“Uber” for licensed professionals making inroads

A Nashville tech company whose software pairs licensed cosmetologists with clients without the use of a physical salon has cleared a state regulatory hurdle and will be allowed to continue operating.  The company, called Project Belle, allows cosmetology-service providers to offer their services through the web and enables clients to hire professionals for in-home visits.  Initially, the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners moved to fine the company for violating state rules regulating cosmetology businesses, but Project Belle successfully argued that it was neither a cosmetologist nor a cosmetology company—just a provider of software used by licensed cosmetologists—and the board dropped the case.

How This Tech Company Challenged a State Regulatory Board and Won