J.Hilburn Newsroom

Category: My Business

  • 2025 Tax Season is Here!

    As an independent contractor with J.Hilburn, Stylists must provide J.Hilburn with an IRS W-9 Form that includes their name, billing address, and social security number or federal tax identification number. This information is required for the IRS Form 1099 reporting.

    We want to prevent you from receiving a notice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) stating that the combination of name and taxpayer identification number (Name/TIN combination) on your account with J.Hilburn, Inc. does not match and needs to be corrected. A Name/TIN combination is incorrect if it does not match a Name/TIN combination shown on the records of the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the IRS.

    Please verify your information in the Stylist App or Green Room by navigating to “My Account” to confirm your information is correct, as this is how J.Hilburn will file your 1099 with the IRS. Your account must reflect the legal name under which you will be filing your taxes. 

    If your information has changed or if you have not submitted your form to J.Hilburn, please complete and send the IRS W-9 Form to stylistcare@jhilburn.com as soon as possible. The form can be found in the Newsroom by searching “tax” or downloaded directly from the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf. The deadline to send in your W-9 is January 2, 2026.

    Friday, January 2, 2026

    Nothing! You are good to go, and no action is needed. 

    Visit the IRS.gov website at: 

    https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf 

    Earnings include bonus and commission payouts, as well as the retail value of rewards such as, but not limited to trips, business materials, professional fees, registration fees, etc. 

    Please consult with your tax advisor for additional questions.

    J.Hilburn will provide you with IRS Form 1099 for tax reporting when your earnings meet or exceed $600 for any particular year.

    The annual period for 1099 reporting is from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.  This period reflects the commission payouts from December 2024 through November 2025 (commissions are paid the month after they are earned).

    • Read all the field labels to enter appropriate and correct details.
    • Follow the instructions on the W9 form to complete the form.
    • Once you’ve completed, check data for any possible errors and correct them before signing. 
    • Be sure to send the completed form to the Stylist Success Team.

    J.Hilburn, Inc. is requesting your assistance in providing us with the information necessary to process 1099 Forms. The Internal Revenue Service requires us to receive and retain a Form W-9 from you to certify your name, address, U.S. residency status, taxpayer identification number, and backup withholding status. We only use your tax information for required governmental reporting purposes. For more information consult with your tax advisor or follow the IRS info link:  https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-9

    1. By scanning or taking a picture of your W-9 and then emailing it to stylistcare@jhilburn.com.
    2. Mail to Attention J.Hilburn Finance, 883 Trinity Drive, Lewisville, TX 75056

  • Winter 2025 Client Engagement Event: Seasonal Appreciation – Toolkit & FAQs

    This November, J.Hilburn introduces Seasonal Appreciation, a Client Engagement Event that rewards Clients for investing in their personal style. Clients earn $150 in credits for every $1,000 spent (up to $750 total credits), which can be redeemed December 5–31 toward additional purchases.

    Framed as a return on investment rather than a discount, this campaign will appeal to Clients who value smart rewards and exclusive experiences. For Stylists, it is a timely opportunity to strengthen Client relationships, drive November sales, and create a natural follow-up in December.

    Share This Offer with Clients

    Share images and reels with your Clients via text or social media to help inform them about this exciting opportunity to earn Seasonal Appreciation credits. Go to Dropbox to download these assets.
    Download Shareable Images from Dropbox

    How to Leverage the Seasonal Appreciation Client Engagement Event

    Sample Script

    Seasonal Appreciation – FAQs

    What is the Seasonal Appreciation Client Engagement Event?

    Seasonal Appreciation is a limited-time Client rewards program designed to encourage seasonal spending and loyalty. During November, Clients earn credits based on their total purchases, which can be used toward additional purchases in December. It’s positioned as a luxury “return on investment” in personal style.

    • Earning Period: November 1–30, 2025
    • Redemption Period: December 5–31, 2025

    Clients earn a $150 credit for every $1,000 spent in November, up to a maximum of $750 in credits.

    • $1,000 spent = $150 credit
    • $2,000 spent = $300 credit
    • $3,000 spent = $450 credit
    • $4,000 spent = $600 credit
    • $5,000+ spent = $750 credit (maximum)

    All qualifying product purchases made during November, including custom and ready-to-wear items, count toward the total. Sales tax, shipping fees, and gift card purchases do not count toward the spend threshold.

    Yes. A Client’s total cumulative spend in November will determine their earned credits, up to the $5,000 cap.

