Woodhouse Spas

Initially creating a successful career in marketing and sales,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceylghowell/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=former-sales-and-marketing-professional-took-the-leap-to-achieve-entrepreneurial-dreams-with-woodhouse-spas-2727342" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Stacey Howell</a> harbored entrepreneurial ambitions but was held back by imposter syndrome and familial responsibilities. Her journey into franchising with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ownawoodhouse.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=former-sales-and-marketing-professional-took-the-leap-to-achieve-entrepreneurial-dreams-with-woodhouse-spas-2727342" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Woodhouse Spas</a> required her to overcome self-doubt and seize opportunities.“I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. But to be honest, I had imposter syndrome, and I always made excuses,” Howell said. “I always pushed it on the back end, but it was always something in there, and franchising became a vehicle to do it without feeling like I was on my own.”The franchisor support was tempting, but what really made Howell overcome her worries?&nbsp;“The biggest thing [that motivated me] was that my kids were watching,” she said. “And while I had recently gone through a divorce and life was changing, I needed to figure out a way to show them that we fall down, but we get back up.”Howell’s corporate career, including a top sales role at Hewlett Packard, eventually reached a crossroads. Facing age-related career challenges, she sought a new path that aligned with her values of service and wellness. Her personal experience as a customer of Woodhouse Spas and her background in non-profit work guided her decision.&nbsp;The decision to franchise with Woodhouse Spas wasn’t taken lightly. Howell did extensive research, considering other options like a bakery franchise. However, her passion for wellness and hospitality, coupled with the support from a franchise consultant, solidified her choice. Despite initial fears, she invested part of her 401(k) savings.Howell signed her franchise agreement in December 2019, just before the pandemic hit. The subsequent delays and financial strains tested her resolve, but her faith and resilience prevailed.&nbsp;“I set myself out to do this. I am a person of faith and not fear,” Howell said. “You’re going to see it through, and you’re going to have some bumps in the road. My faith helped me overcome fear and persist through setbacks.”Her perseverance paid off, making her spa a flagship location for the newly restructured Woodhouse Spas design.Looking ahead, Howell is balancing her ambitions with the need for personal well-being. Her journey has not only established a successful business but also inspired her children, fulfilling a deeper personal mission.A summarized transcript of Howell’s interview with 1851 Franchise’s Nick Powills has been included below. It has been edited for clarity, brevity and style.Nick Powills: What made you interested in franchising?Stacey Howell:&nbsp;I was in sales and marketing — primarily in medical sales — and did very well. I raised four children, owned two homes and put my kids through college. Despite being successful in the corporate world, I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. But to be honest, I had imposter syndrome, and I always made excuses. I always pushed it on the back end, but it was always something in there, and franchising became a vehicle to do it without feeling like I was on my own. I had reached a point in my corporate career where finding a similar high-paying job was challenging, and I had to make a decision about my future. I didn’t want to go into food franchising, but as a customer of Woodhouse, I loved the service and wellness aspects, which aligned with my values. Running a nonprofit also showed me the impact of improving people’s lives, and transitioning to a wellness-focused business felt like a natural progression.Powills: What was the trigger that made you decide franchising was the right move?Howell: After moving to Atlanta in 2013 and going through a divorce, I noticed there were no Woodhouse locations here and thought I could be the first. Initially, I took a stable job due to fear, but after some unfulfilling experiences, I revisited the idea and signed a contract in 2019. The biggest thing [that motivated me] was that my kids were watching. And while I had recently gone through a divorce and life was changing, I needed to figure out a way to show them that we fall down, but we get back up.Powills: Did you consider other brands besides Woodhouse?Howell:&nbsp;I was primarily focused on Woodhouse because of my positive experiences as a customer. However, I did my homework and looked at their numbers and growth. I also considered a franchise called Nothing Bundt Cakes, due to my love for baking, but ultimately felt that Woodhouse was the right fit.Powills: How did you evaluate the financials of the franchise?Howell: I was inspired by the founder of the nonprofit I ran, who invested her 401(k) savings into starting the organization. I had a strong 401(k) and decided to use a portion of it to invest in the franchise, ensuring I had a safety net. Despite concerns from my family, I believed in the potential of the business and felt it was the right time to take the risk.Powills: When did you officially become a franchisee?Howell: I signed the paperwork in December 2019 and planned to kick off 2020. However, COVID-19 hit, causing significant delays. The unit eventually opened in June 2022. Despite the challenges, including construction delays and paying employees without incoming revenue, I believed in the potential of the location and the need for human connection and wellness in the community.Powills: How did you handle the stress and challenges of opening during the pandemic?Howell:&nbsp;Having faced financial challenges before, I was used to navigating difficult times. I set myself out to do this. I am a person of faith and not fear. You’re going to see it through, and you’re going to have some bumps in the road. My faith helped me overcome fear and persist through setbacks. Partnerships and support from others were crucial. Despite Woodhouse being sold to an equity firm during this time — which initially seemed like a bad sign — it became an opportunity to be the flagship for the new design, which turned out to be a blessing.Powills: What’s the dream now?Howell: The dream is to ensure the success of this first location and make it the top-performing unit. While I have ambitions to open more locations or a school, I also need to balance this with the desire to enjoy life and not be constantly stressed. Right now, my focus is on making this spa the best it can be.Powills: How do your children view your journey and success?Howell:&nbsp;My children constantly tell me they are proud of me, which is incredibly rewarding. I’ve shown them the importance of reaching for higher goals and not being afraid to pursue dreams. This mutual pride and support are very fulfilling, and it feels like I’ve achieved a significant part of my dream.To watch the full interview,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6nQoa8MBEA&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=former-sales-and-marketing-professional-took-the-leap-to-achieve-entrepreneurial-dreams-with-woodhouse-spas-2727342" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">click here</a>.&nbsp;

