IMAGE Studios Franchise

IMAGE Studios developed a salon-suite concept in which independent beauty and wellness professionals lease equipped individual studios within a larger location. Jason Olsen is identified as the brand’s founder in the 2026 FDD and has served as President and CEO since September 2014. The predecessor franchisor, IMAGE Studios 360 Franchise, LLC, offered franchises from April 2015 through March 2024.

The current franchisor, Image Studios Franchise, LLC, was formed in Delaware on February 7, 2024, acquired the franchise system in March 2024 and began offering franchises in May 2024. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, it uses the IMAGE Studios names and marks licensed from its parent, IMAGE Studios HOLDCO, LLC. Affiliates operate the Foothill location, opened in October 2021, and the Ogden location, opened in September 2024.

The franchisee typically converts leased or purchased space into a location with 20–45 individual studios. The owner manages leasing and facilities, while the independent salon professionals schedule their own appointments and operate their own businesses. The offering includes optional services for tenants, such as studio cleaning, marketing and technology resources. Qualified applicants may also enter a development agreement for additional locations under an agreed opening schedule.

The January 26, 2026 FDD estimates $773,392–$1,734,462 to establish a single location, including a $64,500 franchise fee and a separate $6,500 site development fee. The leasehold-improvement estimate assumes a landlord tenant-improvement allowance has been paid; that allowance is not guaranteed and may arrive after construction. The three-month startup-funds estimate assumes an owner-operated business without payroll expenses. A development agreement has separate fees and additional-location costs. The franchisor does not offer direct or indirect financing.

IMAGE Studios trains the owner and designated manager in the business of developing, leasing and operating salon suites. Item 11 lists at least 32 hours of classroom-style instruction: orientation, accounting and customer-management systems, site selection and construction, marketing, studio leasing and documentation, and operations. The listed initial program is delivered virtually, with no on-the-job hours in its curriculum table. Training is provided within 90 days of signing, or another mutually agreed time, and must be completed successfully before operation.

Initial training for up to two people is included in the franchise fee. The franchise agreement provides for a $250 charge per person, per module for additional personnel. The owner pays trainee compensation and any travel, lodging and other expenses for in-person or extra on-site instruction. Additional instruction may take place in Salt Lake City, at another designated location or virtually. Owners are responsible for hiring and training their own employees.

Opening support includes site evaluation and approval, advice about lease or purchase negotiations, review of design plans, operating manuals, purchase specifications and approved-supplier information. The owner selects and secures the premises, pays for construction and equipment, arranges installation and handles local codes and permits. First-location on-site opening training is available under the franchise agreement without a training fee, although reasonable trainer travel and living expenses may be charged.

After initial training, required monthly trainer meetings begin. The business coaching program continues through site development, construction and operation until occupancy exceeds 70%, or as determined by leadership. Continuing support includes updated manuals, telephone and email advice during normal business hours, a salon listing on the corporate website and access to marketing materials and services, purchased at the owner’s cost. Additional on-site advice may carry a fee.

Refresher courses and conferences may be required. Owners pay applicable course or conference fees, trainee compensation and travel expenses; the FDD estimates conference travel and living expenses at $750–$2,500 per person. Replacement managers must complete the required program before taking responsibility. These training and support details were reviewed against Item 11 and the franchise agreement in the January 26, 2026 FDD.

IMAGE Studios may appeal to an entrepreneur who wants to build a local business by providing equipped spaces and dependable facilities support to independent beauty professionals. The owner’s role centers on attracting tenants, managing leasing and maintaining a professional studio environment, supported by a defined design system, business instruction and coaching. This gives a buyer interested in property operations and tenant relationships a focused way to participate in the beauty and wellness sector. The owner or a trained, qualified manager must actively supervise day-to-day operations.

Explore the business in IMAGE Studios Franchise: Cost, Training and Salon Suite Ownership.