Entrepreneur Courtney Freels Targets an Ideal Market for the Luxury Beauty Franchise
Houston residents are in for a treat: Entrepreneur Courtney Freels is bringing Blushington, a luxury beauty franchise, to her hometown, and she’s confident it will be a hit. “Houston is all about big galas and philanthropic events, and Blushington will be the go-to spot to help customers look and feel confident for any occasion, whether it’s a 600-person fundraising luncheon, an elegant party or a professional business conference,” Freels says.
Freels, a Texas A&M graduate with a background in oil and gas trading, has always been a trailblazer. She worked internationally in London before moving back to Houston in 2019 to raise her children. Since then, she has been working with her husband, who is also an entrepreneur. A loyal customer of Blushington, Freels has experienced the brand’s impact firsthand and is excited to bring its services to the Houston community.
What sets Blushington apart, according to Freels, is its personalized, consultative approach. “I’ve been to other makeover places and walked out disappointed because they didn’t take the time to ask what I wanted,” she says. “Blushington is different. Whether you want a natural look for a business meeting or something dramatic for an evening out, they take the time to listen and make sure you leave feeling confident and beautiful. It’s never a surprise — it’s exactly what you want.”
A Dream Come True
As the first Blushington franchisee in Texas — and the brand’s first multi-unit owner — Freels is ready to offer a service that combines beauty, confidence and community. For Freels, this is a dream come true. Her journey with Blushington began in 2018 when she first entered one of its lounges. “I’ve been hooked ever since,” she shares. “I used to think, ‘Why don’t we have this in Houston?’ Now I get to make it happen.”
This year, she transitioned from customer to franchisee, signing on to open two Blushington lounges in Houston. “We have not secured the locations yet but we are actively looking to secure the perfect spot,” says Freels. Her lounges will become the brand’s second and third franchise locations in the U.S. Blushington’s first franchisee, Karen Diaz, is also a longtime customer.
A Strong Partnership
Freels admits that stepping into her role as an early adopter of the emerging franchise comes with risks, but she’s confident in Blushington’s support. “It feels risky, but I have so much confidence in the team,” she says. “They’ve been incredible throughout the entire process, and I know I’m in good hands.”
With Blushington’s experienced team by her side, Freels has secured two prime locations designed to fit Houston’s unique layout. “Houston is a sprawling city, so we wanted to make sure our studios are convenient for everyone,” she explains. Each location will feature Blushington’s signature services, including blowouts, professional makeup applications, lash and brow styling and skincare consultations.
Freels isn’t taking this leap alone. Natasha Cornstein, Blushington’s CEO, has been right by her side throughout the process. Cornstein, who leads the company’s all-female C-Suite team, will fly from New York to Houston to help finalize the locations and ensure they meet the brand’s high standards.
Courtney is the ideal franchise partner — she’s smart, driven, and deeply connected to her community,” Cornstein says. “Her passion for Blushington, her vision for Houston and her commitment to inclusivity and excellence makes her the perfect person to lead our expansion into Texas.”
Freels is grateful for the support she’s received. “The Blushington team has been incredible,” she says. “From helping with leasing to guiding me through the setup process, they’ve made this journey exciting and manageable.”
A Luxury Beauty Franchise
Blushington is poised to flourish in the growing $646 billion beauty industry because of its focus on inclusivity and accessible luxury. Its services cater to all ages, skin tones and hair textures and its membership model offers exclusive benefits while encouraging customer loyalty. Freels believes this approach will resonate with Houstonians. “This city has a thriving social scene,” she says. “Blushington fits perfectly into that lifestyle.”
As the first franchisee in Texas, Freels is excited to bring Blushington to Houston and make her mark on the city. “I want women here to experience the confidence and joy that Blushington brings,” she says.
For more information about the Blushington franchise opportunity, visit the company’s website.
