ardent Factory, in partnership with the Charles County Economic Development Department’s BGAP 360 program, is proud to share the early success of its exclusive Salon & Spa Cohort. Led by industry expert Tina Chestnut, the cohort has already completed several high-impact trainings designed to transform participating businesses into scalable, sustainable, and client-centered operations.

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Over the past several months, participants have engaged in hands-on sessions including but not limited to:

• Leadership & Organizational Training — providing clarity and structure for owners transitioning from behind-the-chair service providers into confident CEOs.

• Tina’s Multi-Million Dollar Salon & Spa Blueprint — a 10-step client journey system that turns walk-ins into loyal clients while maximizing revenue per guest.

• Salon & Spa B2B Growth Blueprint — equipping owners with the tools to secure corporate partnerships, group bookings, and community collaborations.

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“This program is about more than education — it’s about transformation,” said Tina Chestnut, Founder & CEO of The Ardent Factory. “We’re seeing owners gain the systems, confidence, and clarity to finally step into the CEO role and run businesses that last. The ripple effect is real: stronger businesses mean stronger teams, more jobs, and better service experiences in our community.”

 

Tangible Results Already Emerging

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Early survey feedback from participants confirms the program is driving measurable impact:

• Financial Growth: Owners report stronger sales strategies, clearer pricing structures, and increased revenue opportunities.
   

• Efficiency Gains: Businesses are implementing streamlined systems, reducing daily chaos, and improving overall operations.
   

• Sustainability: Participants are adopting practices that strengthen long-term business stability rather than quick fixes.
   

• Team Development: Several owners noted improved team communication, reduced turnover, and more empowered staff.
   

• Confidence in Leadership: Many participants expressed feeling more equipped to transition from service provider to CEO, leading their businesses with vision and clarity.
   

• New B2B Opportunities: Businesses are already piloting partnerships that open doors to corporate wellness packages, group spa days, and local event collaborations.
   

And this is only the beginning—these results come from the midway survey, meaning even greater growth and transformation are still to come.

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One owner summed it up: “This training gave me more than tools — it gave me the confidence to run my business with purpose and sustainability in mind.”

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One participant shared, “This training gave me the tools to finally step back from day-to-day chaos. For the first time, I see a clear path to grow my spa without burning out.”

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Why It Matters

The BGAP 360 Salon & Spa Cohort is not only reshaping individual businesses — it’s elevating the entire industry standard in Charles County and beyond. By combining operational excellence with leadership development, this program addresses long-standing challenges such as low retention, inconsistent service delivery, and lack of scalable systems.

“What’s happening here in Charles County has national implications,” added Chestnut. “We’re proving that with the right mentorship and systems, independent salon and spa owners can build multi-million-dollar businesses that thrive for decades.”

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About The Ardent Factory

The Ardent Factory, founded by Tina Chestnut, is a management consulting firm dedicated to helping salon and spa owners achieve sustainable growth and operational efficiency. With an emphasis on leadership, team development, and operational excellence, The Ardent Factory equips business owners with the tools and systems needed to thrive in the competitive beauty and wellness industry.

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About BGAP 360

The Business Growth Advantage Program (BGAP 360), led by the Charles County Economic Development Department under the leadership of Ms. Lucretia Butler, is a two-year initiative designed to help local businesses move beyond survival and into sustainable growth. Building on the success of the original BGAP program, BGAP 360 provides tailored mentorship and resources through three specialized tracks: Business Expansion & Innovation, XQuay Accelerator, and Salon & Spa. Currently, 54 Charles County businesses are participating in the program, receiving advanced training, strategic guidance, and industry-specific solutions to accelerate their growth and long-term success.