    Credits will be automatically calculated and applied to the Client’s account after the promotion ends. Stylists will receive an updated report or dashboard reflecting each Client’s earned amount.

    Credits will be issued on December 5, 2025 and available immediately for redemption through December 31, 2025.

    Credits will automatically appear in the Client’s account and can be applied at checkout on eligible purchases during December. Stylists can assist Clients by confirming available credit amounts before placing new orders.

    Yes. Clients may use their full earned amount in a single purchase or across multiple transactions during the redemption period.

    No. These are non-commissionable promotional credits. Stylists will earn commission on any additional spend beyond the value of the applied credits.

    All unused credits will expire at midnight on December 31, 2025. There will be no extensions or reissues.

    All J.Hilburn Clients, existing and new, are eligible to participate. The offer is not available to Stylists purchasing for personal use.

    Yes. Credits can be transferred to another Client. Stylists may reach out to the Stylist Success Team to transfer credits. Credits must be redeemed by December 31, 2025, even if gifted to another Client.

    Credits can be applied to any product available for purchase, unless otherwise stated. Gift cards, taxes, and shipping charges are excluded.

    If a Client returns an item that contributed to their credit total, their earned credits will be reduced accordingly. If the return occurs after credits are issued, the value of the credits may be deducted from the refund amount.

    Position it as a reward for investing in personal style. Use luxury and investment-focused language. Clients aren’t just spending, they’re earning a “Bonus” that enhances their wardrobe value.

    Example Script: “This November, you can earn a Seasonal Appreciation reward of $150 for every $1,000 you spend, up to $750 to use in December. It’s our way of saying thank you for your investment in great style.”

    Yes. This FAQ page is your promotional toolkit and includes graphics for social sharing, talking points, and a sample outreach message template. Clients will receive emails throughout November that reference the Holiday Bonus.

    Verify that the Client’s November purchase was completed and invoiced correctly. If issues persist, contact the Stylist Success Team with the Client’s name, order number, and date of purchase.

    Yes. Marketing will send a mid-month reminder and a final “last call” email to Clients, along with talking points Stylists can use for outreach.

    The determining factor is the order date and payment date, not the shipment date. As long as the purchase was made and paid for during November, it qualifies.

    Use December redemptions as an opportunity to check in with Clients about new seasonal items or holiday gifting needs.

  • New Stylist App Contests: Two Ways to Win!

    We’re making the switch to our new Stylist App even more exciting with two contests running from August to December 2025. Whether you’re placing orders yourself or rallying your team, there’s a way for everyone to play and win!  We’ve seen great adoption since Conference and heard success stories from Stylists using it, so now we’re giving you more reasons to use the Stylist App.

    Contest #1: Monthly App Champion Contest

    How to Enter:

    • Earn 1 ticket into our monthly prize drawing for every 5 orders placed through the Stylist App.
    • Example: 20 orders in a month = 4 tickets in the drawing!

    Monthly Prizes:

    • 🎉 $500 to 1 Stylist
    • 🏆 $1,000 to 1 Stylist
    Winners are selected by random drawing from eligible entries.
     

    Timeline:

    • Runs August–December 2025
    • Winners announced on our Monthly All Stylist Calls

    Contest #2: You & Yours App Contest

    How to Enter:

    • Achieve the highest % of App orders placed by you (the Mentor) and your Level 1 Stylists from August-December.
    • Have a minimum of $50k in TV from August–December
    • Be Paid As Style Leader or above at least one month, between August–December 2025

    Prizes:

    • 🎉 Top 10 Teams (Mentor + Level 1 Stylists) each win $500 in product sample credits per person
    • Note: Only Mentors and their Level 1 Stylist with 50%+ of orders entered in the App will be eligible to receive $500 in sample credits. 
    • Note: Stylists must have a minimum of 8 orders in the Stylist app to qualify for credits

    Timeline:

    • Runs August–December 2025
    • Winners announced January 2026

    Now is a great time to reach out to your Clients, build momentum, and grow your earnings. If you have any questions about either of these contests, please reach out to the Stylist Success Team for assistance.

  • Exciting Business Model Updates: Unlock Your Growth Potential

    We’re thrilled to share important updates to our evolving Studio business model, designed to help you grow your business, elevate your Brand presence, and deliver an exceptional 5-Star Client experience. This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document outlines everything you need to know about the future of our Studio Franchise Program and the new definition of a By Appointment Only (BAO) space, so you can determine how either program might align with your growth strategy at J.Hilburn.

    This is more than a program update—it’s a powerful opportunity to scale your business, enhance client engagement, and shape the next phase of our collective Brand success.

