Name:
Priv
CEO = Joseph Terzi
COO = Courtney Jerden
How your clients refer to you:
Priv is the app that lets you pick top-rated beauty professionals that come to you (in your home or office). Priv is like your go-to beauty team, but for everyone.
Priv is an app that delivers top-rated salon and spa professionals to you, anytime, anywhere. We commission & vet a-list beauty and wellness professionals and provide a safe, convenient, and very competitively priced experience for our users. Think of Priv like your personal salon & spa concierge. What’s interesting is that we are different things to different people. Some think of Priv as their personal Glam-team that they use for special events, parties, dates, etc. Other people look at us as a convenience that allows them to spend less time worrying about getting ready, and more time with their family and doing the things they love. We also work with celebrities, models, and influencers as their go-to for hair, makeup, nails, and other beauty services.
Company:
PRIV
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
Priv launched in NYC in 2014. We are now in 9 cities across the country and opening 4 more in early 2018. Users can now Priv in NYC, Los Angeles, Orange County, Austin, Miami, DC, Philly, and Chicago.
In early 2018, you will see us in Atlanta, New Jersey, and Dallas.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
It was a number of factors that contributed to the idea, but mainly, we thought that we could help busy people in NYC save time and stress by bringing their salon and spa services to them. It’s like Uber or Seamless, but for your local salon and spa.
We noticed that the on-demand economy was really picking up and people were looking for convenience and cutting down the time it takes to perform mundane tasks, like ordering food, or catching a cab.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
At Priv, we focus on 4 main things to keep our customers and our professionals coming back.
1 - Quality - every one of our professionals in a Priv market goes through a rigorous screening process where they have background checks, in-person interviews, and a technical tests by one of our talent specialists. Let’s just say that not everyone passes the application process. We also require that every professional on the platform maintains a minimum review rating. If they drop below that threshold, they will be removed from the platform.
2 - white-glove customer service - Customer service is available via Care-line, live chat and email accessibility for both pro and client
3 - convenience - PRIV is reinventing the way women & men use salon, spa, & wellness services, by providing an unparalleled experience with sophisticated and talented professionals.
4 - Price - Priv is meant to be competitively priced with other on-demand beauty and massage service companies. We are also the same price, or below, many brick and mortar salon and spa prices - one example is blowouts - in NYC, Priv blowouts start at $50 INCLUDING TIP.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
As you know, New York is tough. Its loud, busy, fast-paced, cold (or hot depending on the month). All the things I love about the city are also some of the things that make it tough. Priv makes it easier for people to continue doing what they love - spending time with their families, crushing at their job, experiencing life - without having to give up on looking and feeling great.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
PRIV helps you be you own beautiful by providing accomplished beauty & wellness professionals to you, your way, your time, and in your place.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Being a part of a behavioral change in society. Getting to work with awesome power women whom we look up to and inspire us everyday! Also getting to work with our team of stylists and artists that teach me all of the tips and tricks.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Chillhouse (not so secret anymore!), Emilio's Ballato, Angel’s Share Speakeasy. Minetta Tavern, for an amazing burger.
How do you benefit mamas?
PRIV wants to empower the busy mom to do the things they love doing, without having to think twice about pampering. We provide a convenient platform to book services for not only yourself, but your children as well, providing children’s haircuts, mini manicures and face painting!
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
“I’ve been a tomboy my entire life. I don’t do dresses, high heels, a lot of makeup, or ringlets. I’ve only recently started to paint my nails, which is HUGE and makes my mom very happy! In the past I did a lot of shoots where people stuck chicken cutlets in my bra, retouched my photos to lessen the look of my muscles because they are “too intimidating,” I’ve had so much makeup on I felt like I should be in a drag show, or my favorite is when they’ve tried to make my hair look like a news reporter in the ’80s…. It’s AWFUL and makes me feel SO UNCOMFORTABLE and nothing like myself. So I’ve gotta shout out PRIV. Their hair stylists have found a way to make me fancy without losing who I am. They have slicked back my hair so I feel like Michael Douglas in “Wall Street” and braided my hair so I feel like an Amazon in “Wonder Woman.” They’ve found a way for me to own my feminine side without losing my masculine side. I’m not like every other woman and I don’t want to try to be…. PRIV lets me be ME, which has never happened before. Being a woman is hard, especially when people try to make you feel like who you are isn’t enough or isn’t “right.” Priv, you make me feel soft but strong, sexy, confident, and all the good things. Thank you for liking who I am and having a team that works to make me the best version of myself.”
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Be nice to everyone, treat everyone really well that you encounter because you never know who you will have to work with in the future!
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Meal prepping/cooking enough to have leftovers for the next couple of days….planning outfits for the week on Sunday. Cleaning up a little bit everyday, so you don’t have to spend an entire day on it. And of course, PRIV for all your beauty needs ;)