Image Studios

<a href="https://www.imagestudiosfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=salon-suites-evanston-albion-2731828" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">IMAGE Studios</a>, the salon suites franchise with more than 120 units, is expected to open a new Evanston, Illinois, location this summer. Located at 1450 Sherman Avenue, the space will cater to beauty and wellness professionals seeking private suites. While&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/image-studios/info">IMAGE Studios</a> support hairstylists and barbers, key users of the salon suite model, it also welcomes a diverse range of other service providers.“We don’t just cater to traditional hair stylists, barbers or colorists,” the franchise owner told the&nbsp;<a href="https://evanstonroundtable.com/2026/02/20/image-studios-coming-to-downtown-evanston-in-albion-retail-space/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=salon-suites-evanston-albion-2731828" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">RoundTable</a>. “We can accommodate other wellness professionals — such as injectors who perform Botox or filler treatments, hormone therapy providers, physical therapists or massage therapists.”The location at the Albion will offer easy access for professionals and their clients, with nearby public transportation and a parking garage.&nbsp;“It’s comparable to Chicago and the urban environment and the downtown business exposure,” the owner said, “but still a little bit more accessible than sometimes how Chicago can be.”While the owner is still preparing to launch, the&nbsp;<a href="https://imagestudios360.com/evanston-il/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=salon-suites-evanston-albion-2731828" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">local website</a> is live, and event details will be shared closer to the grand opening date.Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://evanstonroundtable.com/2026/02/20/image-studios-coming-to-downtown-evanston-in-albion-retail-space/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=salon-suites-evanston-albion-2731828" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/image-studios">https://1851franchise.com/image-studios</a>.&nbsp;

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Salon Suites in Evanston, IL: IMAGE Studios Opening at Albion

1851 Franchise

The modern salon suites franchise is expected to open at 1450 Sherman Avenue this summer, offering beauty and wellness professionals a flexible, private space to build and grow their businesses.

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Evanston RoundTable: IMAGE Studios Coming to Downtown Evanston, Illinois, in Albion Retail Space

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How a Former Sherwin-Williams VP Found His Next Chapter with an IMAGE Studios Franchise

IMAGE Studios Celebrates Record Growth in 2025 With 35 Openings and 50 Units Awarded

IMAGE Studios Expands in Atlanta: Redefining Salon Suites in a Fast-Growing Market