    Watch the 5/28/25 Webinar:

    Download the 5/28/25 presentation slide deck:

    Download the Presentation

    What’s Covered in This FAQ

    • J.Hilburn’s Business Model Evolution
    • Studio Franchise Model Update
    • The Future of Dallas Corporate Studio
    • By Appointment Only Space Update
    • Enhancing Our 5-Star Client Experience

    Topic 1: Business Model Evolution

    Q1: What’s changing with the business model?

    A: We will continue to support our current Independent Stylist model (Standard plan) while bringing two business models into compliance. All current and future Stylist Studios will transition to operate as Franchises. By Appointment Only spaces will be formally defined and available as a part of the Standard plan.

    A: Franchise details and agreements will be shared in July/August 2025. You’ll have three months to review and decide on your next steps before signing the necessary documents.

    A: August 1, 2025, marks the conclusion of the 2024 Bridge Program. However, the Studio Franchise requirement and the requirement that all Stylists selling out of Studio be on the Studio Plan will go into effect three months after the Franchise documents are delivered, not on August 1.

    Topic 2: Studio Franchise Model

    Q1: What’s the purpose of the Franchise model?

    A: To create a scalable, consistent, and compliant business model that upholds our Brand Guidelines while also increasing Brand awareness and visibility in key markets.

    A: Studios will maintain their Client-facing look and feel, but will now:

    • Operate as Franchises.
    • Require minimum operating hours.
    • Have Territory protection for J.Hilburn’s physical Studio spaces.

    A: Any approved Stylist. Ownership requires forming an LLC.

    A: Co-ownership with other Stylists is not permitted. You may have non-Stylist financial partners, but you must retain majority voting rights.

    A: There are two existing Studios that will be grandfathered and will not have to update their operating structure. These two studios are Houston and The Star.

    A: Studio Franchises will pay a franchise fee. The fee is yet to be decided and will cover service costs only; the fee will not be a profit center for J.Hilburn.

    A: It’s a program that provides a process and Head Office support from application to grand opening of your first studio. It allows you to focus on selling — our SWAT team will help you create your studio.

    • A detailed design of your Studio including specific guidance on materials, fixtures and branding elements to bring it to life.
    • Guidance in selecting a General Contractor, creating a project plan with milestones, and step-by-step support in managing your Studio build.
    • Assistance merchandising your Studio, help to establish a presence within the community, and holding a Grand Opening Event with onsite support to get you off on the right foot with proven operational and outreach tactics to increase traffic and grow your business.

    A: Yes. Franchise territories will protect you from other Studios or BAO spaces opening nearby.

    A: Yes—up to three, with a minimum weekly in-person presence of 15 hours per location.

    A: Yes, to ensure a consistent, professional, and 5-Star Client experience. More details are coming soon.

    A: Once we’ve adopted the Franchise program, only Stylists on the Studio Plan may sell from Studios, with one transitional exception … the Dallas Corporate Studio. Please see further details in Section 3.

    A: If you own a Studio today, you will have the same 3-month decision window to opt into the Studio Plan if you wish to continue operations as a Studio. However, should you decide to stay on the Standard plan, you have two options:

    1. If the space meets Brand Guidelines for a BAO location, you may opt to convert it to a BAO space. However, going forward, only 2 Stylists may operate in a BAO space during any Certificate period.
    2. If you decide to remain on the Standard Plan and will not convert to a BAO location, you will be provided a 6-month window to close the location. During this time, it may operate as a Studio to give you time to prepare. Please note that if you make this decision, it is final. You may not change your decision and opt into the Studio Plan with that location at a later date.

    A: No. Studios may be subleased and assets transferred with approval, but Clients cannot be sold; they will remain under J.Hilburn’s reassignment rights.

    A: Please discuss transfers with J.Hilburn first, and also consult your own legal counsel. There is an inherent risk in buying another person’s legal entity.

    A: Any approved Stylist may move out of the Standard Plan and their genealogy to become a Studio owner. If this happens, J.Hilburn will continue to offer the Mentor Bonus program, which provides a financial bridge to your upline should you decide to make that change.

    A: A Stylist may transition to working from a Studio by following specific procedures, depending on the situation.

    • An approved Stylist on the Standard Plan may elect to “flatten” their downline to allow them to become a Studio seller with no penalty.
    • A Stylist who wishes to become a Studio seller for someone outside of their genealogy will still have to abide by Section 2.5.3 of the current Stylist Agreement Line Switching policy. A Stylist must follow the 6-month rule of leaving the business before coming back to the business as a Studio seller.