A Journey to Successful Franchising with Woodhouse Spas

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Stacey Howell had already had a successful corporate career in sales and marketing, but wanted to set an example for her children by becoming a franchisee in 2019. 

Former Sales and Marketing Professional Took the Leap To Achieve Entrepreneurial Dreams With Woodhouse Spas

This brand page has been paid for by WOODHOUSE SPAS. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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Woodhouse Spas Identifies Development Potential for 100+ New Spas Nationwide

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CHICAGO&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonal-patel-015a0510a/">Sonal Patel</a>, a veteran entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience in the franchise space, is now expanding her&nbsp;<a href="http://ownawoodhouse.com">Woodhouse Spas</a> portfolio in the Chicago market. This expansion marks an important milestone as Patel partners with her nephew and his wife to bring the brand’s signature high-end experience to the local community.&nbsp;Patel’s journey began with Dunkin’ and JEI Learning Centers, but her transition to the beauty and wellness space was her most fulfilling to date, representing the convergence of her business acumen and personal passion for self-care. Now, by partnering with family, she’s furthering her impact beyond North Carolina and laying the foundation for a multi-generational legacy of entrepreneurship.“In my opinion, it’s always good to bring family in, especially when the family are these young, passionate individuals who bring so much to the table,” Patel said. “They bring a level of passion, dedication and sheer enthusiasm for the business that serves as a very important stepping stone toward making any business a success.”The move to Chicago was motivated by a clear gap in the market. While there are ultra-luxury hotel spas downtown, Patel’s family identified a need for a luxury option that was more accessible to the residential neighborhoods. After the younger partners experienced a transformative&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/woodhouse-spas/info">Woodhouse</a> treatment themselves, they knew that level of pampering would be well-received in the Chicago market.As the family begins construction and looks forward to the launch, Patel recognizes the brand’s reputation and framework as key contributors to her continued success.“Woodhouse in itself is such a fabulous concept,” she said. “I’m so passionate about what a great franchise this is, and it will be amazing to see what it does in Chicago. We’re only hoping for the best, and we’re very, very excited to bring the incredible Woodhouse experience to Chicago.”ABOUT WOODHOUSE SPAS:Woodhouse Spas is a leading luxury spa franchise that offers resort-style spa experiences in local communities. Founded in 2001 in Victoria, Texas, Woodhouse Spas has grown to more than 90 locations across the United States. The brand provides a wide range of services, including massages, facials, body treatments and nail services, all designed to offer personalized care and enhance wellness. Woodhouse franchise owners benefit from comprehensive support, including training, site selection, construction management, marketing and operational advice. For more information about Woodhouse Spas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.woodhousespas.com/">https://www.woodhousespas.com/</a>.&nbsp;

Portrait of Sonal Patel in Woodhouse Spa location

Sonal Patel, an experienced franchisee in North Carolina, is partnering with her nephew and his wife to bring the luxury day spa franchise to Chicago and fill a major experience gap.

