The Rise And Fall? Inside The Shocking Scandal Of Tampa’s Blo Blow Dry Bar Owner

The business world of Tampa, Florida’s luxury beauty scene was rocked by a major scandal in late 2024, shifting the spotlight from perfectly styled hair to legal drama. The central figure is Karley Gerbenskey, the dynamic owner and franchisee of the popular Blo Blow Dry Bar Tampa, whose entrepreneurial journey took a controversial turn that has captivated the local community and raised questions about the pressures of running a high-profile business.

As of today, December 15, 2025, the narrative surrounding the South Tampa business owner is a complex mix of professional success and highly publicized legal challenges. Gerbenskey, who was once celebrated as a "Woman to Watch" by a prominent local publication, now finds her name tied to serious charges stemming from an incident in Hillsborough County, creating a stark contrast between her public business persona and her private legal battles.

Karley Gerbenskey/Federer: A Detailed Entrepreneurial Profile and Biography

Karley Gerbenskey (also known as Karley Federer in some business contexts) is an entrepreneur who successfully navigated the competitive beauty market of the Tampa Bay area. Her story is a prime example of capitalizing on the booming "blowout bar" concept, which focuses on providing quick, affordable, and high-quality hair styling services.

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• Full Name: Karley Gerbenskey (also uses Karley Federer)
• Date of Birth: June 5, 1991
• Age (as of late 2024): 33
• Primary Business: Blo Blow Dry Bar Tampa (Franchisee/Owner)
• Location: South Tampa, Florida
• Acquisition Date: August 2020
• Key Recognition: Named a "Woman to Watch" by Tampa Magazine
• Current Legal Status: Arrested in September 2024 on multiple charges

Gerbenskey's entry into the Blo Blow Dry Bar franchise system came in August 2020, a particularly challenging time for the beauty and service industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the economic headwinds, she reportedly found success, embracing the freedom of franchise ownership to run her business while maintaining a flexible lifestyle. The Blo franchise itself is a major player in the over $100 billion health and beauty industry, known for its perseverance and expansion plans even during difficult times.

The Shocking September 2024 Arrest and Legal Fallout

The successful narrative of the South Tampa beauty entrepreneur took a dramatic turn in September 2024. Karley Gerbenskey was arrested in Hillsborough County, Florida, on a series of serious charges following a reported incident.

The details of the arrest, which were widely circulated online and in local news snippets, painted a picture far removed from the glamour of the salon. The charges filed against her included:

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• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): The primary charge, alleging impaired driving.
• Battery on a Peace Officer: A felony charge indicating physical contact or assault against a law enforcement official.
• Resisting Arrest Without Violence: A charge related to obstructing the arrest process.

Reports suggest that during the incident, Gerbenskey allegedly refused a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) test and actively resisted the arresting officers. This confluence of charges—particularly the allegations of battery on a peace officer—elevated the incident from a typical DUI case to a major local scandal, placing a significant strain on her public image and the reputation of the Blo Blow Dry Bar Tampa location. The legal proceedings following the September arrest remain a key point of interest for those tracking the Tampa business scene.

The Competitive Tampa Blowout Bar Landscape and Topical Authority

Karley Gerbenskey's Blo Blow Dry Bar operates within a highly competitive and growing segment of the Tampa beauty industry. The city's affluent neighborhoods, especially in South Tampa and the burgeoning Water Street Tampa district, have become hotbeds for specialized beauty services like blowouts, hair extensions, and professional makeup applications.

To maintain topical authority in this market, Gerbenskey’s Blo location must constantly compete against several well-established rivals, each with its own niche and clientele:

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Drybar: The National Powerhouse

The iconic Drybar chain, founded by entrepreneur Alli Webb, has a significant presence in the Tampa area. Drybar is known for its strict focus on blowouts and its distinct branding, which often sets the standard for the entire industry. The presence of such a major national competitor means that local franchisees like Gerbenskey must work harder to differentiate their services and build strong community ties.

Sip & Dry: The Local Independent

Another notable player is Sip & Dry, which has expanded into the Tampa market, including a location in the high-profile Water Street Tampa development. Sip & Dry, often locally owned, offers a similar model, sometimes adding services like makeup to complete a full look in under an hour. Founder Blair Hiller is an example of a local entrepreneur who saw the potential in the St. Petersburg/Tampa area for on-demand beauty services.

The Franchise Advantage and Disadvantage

Owning a franchise like Blo Blow Dry Bar provides a built-in business model, brand recognition, and corporate support—factors that helped Gerbenskey establish her business quickly. However, the franchise model also means that the actions of a single franchisee, particularly one in a prominent market like Tampa, can reflect negatively on the entire brand. The highly publicized nature of the September 2024 arrest became an immediate challenge for the local business, testing its resilience and customer loyalty in a saturated market.

The success of a blowout bar in a humid climate like Florida depends heavily on perfecting services like balayage, hair extensions, and, of course, the signature long-lasting blowout. The ongoing legal saga is a stark reminder that in the world of high-profile small business ownership, personal life and professional reputation are often inextricably linked, creating a continuous challenge for entrepreneurs in the public eye.