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After almost two decades at Sherwin-Williams,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonnie-mcgowen-jr">Lonnie McGowen</a> had built a highly successful corporate career, including becoming the company’s first African American male vice president. But along with the title and responsibility came 80-hour workweeks, constant travel and a growing realization that something important was slipping away.“I was tired, I was worn out, but I was just doing what I knew to do, which is to push forward,” McGowen said.&nbsp;When his wife, a nurse working night shifts in Dallas, told him she rarely saw him anymore, it became a turning point. McGowen began searching for a path that would allow him to maintain financial success while reclaiming time and a sense of personal ownership.That search eventually led him to franchise ownership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imagestudiosfranchise.com/">IMAGE Studios</a> in Dallas, a move that also reframed how he thinks about leadership and business.<h2>From Student-Athlete to Corporate Executive</h2>Born in Texas and raised partly in California, McGowen learned early lessons about discipline and leadership as a student-athlete at San Francisco State University, where he served as basketball team captain during his final two seasons.“That’s where I learned how to compete and really cut my teeth on leadership,” he said.After graduating with a degree in business management, McGowen joined Sherwin-Williams as a management trainee in an entry-level role. Over the next 17 years, he steadily advanced through sales, human resources and executive leadership positions, relocating multiple times as the company tapped him for larger responsibilities.At the height of his corporate career, McGowen served as vice president of human resources for Sherwin-Williams’ Southwestern Division, a $2 billion operation where he helped oversee more than 8,000 employees. He also established the company’s first African American network group and partnered with the CEO on national initiatives.“It really gave me a worldwide experience at a high level,” McGowen said.Still, the pace eventually became unsustainable.<h2>A New Opportunity</h2>In December 2019, McGowen and Sherwin-Williams mutually parted ways. He and his wife planned to flip homes, launching an LLC and preparing to pursue real estate investing. Two months later, COVID-19 shut everything down.“I’m right back to square one and now I’m thinking, ‘What did I do?’” McGowen said.&nbsp;A connection with a franchise broker soon introduced him to the salon suite concept and, specifically,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/image-studios/info">IMAGE Studios</a>. After meeting the corporate team and learning more about the brand, McGowen was sold.“I fell in love with the concept,” he said. “It kind of saved my life really, in a sense, that I was able to find something quickly … but really it gave me financial freedom and freedom in my time.”<h2>Why IMAGE Studios Stood Out</h2>McGowen evaluated several franchise categories, including gyms, restaurants and large legacy brands. What set IMAGE Studios apart was a combination of market fundamentals, design quality and corporate culture.“Dallas is a powerhouse when it comes to beauty,” he said, pointing to the number of major beauty companies headquartered in the area. He was also drawn to the physical environment of IMAGE Studios locations.“The aesthetic of the buildout for IMAGE Studios is so different than any other organization,” McGowen said. “All the glass and just the upscale quality of material that they use to build out — I knew that was something I wanted to associate myself with.”Equally important was the people. McGowen immediately felt welcomed and supported, noting that the team was very receptive to new ideas. This helped IMAGE Studios feel less like a leap into the unknown and more like a strategic next chapter.<h2>Applying Corporate Leadership to Franchise Ownership</h2>McGowen says he uses his corporate experience every day as a franchise owner, especially when it comes to culture.“One of the things I learned about corporate America, particularly at Sherwin-Williams, is that they preach culture,” he said. “Culture is not easy. It takes a lot of work. It starts from the top down.”Rather than simply leasing suites to anyone interested, McGowen personally meets with prospective beauty professionals to understand their goals, communication style and values.“If they’re going to disrupt the culture, then I don’t want them,” he said. “But if they’re going to add to it and I feel like they’re just overall a decent person and I can tell that they love their craft and they love their clients and their customers, then my guess is they’re going to treat their colleagues the same.”McGowen says building a strong, trustworthy team has allowed him to step away with confidence. It has also made it easier to enjoy time off and take vacations, knowing the business runs smoothly in his absence.<h2>Training and Infrastructure that Reduce Risk</h2>For McGowen, IMAGE Studios’ structured training program was another major differentiator.“Before you step a foot out in opening your business, we’re going to take you through a 12-week module course,” he said. “For me, that was huge because I wanted to understand what I was doing before I start doing it.”The training covers everything from culture and recruiting to touring prospective tenants, selecting vendors and managing the buildout process. Franchisees also validate with existing owners who have already opened studios.That level of preparation resonated with an executive accustomed to data, systems and repeatable processes.“You’re not going through it by yourself,” McGowen said.<h2>A Message to Other Executives</h2>McGowen believes franchising, and IMAGE Studios specifically, can be a strong fit for corporate leaders ready to reinvest their experience into ownership.“First, understand what your priorities are,” he said. “What is it that you want for you and your family, and then align that with the goals and priorities of the franchise?”For him, the priority was freedom. Today, he’s enjoying slower mornings, meaningful relationships with his studio professionals and the satisfaction of building something that’s truly his.To find out more information on the costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/image-studios.">https://1851franchise.com/image-studios.</a>&nbsp;

After almost two decades in corporate leadership, Lonnie McGowen found a new path to ownership, flexibility and long-term growth through IMAGE Studios’ salon suite model.