    A: Yes. However, if you decide to move back to the Standard Plan, you will have to follow the 6-month rule of leaving the business, as mentioned above, before you can resume selling. You will transition into a Direct-to-Company relationship when you do so.

    Topic 3: The Future of the Dallas Corporate Studio

    Q1: What’s the plan for the Corporate Studio at Inwood Village?

    A: J.Hilburn will not renew the lease beyond June 2026. The landlord will ultimately decide if J.Hilburn is able to continue in the current space.

    A: No, we don’t own the space. However, we are accepting applications to assume the lease, and we will negotiate a fair price for the current Studio assets (furniture, garments, etc.) with the incoming Studio owner if he/she chooses to do so.

    A: J.Hilburn will not decide on the Stylist owner for the Corporate Studio. We may approve multiple applications for the location, and approved Stylists can negotiate directly with the landlord, as lease terms will likely be the deciding factor. In the end, the approved Stylist and the landlord will decide if there are amenable terms to move forward.

    A: We cannot provide an exact date; however, we can offer guidance. Any applicant may decide to assume the current lease before it ends in June 2026. The earliest date this can occur will be the “Decision Date,” which is three months after the Franchise project is delivered.

    A: Should a Stylist assume the lease for the Inwood Village location before the lease ends, the Studio will transition to a Franchise with a Studio owner and their selling team if their team members choose to be on the Studio Plan. Once this happens, current Stylists on the Standard Plan will no longer be able to sell from that location.

    Topic 4: BAO (By-Appointment-Only) Spaces

    Q1: Are there changes to non-Studio spaces?

    A: Yes, in the past, we have had many concepts for non-retail physical spaces, such as Showrooms, Store-in-a-Store, Pop-Ups, and Office Spaces. We’re creating a new category: By Appointment Only (BAO) spaces and defining Brand Guidelines for these non-Studio physical spaces.

    A: Yes, as long as it meets BAO Brand Guidelines. BAOs are private, unbranded spaces for appointments only, not retail locations.

    A: Yes. The BAO guidelines apply only to non-primary residences.

    A: Yes, for one-year terms, with Brand Guideline Certification checks every four months.

    A: Yes, up to two Stylists during any Certification period.

    A: You’ll have a six-month transition period to close your BAO if it falls inside a Studio territory.

    A: Three months after the Franchise documents are delivered. During that time, our Studio Operations team will support you to achieve the Brand Guidelines of a BAO space.

    A: J.Hilburn is committed to working with each location that requires adjustments to meet the Brand Guidelines and formulating a path to compliance where possible. However, if you are unable to meet the Brand Guidelines, your BAO location will have to close.

    A: Yes, however, each Pop-up and Trunk Show must be approved by J.Hilburn four (4) weeks before the event. Both Pop-Ups and Trunk Shows are temporary setups and cannot last longer than seven (7) consecutive days. Also, these events can have temporary signage approved by J.Hilburn.

    Topic 5: Enhancing Our 5-Star Client Experience

    Q1: What does this mean?

    A: We’re modernizing our approach to allow Clients to shop where they prefer and ensuring every visit to a J.Hilburn Studio delivers a seamless, Brand-aligned experience.

    A: Yes. Clients can shop at any J.Hilburn Studio and work with any Studio Stylist present to place an order without going through a formal reassignment process or notifying the Home Office.

    A: Yes. Clients can visit any J.Hilburn Studio or reach out to their Assigned Stylist for assistance with returns, alterations, or remakes, regardless of who placed the original order.

    A: No. Each Client will retain their current Assigned Stylist. Shopping with a different Studio Stylist will not result in a reassignment or change.

    A: Yes, Stylists on the Studio plan can look up a Client using the Client’s phone number. They will then request access and the Client will receive a text message to confirm their access approval. Once access is granted, the Studio Stylist will be able to view the Client’s complete profile, including order history and fit information. Within the Client’s profile, the Stylist can:

    • Create a new order.
    • Update Client information.
    • Copy existing fit profiles or add new ones (no edit).
    • Service an existing order.

    A: Clients must confirm access via a text message authorization. A non-assigned Stylist can take no action without this confirmation.

    A: Yes. Assigned Stylists will be alerted via email if a non-assigned Stylist accesses or creates activity on their Client’s profile, resulting in an order or a follow-up change to an order already placed.

    A: The Stylist who makes the sale (i.e., places the order) receives 100% of the commission. If there’s a return, remake, or alteration, the selling Stylist takes any commission adjustment.