Established Woodhouse Spas Franchisee to Expand in Chicago With Family Venture

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Woodhouse Spas Franchise - Omaha Nebraska - 1851 Franchise

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Powered by Partnership: Why Kim Powell Continues To Grow With Woodhouse Spas

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Former Real Estate Broker, Financial Advisor Grows With Second Woodhouse Spa in the Charlotte Market

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LAKEWOOD, Colo.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="http://ownawoodhouse.com">Woodhouse Spas</a>, the nation’s premier luxury spa franchise, has laid the foundation for a major development initiative, identifying capacity for over 100 new locations in key markets across the U.S. Following a record-breaking 2025, the brand is targeting high-growth, affluent suburban markets anchored by major metropolitan hubs.That focus is shaping where&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/woodhouse-spas/info">Woodhouse</a> wants to plant its flag: lifestyle retail centers outside big cities, in neighborhoods with dense populations and strong household incomes. Put simply, it wants to be near the places people already shop and spend time — alongside retailers such as Whole Foods and Lululemon — and capture a growing appetite for high-end self-care closer to home.“With 94 locations currently open, we are in a unique position where major markets like California, Florida and New York are still available for development,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlpantera">John Pantera</a>, vice president of franchise development. “By leveraging a strategy similar to the one that built Woodhouse’s strong presence in high-end suburban Texas markets, we’re giving new owners an opportunity to claim these prime territories and be a part of Woodhouse’s national story.”Many markets within these targeted states are brand new for Woodhouse, meaning franchisees have the opportunity to be first movers and select their ideal territories. For developing markets, new franchisees will enjoy growing brand awareness and the support of fellow franchisees who, in many cases, have recently navigated the onboarding, site selection and construction processes.“Either way, our franchisees have support from us at the franchisor level and from fellow franchisees who are deeply ingrained in the Woodhouse model,” Pantera said.&nbsp;After a record year in 2025 with five existing franchisees expanding and another eight joining the system, Woodhouse is seeing a clear shift from primarily internal growth to a model that drives organic growth with new owners, too.“We’re attracting an amazing audience of brand new owners who are catching on, and they’re coming in and claiming amazing territory,” Pantera said. “People are cherry-picking the best markets, and momentum really starts building when we see that behavior increasing. If folks are interested in Woodhouse and any of these current target markets speak to them, now is the time. I expect another great growth year in 2026, and if we fast forward one year, some prime areas within these markets will likely be considered sold out.”ABOUT WOODHOUSE SPAS:Woodhouse Spas is a leading luxury spa franchise that offers resort-style spa experiences in local communities. Founded in 2001 in Victoria, Texas, Woodhouse Spas has grown to more than 90 locations across the United States. The brand provides a wide range of services, including massages, facials, body treatments and nail services, all designed to offer personalized care and enhance wellness. Woodhouse franchise owners benefit from comprehensive support, including training, site selection, construction management, marketing, and operational advice. For more information about Woodhouse Spas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.woodhousespas.com/">https://www.woodhousespas.com/</a>.

Following record-breaking growth in 2025, the luxury day spa franchise has identified key growth markets nationwide, including New York, California and Florida, to continue the momentum.

