Franchisor Stories
IMAGE Studios Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: IMAGE Studios is a luxury salon suite franchise combining beauty industry demand with a real estate investment model.
IMAGE Studios offers a unique franchise opportunity within the thriving beauty and wellness industry, blending the demand for luxury salon services with a robust real estate investment model.
1. What Is the Brand Overview for IMAGE Studios?
About the Brand
IMAGE Studios was founded in 2009 by Jason Olsen in Draper, Utah, to disrupt the traditional salon model by offering luxury, fully equipped private suites for independent beauty professionals. The first location opened in 2010. Today, IMAGE has grown into a national franchise with zero closures in over 15 years.
Mission: To provide modern, high-end salon suites at accessible rates, empowering beauty, health and wellness professionals to thrive in their own businesses.
Vision: To be the leading national salon suite brand, fostering a collaborative community that champions independence, creativity and success for beauty entrepreneurs.
Unique Selling Points (USPs)
- Luxury, customizable suites with modern design aesthetics.
- Diverse tenant mix (approx. 60% hair / 40% other beauty & wellness services).
- Community-building programs and events to increase tenant loyalty.
- Integrated technology platform for online booking, payments, and client management.
2. What Are the Franchise Opportunity Details?
Why Franchise With IMAGE Studios?
- Proven, scalable real estate-based business model.
- Comprehensive training and operational support.
- Strong brand recognition in the salon suite market.
- Semi-absentee ownership potential.
Available Territories
IMAGE Studios offers franchise opportunities in high-growth U.S. markets. The company conducts extensive market analysis to help franchisees identify locations positioned for long-term growth and success in the salon suite industry. Prospective owners can visit the IMAGE Studios franchise website for more information on open markets.
Investment Overview
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of an IMAGE Studios franchise ranges from $773,392 to $1,734,462. The 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $64,500 | $64,500 |
| Business Formation | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Lease Costs and Rent/Real Estate (First Month's Rent & Security Deposit) | $21,028 | $71,578 |
| Initial Floor Plan Layout | $500 | $1,000 |
| Site Development Fee | $6,500 | $6,500 |
| Utility Deposits | $0 | $3,500 |
| Architectural Plans & Engineering | $23,750 | $50,500 |
| Licensing & Permits | $500 | $35,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $484,831 | $1,135,081 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $122,783 | $241,803 |
| Initial Training Expenses | $0 | $2,500 |
| Computer Equipment | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Insurance (Annual Basis) | $3,000 | $16,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $35,000 | $75,000 |
| Miscellaneous Opening Costs & Grand Opening | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Advertising & Marketing (3 Months) | $6,000 | $18,000 |
| Operating Supplies | $1,000 | $2,500 |
Initial Franchise Fee: IMAGE Studios charges an initial franchise fee of $64,500, payable in full when the franchise agreement is signed.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2026 FDD, IMAGE Studios franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 6% of gross revenues/week |
| Brand Development Fund | 2% of gross revenues/week |
| Local Marketing Requirement | $2,000/month until 70% occupancy. $400/month thereafter. |
| Accounting Services | $500 per location/month |
| EFT Payment Processing Fee | $1.95 per transaction per tenant/week |
| Operating Software Account Fee | $50 per account/month |
| Music, Media and IMAGE Scent License Fee | $90 per location/month |
| Customer Relationship & Project Management Software | $50 per location/month |
ROI Potential: According to the 2026 FDD, the 82 IMAGE Studios franchises operating for the entirety of FY 2025 reported the following average earnings:
| Occupancy | Gross Earnings | Expenses | Royalties | Net Earnings |
| 90% - 100% (32) | $531,385 | ($263,789) | ($39,854) | $227,742 |
| 80% - 89% (21) | $461,865 | ($284,781) | ($36,640) | $142,444 |
| 70% - 79% (11) | $353,871 | ($225,557) | ($26,540) | $101,774 |
| <70% (18) | $327,883 | ($271,852) | ($24,591) | $31,440 |
3. What Franchisee Support Does IMAGE Studios Provide?
Training Programs
IMAGE Studios provides extensive training programs for its franchisees. This includes initial multi-day training that covers essential aspects of operations, marketing strategies, and recruitment techniques. Additionally, franchisees benefit from ongoing education through expert-led business coaching sessions, ensuring continuous development and support.