    A: Per the Stylist Agreement, poaching is prohibited. Our compliance team monitors for poaching.

    Appendix: Studio versus BAO Space Comparison

    Category

    Studios

    By-Appointment-Only

    Client Access

    Open for scheduled & walk-in appointments

    Strictly by appointment only 

    No walk-ins allowed.

    Advertising & Promotion

    Permitted within Brand Guidelines

    Paid ads, Google listings, and tagging space allowed

    Not permitted 

    No Google listings, social media tags, or paid ads promoting space

    Events Promotion

    Permitted

    Not Permitted

    Marketing Support

    Offered

    Not Offered

    Branding Support

    Offered

    Not Offered

    Printed Material

    Permitted

    Limited to individual Stylist promotion 

    No direct location promotion

    Branding & Signage

    Signage permitted within Brand Guidelines 

    Plaques and window displays allowed

    No signage is permitted 

    The J.Hilburn Branding cannot be displayed externally 

    No permanent Branding can be installed in the space

    Permanent Signage

    Permitted

    Not Permitted

    Movable Signage (inside the space)

    Permitted

    Permitted, but cannot be shared on social channels

    Door/Window Signage

    Permitted

    Not Permitted

    Signage inside a shared Office Space

    N/A

    Not Permitted

    Business Care with Location Address

    Permitted

    Not Permitted

    Promotional Display (movable, for inside use)

    Permitted

    Permitted, but cannot be shared on social channels

    Online Listings (Google/Yelp/Social Media)

    Permitted

    Can list location on Google, Yelp, and business directories

    Not permitted

    The space cannot be listed as a business online

    Social Media Promotion

    Allowed to promote space and services

    Can tag location, use hashtags, and post event promos

    Limited to personal stylist promotion

    No direct location promotion, but can say what city/town they are in

    Live Feeds

    Permitted

    Not Permitted

    Reels

    Permitted

    Not Permitted

    Social Media Posts

    Permitted

    Limited to personal Stylist promotion

    No direct location promotion

    J.Hilburn branding must not be displayed

    Paid Ads

    Permitted

    Not Permitted

    Walk-In Clients Allowed

    Yes, walk-in Clients are allowed

    No, unscheduled Client visits are not allowed

    Co-Branding with Other Businesses

    Not permitted

    The space must exclusively represent J.Hilburn

    Not permitted

    No cross-selling, collaborations, or co-branding

    Exclusive J.Hilburn Use

    Yes, it must be exclusive to J.Hilburn

    Yes, it must be exclusive to J.Hilburn

    Order Placement Method

    Orders must be placed through the J.Hilburn system

    Orders must be placed through the J.Hilburn system

    Physical Location Type

    Designated retail space within Brand compliance

    Private office, no public-facing Branding

    Approval & Renewal Process

    Annual renewal required per Studio Plan

    Annual renewal required with recertification every 4 months

    Renewal is not guaranteed if a Studio opens and the BAO is within the Franchise’s radius

    Click below to download these FAQs:

    Download FAQs

  • Operations Update: Announcing our New 3-Day Service Level Agreement (SLA) for Garment Availability Confirmation

    To further support your business, we’re introducing a new 3-day Service Level Agreement (SLA):

    If a garment cannot be produced for any reason, you’ll be notified within three business days of order placement via email and phone.

    • Example: Order placed on Friday before 5 pm CT → Notification by end of the day the following Wednesday (excluding weekends and holidays).
    • Note: The first business day is the non-weekend day following an order placed before 5 pm CT. If an order is placed after 5 pm CT, the first business day is two non-weekend days after the order is placed.

    When notified within the three-day window, your Client has the right to keep their order, change it, or cancel it.

    • If your Client chooses to keep their order, we’ll notify you of the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) of the fabric, and you can proceed to place the order then.
    • However, if there is a second delay to this order, due to any component (fabric, lining, or trims) being out of stock, the Client will receive the garment for free and with an additional $300 J.Hilburn credit toward his next order.
    • You will receive your volume and commission on the original garment value.

    If you are not notified within the 3-day notification window, you’ll still receive a notification as soon as possible. As a resolution:

    • We will offer you priority support in resolving the issue.
    • The Client gets a replacement garment of equal or lesser value for free. For example, if he ordered a jacket and it cannot be made, he can order another jacket of equal or lesser value or a different garment of equal or lesser value for free.
    • You will receive your volume and commission for the original garment value.

    For any questions, please reach out to the Stylist Success Team.