Former Public Servant Furthers her Public Service Career through Woodhouse Spa Franchise

Despite being a first-time franchise owner, Stacey Howell has spent her entire professional career serving her community. She built up an impressive resume in Corporate America and as an elected government official. But Howell had always dreamed of being an entrepreneur and owning a business of her own. That’s why she decided to take the leap and open a Woodhouse Spa franchise in Buckhead, Georgia, marking her first venture into the franchise space.

1851 Franchise recently spoke to Howell to learn more about her story and why she decided franchising was the logical next step in her career.  

Journey Into Franchising

Before becoming a franchise owner, Howell served in a number of roles in Corporate America. Her career began in medical sales, and she eventually transitioned into computer software. However, her corporate career was put on pause as a result of a corporate reorganization. She then decided to use that time to run for public office, where she served as a councilwoman for the Township of South Orange Village in New Jersey.

Fast forward several years later and Howell moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she found a new job as the executive director and CEO of Every Woman Works, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women who experienced trauma. It was this experience that reinvigorated Howell’s passion for entrepreneurship and led her to start looking for business ownership opportunities. According to Howell, franchising made sense as the next step in her career because it would provide her with structure and stability without the need to start a business from the ground up.

“Entrepreneurship had always been a dream of mine, and franchising presented itself as a viable option, offering the support and structure I needed to transition into this new phase of my career,” said Howell.

Why Woodhouse Spas?

During her time in New Jersey, Howell had been introduced to the Woodhouse Spa brand and was a frequent customer of one of their locations. She started as a fan of the brand and was always impressed with the look and feel of the spa as soon as she walked through the doors. Howell first started searching for franchising opportunities in 2013 and discovered there weren’t any Woodhouse Spas in Atlanta at the time. She revisited the possibility again just four years later and learned that there were two new spas in the region. It was at this point that Howell decided she wanted to be a part of the brand’s growth, and she wanted to become the third franchisee in the area.

“I saw franchising as a way to enter the luxury self-care industry with a proven model, established brand and ongoing support,” Howell said. 

Woodhouse Spa was also committed to more than just providing guests with relaxing spa experiences.

“The Woodhouse Spa is invested in growing and supporting its community at both the corporate and franchise owner level, through supporting local nonprofit organizations and initiatives, volunteering time and services and continued mentoring and education,” she said.

It’s values like these that stood out to Howell, as this would give her yet another opportunity to support her community while allowing her to become a beacon for health and wellness. As such, Howell formalized her agreement with Woodhouse Spa in 2019 and opened her location in Buckhead, Georgia to the public.

“Looking back, it became evident that every experience in my life had been preparing me for this pivotal juncture,” noted Howell. “I am delighted to have arrived at this point in my journey, and I firmly believe that franchising with Woodhouse Spa is where I am meant to be.”

Since launching her franchise, Howell confirmed that the Buckhead location has become the flagship of the brand’s new design model, allowing it to stand out in the community and among other spas in the region. Her location is also one of the few spas in the area owned by a Black woman, allowing her to continue to promote inclusivity within her community.  

“I believe in self-care first and that every person deserves to have a go-to place to relax and exhale,” she said. “Life is stressful, and people should have a way to manage their stress. Otherwise, we don’t operate as our best selves. Particularly in ethnic communities, health care options aren’t the best, and they tend to experience higher stress levels.”

Reflecting on the Past

Before joining a franchise network, Howell said one of her primary concerns was that her individuality as an entrepreneur might be overshadowed by the framework of the franchise model. However, she said the corporate team at Woodhouse Spas has “struck a remarkable balance between providing a framework for success and allowing franchisees the autonomy to make localized decisions.”  

With several years now behind her as a franchise owner and operator, Howell wants to encourage other aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dream of business ownership. She believes those who wish to be entrepreneurs should have a vision for their future and understand that it takes a lot of research, hard work, dedication and passion.  

“Do what you are passionate about, and know that franchising is a way to do it as a partner,” she said. “Growing a business will take time. It’s a journey with highs and lows, but it’s extremely rewarding. There’s no better time than now.”

Plans for the Future

Howell has signed a 10-year lease with Woodhouse Spa, and she is striving to become a pillar in her Buckhead, Georgia community. Additionally, she wants to use her business as a platform to spread positivity, inclusivity and philanthropy.

“My purpose is about service and philanthropy,” she said. “Our business is more than just the brick-and-mortar. We are offering a sanctuary for our community, and we take part in community wellness awareness.”