Operational Support
The brand offers robust operational support, starting with assistance in site selection and thorough market analysis to identify prime locations. Franchisees also receive comprehensive construction and project management guidance, leveraging relationships with national vendors for efficient build-outs. Furthermore, IMAGE Studios provides dedicated marketing support, including tailored recruitment campaigns to attract beauty professionals and access to a full suite of brand assets.
Technology and Tools
Franchisees are equipped with advanced technology and tools designed to streamline their operations. This includes the GlossGenius-powered IMAGE Pro App, which facilitates seamless scheduling, payment processing, and client management for beauty professionals. The brand also provides an integrated website and booking platform, offering convenience and visibility for professionals operating within IMAGE Studios locations.
4. What Are the Franchise Requirements for IMAGE Studios?
Eligibility Criteria
- Liquid Assets: $750,000
- Net Worth: $1.5 million
- Credit Score: 700+ FICO
No beauty industry experience is required. IMAGE Studios looks for financially qualified entrepreneurs with strong leadership skills, a business mindset and a desire to help beauty professionals succeed. Candidates should be comfortable managing a business and working within a proven franchise system.
Operational Commitments
IMAGE Studios offers the potential for semi-absentee ownership, though franchisees are still responsible for overseeing key areas such as tenant recruitment and community-building initiatives.
Funding Assistance
For prospective franchisees, IMAGE Studios provides SBA loan-friendly agreements, and specific details on preferred lenders can be obtained upon request.
5. Are There Franchisee Success Stories?
“We love the IMAGE Studios brand for various reasons. We enjoy helping our beauty professionals thrive and have their dreams come true with our beautiful build-out. We could not have achieved this without great support from our Image Studios corporate team and their culture. IMAGE Studios corporate office is not only supportive to us but they also provide an invaluable resource in supporting our professionals. They have been very supportive from the first day to this day. Also, other IMAGE Owners are amazing throughout the country and very supportive as well.”
- Bhavik & Priyanka Patel, Franchisees — Poway, California
“I wanted a brand I could believe in and be proud of and IMAGE Studios met my criteria. So much so, I ended up building two locations at the same time. While it was a little crazy at times, I'm very happy I chose a concept that creates opportunities for beauty and wellness professionals to start their own businesses at IMAGE. It's the best thing in the world to see them launch and thrive in our amazing community at IMAGE!”
- Shelly Stengel, Franchisee — St. Louis, Missouri
6. What Is the Market Potential for Salon Suite Franchises?
The U.S. beauty, health, and wellness industry is valued at $100 billion and growing up to 13% annually. Over 1.4 million licensed professionals are expected to increase to 2 million by 2030. Salon suite concepts are capturing market share from traditional salons as professionals seek independence with lower overhead.
Competitor Analysis
Key competitors in the salon suite market include Sola Salon Studios, Phenix Salon Suites and My Salon Suite. IMAGE Studios differentiates itself through its luxury-focused design, a diverse mix of tenants and a strong community culture.
7. What Is the Application Process for IMAGE Studios Franchisees?
- Welcome and Concept Call: Prospective franchisees begin with an introductory call to learn about the IMAGE Studios salon suite model, discuss their goals and determine whether the opportunity is a good fit.
- Disclosure Call: Candidates receive and review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and meet with the franchise team to discuss the business model, investment requirements and ownership expectations.
- Site Selection and Buildout: IMAGE Studios helps franchisees identify suitable real estate, evaluate market opportunities and navigate the construction and permitting process.
- Operations Support and Branding: Franchisees learn about the company's operational systems, software, training programs and brand standards designed to support day-to-day business management.
- Validation with Existing Owners: Candidates speak directly with current IMAGE Studios franchise owners to gain insight into their experiences and ask questions about the business.
- Founder Interview: Prospective owners participate in a video call with Founder Jason Olsen to discuss the company's vision, industry opportunities and their own professional background and goals.
- Virtual Meet the Team Day: Candidates meet the broader leadership team, learn more about the company culture and review any remaining questions before making a final decision.
- Franchise Agreement Signing: Once approved, franchisees sign the Franchise Agreement and officially join the IMAGE Studios system, gaining access to the brand's resources, training and ongoing support.
Start the process here.
Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
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