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After over a decade spent in the franchise industry,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-mulks-bb585b2b/">Tim</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-mulks-6810209/">Lisa Mulks</a> had a sophisticated understanding of the franchise “machine.” As franchise brokers, the Mulks interacted with hundreds of brands across multiple industries, including the salon suites space. As market availability became increasingly limited with legacy salon suites brands, the pair got connected with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imagestudiosfranchise.com/">IMAGE Studios</a>, the 130-plus-unit luxury salon suites franchise.“As Lisa and I placed multiple different clients in different companies, it was an industry where everyone would come back to us and say, ‘Wow, it’s been an amazing investment. It’s a great lifestyle business," Tim said. “We started thinking, ‘Well, maybe we should really start looking at this for ourselves!’”Through a deep dive into the industry and a review of multiple brands, the pair found that the salon suites model checked all of the boxes: low to no employees, no inventory, no manufacturing and no cash handling.“We were looking at the business model as one that would be simple to operate with reasonable returns and low failure rates, and as we kept digging deeper and deeper, we were finding&nbsp;no failures within the different companies,” Tim said.<h2>A Model Built for Success</h2>After choosing the industry, the Mulks then had to choose their brand, and it had to be one that would align with their expectations for operational support. After a careful evaluation of the landscape,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/image-studios/info">IMAGE Studios</a> rose to the top as the clear winner.“We vetted all the brands that we knew of pretty deeply, and the minute we started engaging with IMAGE Studios, we thought, ‘Wow, these guys are cutting edge,’” Lisa said. “They had foresight in the industry that we hadn’t seen before. After going to Discovery Day, there was no question that this was the brand we wanted to be a part of.”“When we visited IMAGE, we had already visited all the competitors,” Tim added. “So we had an understanding of the feel when you walked into them. The first time we walked into an IMAGE Studios, we were in Salt Lake City doing Discovery Day, and it was an immediate change of vibe. You had that ‘wow’ factor that you didn’t have in any of the other places.”The brand’s aesthetics were a key differentiator as they resonated with the Mulks personally and represented an attractive selling point to potential tenants, which boosted their confidence in their ability to fill and maintain occupancy in their suites.Beyond the physical appearance of the locations, the Mulks recognized IMAGE Studios’ robust support system. For two professionals who had built careers helping others understand the “why” and “how” of franchise brands and franchise success, this was incredibly important. IMAGE Studios’ internal culture and operational support were the last pieces of the puzzle.<h2>The Mentorship Approach: Helping Businesses Grow</h2>Transitioning from franchise brokerage to franchise ownership required some adjustments, but the Mulks were able to carry their professional values and skills with them.Previously, the pair helped franchise brands expand with the right franchisees, and they helped potential franchisees identify the right opportunity for their growth. While the model is slightly different as IMAGE Studios owners, they’re still helping entrepreneurs grow.“We get filled up by helping people with their own business,” Lisa said. “When we get the comments like, ‘Oh my gosh, I love it here!’ or ‘You guys care,’ or ‘I’ve made more money than ever,’ from our pros, that’s very rewarding for us.”In addition to their own mentorship, the Mulks protect this supportive, success-driven environment by being incredibly selective about who they bring into the community. Building a positive culture by growing with fellow entrepreneurs who are equally committed to excellence creates a thriving ecosystem and ultimately drives a positive feedback loop.<h2>Exceeding Expectations and Continued Growth</h2>This approach, combined with the Mulks’ overall commitment to their business, pushed them to exceed expectations early on.During the due diligence process, the pair decided they would need to develop three total units to meet their personal income goals, but the development of just their first two locations in Reno and Sparks, Nevada, has already allowed them to surpass their targets.In addition to the financial performance, IMAGE Studios franchise ownership has provided the Mulks with a major lifestyle upgrade. Now, they have the freedom and flexibility to travel and enjoy free time without being tied to the daily operations of the business.For anyone considering the industry, Tim’s message is simple: “If it treats you as well as it’s treated us, you will be extremely happy with it. It has exceeded our expectations.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/image-studios">https://1851franchise.com/image-studios</a>.&nbsp;

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Leveraging over 10 years of experience as brokers, Tim and Lisa Mulks transitioned to ownership to build their own high-performing investment while supporting local entrepreneurs.

Franchise Brokers-Turned-Owners Invest in IMAGE Studios, Build Thriving Community of Independent Beauty Professionals

