Alli Webb is the co-founder of the country’s leading blowout-only salon, Drybar, the revolutionary massage concept, Squeeze, the future of face-to-face talk therapy, Okay Humans, and high-end—not high-spend—jewelry brand, Becket + Quill.
Q: How did you get started in your career?
A: I think it depends on what career you’re talking about. I was a very lost kid out of high school, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do. It wasn’t until I went to beauty school in my early twenties that I really found my calling. I loved doing hair.
I worked at some of the best salons, but then I wanted to do something new. I worked in public relations for a while, then I had a dog-walking business. I basically always jumped around doing whatever made me happy and excited.
After I got married and had my two kids, I started a mobile blowout business called Straight At Home, which was really the impetus to Drybar. I realized during that time there was no place for women to go to get a great blowout, at a great price, in a beautiful space. I was having so much success in my mobile business that I thought I should turn it into a brick-and-mortar location. That was when Drybar was born.
Q: What makes you most excited about your job?
A: I’m at this really interesting place in my life where I’ve invested in, and advised on, a lot of businesses (a lot of which are mine). I’ve co-founded Squeeze, which is our massage concept, and Okay Humans, which is our therapy concept. I’ve teamed up with Meredith Quill and started a jewelry line, Becket & Quill, which I invested in and spent a lot of time on. I’m also writing a memoir.
So while I don’t have a job that I go to every day, what I like most about my life right now is that I have the freedom to dip my toe into a lot of different things. I try to mentor and help other entrepreneurs. It’s a lot of throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks and what’s next for me.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received from an inspiring woman in your life?
A: My parents had their own business, and I remember as a kid, I’d watch my mom, no matter what, always be incredibly kind and gracious to her customers. She’d tell me “You never know what someone else is going through,” and I always remembered that.
I also remember Wende Zomnir, the founder of Urban Decay, telling me to try to do what you really enjoy in this business. As an entrepreneur and a founder, you’re never going to be good at everything. Recognizing what your strengths are—and allowing other people to take care of your weaknesses—was really great advice.
Q: What does your power outfit consist of?
A killer blowout, a great (and comfy!) pair of heels, and eye-catching jewelry.
Q: What are some little luxuries that you enjoy?
A: I do love a handwritten note. I really love when my fiancé and I walk and have coffee in the morning. Then I’d also add a really good massage.
Q: What would your choice runway anthem be?
A: Alicia Keys “Girl on Fire.”
Q: What makes you feel the most confident?
A: I would say when I’m in control of things. I find a lot of confidence in having discipline.
Q: Who’s a woman you’d like to shout out and why?
A: There’s so many good women in my life! I’m getting married next May, and my four bridesmaids are my best friends. Paige Pell owns a little store in LA called Midland. Sarah Haab has Sarah Haab Lip Scrub. Lauren Gallo is incredibly successful at Nike, and then Sarah Gibson Tuttle is the founder of Olive and June. They’re all such powerhouse women.
Q: Hair up or hair down?
A: Always hair down.
Q: Headband or barrette?
A: I think I’m more likely to try the headband.