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LAKEWOOD, Colo.&nbsp;—<a href="https://www.ownawoodhouse.com/">&nbsp;Woodhouse Spas</a>, the luxury day spa franchise with nearly 100 units nationally, has closed a banner year. Marked by a surge in market expansion and the successful pilot of a new membership model and medical-aesthetics menu, the brand has solidified its position as a pioneer in the rapidly evolving wellness industry.“At&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/woodhouse-spas/info">Woodhouse</a>, we aren’t just keeping pace with the wellness industry. We’ve crossed the line into high-performance, results-driven care; we’re the innovative investment entrepreneurs are looking for and thoughtful service provider clients seek,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielrclay/">Ariel Clay</a>, chief operating officer. “As we continue to evolve, we’re proving that the sanctuary environment is just part of Woodhouse’s appeal. Our consistent integration of new modalities and commitment to innovation keep Woodhouse at the forefront of the industry.”This innovation and commitment to growth have manifested in multiple ways throughout the Woodhouse system. The brand added 12 new units to its development pipeline this year, including licenses in Chicago; Phoenix; Frisco, Texas; Boca Raton, Florida; Omaha, Nebraska; and Little Rock, Arkansas. It also opened six new spas, all of which saw incredible performance during the opening phase.“The new spas opened this year are doing fabulous,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-sizemore-85992074">Keith Sizemore</a>, chief development officer. “They’re starting off really strong, and our franchisees are incredibly satisfied with the results they’re seeing right out of the gate.”As it grows with franchise partners, Woodhouse has also remained committed to developing the model and brand. This year, it piloted The Club membership program and captured hundreds of members across nearly a dozen participating spa locations. Woodhouse also launched a medical-aesthetics pilot at a corporate location, hosting a kickoff event with a highly credentialed plastic surgeon and a packed house.“We’ve proven the demand for these types of services, and, as we consider expanding this pilot, we want to ensure we maintain the same elevated experience for our guests,” Clay said. “One of our key differentiators is the Woodhouse atmosphere. We are a luxury day spa; you can have medical-aesthetics treatments in the same luxurious setting that you’d get a facial in. This, combined with the profit margins of medical aesthetics, means we have an opportunity to drive significant revenue through these additions.”As the wellness category continues its rapid ascent, Woodhouse remains dedicated to a 360-degree support system and consistent innovation that positions franchise owners for healthy, long-term growth. Looking to 2026, Woodhouse will continue driving advancements in its service menu with cutting-edge technologies. The brand will also explore potential expansion of both The Club and medical aesthetics, and seek expansion with driven, culturally aligned franchise partners in key markets in California, Florida, New York and Boston.ABOUT WOODHOUSE SPAS:Woodhouse Spas is a leading luxury spa franchise that offers resort-style spa experiences in local communities. Founded in 2001 in Victoria, Texas, Woodhouse Spas has grown to more than 90 locations across the United States. The brand provides a wide range of services, including massages, facials, body treatments, and nail services, all designed to offer personalized care and enhance wellness. Woodhouse franchise owners benefit from comprehensive support, including training, site selection, construction management, marketing, and operational advice. For more information about Woodhouse Spas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.woodhousespas.com">https://www.woodhousespas.com</a>.&nbsp;

Photo of interior of Woodhouse Spa location

With innovations ranging from the Glacial Facial to a medical aesthetics pilot and consistent franchise expansion, the luxury brand remains a category leader and prime investment opportunity.