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<a href="https://www.imagestudiosfranchise.com/">IMAGE Studios</a> has been named one of the country’s top franchise brands earning the No. 265 spot in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500">Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500 ranking</a>.&nbsp;The list remains one of franchising’s most competitive benchmarks.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/image-studios/info">IMAGE Studios</a> moved up 79 spots from 2025. The rise was supported by gains in unit growth, financial stability, franchisee support, operations, marketing and brand strength.Founder and CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasontylerolsen/">Jason Olsen</a> called the recognition a meaningful milestone for the brand and its franchisees. “This ranking reflects the strength of our model, the dedication of our franchise owners and our commitment to building a brand that supports long-term success,” he said&nbsp;<a href="https://imagestudios360.com/image-studios-named-among-the-top-franchises-in-entrepreneur-magazines-franchise-500-ranking/">in a press release</a>.&nbsp;IMAGE Studios spent 2025 opening new studios, entering priority markets and sustaining strong performance across the system. Alongside that growth, the brand introduced new education and support initiatives aimed at helping IMAGE Pros and franchisees succeed long term.Entrepreneur evaluates franchises based on more than 150 data points, including costs, fees, growth, size, brand strength and financial performance. IMAGE Studios’ inclusion and significant rise in the ranking underscore its growing momentum and position as a leading franchise opportunity.Read the press release&nbsp;<a href="https://imagestudios360.com/image-studios-named-among-the-top-franchises-in-entrepreneur-magazines-franchise-500-ranking/">here</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/image-studios">https://1851franchise.com/image-studios</a>.

IMAGE Studios Named to Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500

The salon suite franchise earned the No. 265 position, reflecting strong growth, system stability and rising momentum across the beauty and wellness industry.

IMAGE Studios Named to Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500 

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<a href="https://www.imagestudiosfranchise.com/">IMAGE Studios</a>, the 135-unit luxury salon suites franchise, is targeting growth in Houston to expand on its presence in the Lone Star State. With six locations already thriving across the Greater Houston area,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/image-studios/info">IMAGE Studios</a> is planning further expansion to meet climbing demand, driven by a diverse beauty culture.“We have been in the city of Houston for seven years now,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzielumley">Lizzie Webb</a>, Vice President of Operations. “Texas was one of our first markets when we began growing beyond our home state, so we’ve always seen the potential. For us, the people and energy of Houston all align perfectly with IMAGE Studios to represent an amazing opportunity.”From its initial location in Katy, IMAGE Studios has strategically developed across Webster, Cypress and more to strengthen its presence, and it has additional Houston-area openings on the horizon.This expansion comes following a monumental year. In 2025, IMAGE Studios opened its 100th location and closed the year with 35 total openings and 50 units awarded systemwide. This growth solidified IMAGE Studios’ presence in 28 states and represents meaningful momentum as it continues to grow nationwide. Houston, which represents a prime market with a high concentration of entrepreneurial talent, will be a key part of this trajectory.With a population of&nbsp;<a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/texas/houston">2.4 million</a>, Houston offers a large customer base for franchisees and a large potential client base for their tenants. While the city is sprawling, Webb views it as a collection of distinct, micro-neighborhoods, which allows franchisees to adjust and create a hyper-local experience.“Houston is a million small communities,” Webb said. “I think that the locations we have are reflective of the communities that they’re in. We have locations in the established suburbs like Magnolia, Katy and Webster, and we have others closer to downtown areas like Memorial. They all have very different vibes, but they’re all tailored to their communities.”This flexibility aligns with a significant shift in how tenants view salon suites. In years past, the category was largely viewed as a destination for hairstylists. Now, hairstylists and barbers still represent a meaningful portion of the business, but studios are also being filled by beauty and wellnessproviders like massage therapists, estheticians, lash and brow artists, nail techs and more. IMAGE Studios is creating pathways for these beauty and wellness professionals to own and scale their own businesses in Houston.The current footprint in Houston and across Texas as a whole is robust, but the white space available for new development is significant. As existing franchisees continue to expand their portfolios, IMAGE Studios is looking to expand their footprint in the greater Houston area.&nbsp;The decision to accelerate growth in Houston is driven by a recognition of the market’s scale and the caliber of beauty professionals within it.“I’m always just knocked out by the size of Houston, and I’m knocked out by the incredible people,” Webb said. “They have such a spirit. The professionals I’ve met are so inspiring — the way they’ve set up their businesses for themselves and their families. Continued growth across Houston will only allow us to serve even more of these passionate individuals.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/image-studios">https://1851franchise.com/image-studios</a>.&nbsp;

Building on its strong presence and the region’s diverse, entrepreneurial culture, the luxury salon suites franchise is targeting Greater Houston as part of its next wave of growth.

Evanston RoundTable: IMAGE Studios Coming to Downtown Evanston, Illinois, in Albion Retail Space

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