Melody McCloskey

Melody McCloskey is the Founder and CEO of StyleSeat, a leading platform for booking beauty and wellness appointments. Since its launch in 2011, StyleSeat has facilitated over 200 million appointments across more than 16,000 cities in the United States, generating over $12 billion in revenue for small businesses in the beauty sector.12

Background and Career

Before founding StyleSeat, McCloskey had a background in media, where she managed Current TV. Despite lacking formal tech training, she identified a significant gap in the beauty industry regarding appointment booking and marketing for stylists. This realization, combined with her personal frustrations in finding a stylist, motivated her to create a solution that would empower beauty professionals and enhance their businesses.234

Achievements and Impact

Under McCloskey's leadership, StyleSeat has grown to become a vital resource for beauty professionals, particularly women and people of color, who make up a significant portion of its user base. The platform not only streamlines appointment scheduling but also provides tools for marketing and financial management, helping professionals increase their revenue by an average of 100% within a year of joining.23

McCloskey has faced various challenges, including initial skepticism from investors and the struggle to establish her company in a competitive market. However, she successfully raised millions in funding, including $40 million in venture capital, to support StyleSeat's growth.4

Overall, McCloskey's journey reflects her commitment to supporting small business owners in the beauty industry and addressing the unique challenges they face.23