Woodhouse Spas Adds 12 Licenses, Tests Membership and Medical Aesthetics in 2025

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In a thriving beauty and wellness space,&nbsp;<a href="http://ownawoodhouse.com">Woodhouse Spas</a>, the 90-plus-unit luxury day spa franchise, occupies a niche of its own. Positioned between lavish resort spas and low-cost chains,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/woodhouse-spas/info">Woodhouse</a> brings an accessible, elevated experience to the communities it enters. As consumers continue to emphasize their beauty and wellness rituals, Woodhouse stands out as a prime investment opportunity for 2026.Here are five reasons to invest in a Woodhouse Spas franchise this year:<h2>A Steady Revenue Model in a High-Demand Market</h2>Consumers are becoming increasingly committed to beauty and wellness rituals, and this creates a high-potential landscape for franchisees.“What we’ve seen over the last several years is that the wellness category is accelerating faster than a lot of different service segments,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-finn-9a801914a">Liam Finn</a>, director of franchise sales. “Consumers have really shifted from viewing wellness as a treat to something that’s a part of their lifestyle.”Because many guests now view Woodhouse’s services as a necessity, not a luxury, there is a largely repeatable model, driven by guests who return consistently to maintain their results and well-being.To further drive this repeatable model, Woodhouse has begun piloting a membership model that formalizes consistent visits, encouraging guests to return more frequently and offering other exclusive perks.“As a business owner, having recurring revenue every month is a game-changer,” Pantera said. “It’s a game-changer for cash flow and profitability, but also for client retention. If a client is paying a subscription on the first of the month, they’re more likely to come in that month. This increases frequency and feeds into staff retention, too, because there are fewer ebbs and flows in their schedules.”<h2>Diversified Revenue Streams Beyond Massage</h2>While many competitors hang their business on one core service, Woodhouse benefits from a broader mix. Multiple offerings help stabilize revenue, reduce reliance on any single client type and give franchisees more ways to increase the value of each guest visit.“The majority of revenue comes from massages and aesthetic services like facials,” Pantera said. “But we’ve also got a lot of locations offering nail services. There’s a gift card component that really ramps up during the holiday season, and we have the retail aspect with a healthy margin.”The model is set up so these streams support each other, too. For example, after a facial service, an esthetician will educate the client on the products used during the service and direct them to the appropriate retail products to continue the experience at home, turning a single visit into both service and retail revenue.<h2>Unrivaled Market Positioning</h2>Woodhouse occupies a unique space in the market with virtually no direct competitors. By offering a high-end, luxury experience that remains accessible for the client, the brand serves a segment of the market that is seeking something more distinguished than the budget spas without requiring a trip to something like a resort spa.“Most of our franchisees don’t see any national competitors within their market, and I think that goes back to the reason why Woodhouse was founded,” Finn said. “It was to take that luxury, upscale feel of a day spa that you just didn’t have in local markets and develop it throughout the country. These types of spas are not easy to replicate, so there is a barrier to entry for competitors, and we already have both the operational playbook and strong brand identity established.”<h2>Value-Engineered Construction and Strong Economics</h2>The Woodhouse team has worked diligently to value engineer the model and pass cost savings directly to the franchisee. This ensures the investment remains attractive and scalable for entrepreneurs without sacrificing the premium identity.“A major focus for our construction team throughout 2025 was looking for ways to value engineer the model and find cost savings on both construction and furniture and fixtures,” Pantera said. “We looked at the layout and design and found opportunities to reduce costs without impacting the guest experience, and franchisees who are building units are now benefiting from these efforts.”“What’s compelling about Woodhouse is that new locations continue to validate extremely strong unit economics,” Finn said. “We’re seeing high average unit volumes, healthy margins and strong same-store sales growth year-over-year. This model supports a path to multi-unit ownership because our franchisees see the predictable and scalable economies.”For entrepreneurs seeking an investment that blends high-end hospitality with a data-driven business model, Woodhouse represents the gold standard. The team’s commitment to value engineering, coupled with the stability of the revenue model, creates a strong pathway for long-term, healthy growth in a high-demand industry.<h2>A Proven Playbook and Best-In-Class Support</h2>Woodhouse prides itself on a one-of-a-kind business model and a support system that guides franchisees through the complexities of the development process and the demands of long-term operations. The team walks alongside franchisees throughout the life of their business ownership journey, empowering them to focus on the growth of the business while experts at the franchisor level support the more technical demands of the business.“At Woodhouse, we hang our hat on support,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlpantera">John Pantera</a>, vice president of franchise development. “The first level of support is how we help folks find a site and make sure they have the best lease possible. We support them through construction, guiding them as they turn that site into a Woodhouse, and we hold their hands throughout that entire project. We’re driving that forward with collaboration from the franchisee so they don’t have to figure it out on their own.”Beyond construction, Woodhouse offers valuable operational and marketing support for both the grand opening and long-term operations of the business.“Once a franchisee is open, they have weekly meetings with their franchise business consultant,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-o-brien-17945b73">Lisa O’Brien</a>, vice president of operations. “In the first 45 to 60 days, they’ll have weekly meetings to get coaching on what’s going well, what’s not going well, where the areas for improvement are, and what the low-hanging fruit is. We discuss what we can do to support franchisees in continuing to do what they’re already doing perfectly, and we help them identify any needs that we can get ahead of.”As franchisees become more established, the support cadence becomes more flexible, allowing franchisees to seek support when and where they need it. However, the Woodhouse team is always there with expert guidance.“That support never goes away,” Pantera said. The entire time they’re a franchisee, they have those teams partnering up with them. A lot of franchises will sell a license and then disappear. We don’t do that; we have the best-in-class support — by far.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/woodhouse-spas">https://1851franchise.com/woodhouse-spas.</a>&nbsp;

With a luxury-tier experience and a model providing owners with strong returns, Woodhouse offers entrepreneurs a scalable opportunity to lead in the booming wellness industry.

Former Sales and Marketing Professional Took the Leap To Achieve Entrepreneurial Dreams With Woodhouse Spas

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