FACE FOUNDRIÉ’s Founder and CEO Shares How She’s Building Confidence, Community and Opportunity
FACE FOUNDRIÉ founder and CEO Michele Henry wanted nothing more than to be an entrepreneur. Once she succeeded in launching, running and selling a thriving chain of boutiques in the Midwest, she set her sights on her next goal: franchising.
Henry now leads FACE FOUNDRIÉ, an all-inclusive, focused facial bar offering cutting-edge services at accessible prices. Founded in 2019 and franchising since 2021, the brand has expanded to more than 70 open locations across the country.
“As we celebrate seven years, I am incredibly proud of the franchisees and team of women I have the privilege of building this brand alongside. Together, we have supported dozens of female entrepreneurs and helped nearly a million clients feel confident in their skin,” Henry says from the brand’s Minneapolis headquarters. “When I reflect on what we have built, what stands out most is the connection: the camaraderie in our spaces, the confidence clients feel when they walk out the door, the ownership and independence our franchisees have created for themselves and their families.”
Empowering Women
Henry’s passion is evident in everything she does, whether it’s working with her team to refine systems and training, or handing out gift bags at a franchisee’s grand opening. She’s intent on empowering women in franchising.
“I believe in being visible and present. My team knows how passionate I am about our brand, and that energy is contagious. I am never afraid to roll up my sleeves and get involved. Leadership is not about a title, it is about modeling the behavior and standards you expect from others,” she says. “We operate in a highly collaborative environment where franchisees share experiences, exchange best practices and believe a rising tide lifts all boats. One of our core values at FACE FOUNDRIÉ is that we celebrate each other’s wins. We intentionally spotlight successes, encourage open dialogue and create space for women to lead with confidence. Lifting each other up is part of our culture and it is what makes our brand so special.”
An Entrepreneurial Start
Henry’s parents, who owned a pool company, inspired her entrepreneurial leanings. “I was fortunate to work for my parents at a young age. From them I learned the true meaning of hard work, resilience, grit and determination. Watching them build something from the ground up shaped my understanding of what it takes to lead and grow a business.”
In college, Henry studied business, apparel design and merchandising. After graduation, she started her own business designing clothing for boutiques across the U.S. Then came her next venture: PRIMP, a “cheap, chic” boutique she launched and operated debt-free and ultimately expanded to nine locations in the Midwest. By 2018, when Henry sold her shares, PRIMP was generating more than $25 million in sales.
By this time, Henry was a single mom who understood the risks and demands of starting something new. “But I had to take that leap. Otherwise, I would regret it forever,” she says. “And I knew the second I sold PRIMP that whatever I did next, I wanted to franchise.”
A Winning Concept
Henry’s inspiration for FACE FOUNDRIÉ came from her own difficulty in accessing professional skin care for breakouts she experienced following the birth of her third child. The price point and time required for a facial were daunting. “And that really sparked my idea: There has to be a better way where there’s more accessibility and that same-day service.”
Her concept has resonated with franchisees, the majority of them investing in multiple units, as well as clients who want approachable, affordable, results-driven skin care that fits into their lifestyles.
‘Just Getting Started’
Henry is optimistic – about the increasing consumer demand for facials as self-care, opportunities for female leaders, including women in franchising, and FACE FOUNDRIÉ’s future.
“As more women build scalable businesses, lead franchise systems and step into CEO roles, we are redefining what leadership looks like. Visibility matters. When women see other women at the top, it changes the trajectory for the next generation,” she says.
“Looking ahead for FACE FOUNDRIÉ, I am even more energized. Our enhanced pre-opening playbook is already helping us ramp faster and stronger in new markets. The integration of AI within our skin scanner will elevate client education and personalization in a way that sets us apart. More targeted digital advertising and optimized booking flows will allow us to capture and convert clients more effectively. These are just a few implementations we have put into practice in 2026. Year eight is about acceleration, innovation and continued empowerment. And we are just getting started.”
Q&A: Michele Henry, FACE FOUNDRIÉ
I am deeply inspired by women who have built scalable, category-defining brands.
1. What do you love most about franchising?
I love that franchising allows us to partner with like-minded entrepreneurial spirits, many of them women, who align with our mission of making skin care approachable, accessible and results driven. The blueprint and playbook we have built can be replicated coast to coast, allowing local owners to build meaningful businesses while being supported by a national brand. That combination of independence and infrastructure is powerful.
2. Who do you admire in franchising and why?
I am deeply inspired by women who have built scalable, category-defining brands. Ellen Latham of Orangetheory Fitness, Gara Post of The NOW Massage and Alli Webb of Drybar have each changed the perception of what is possible in franchising. They have built powerful brands in industries that were once male dominated and have done so with conviction and clarity.
Another leader who has deeply inspired me is Sally Smith, former CEO of Buffalo Wild Wings. Her 29-year journey in franchising showed what it looks like for a woman to step confidently into the spotlight and lead at scale. Seeing women succeed at that level expands what feels possible for the rest of us.
3. What advice would you offer other women with entrepreneurial aspirations?
Do your research. Understand your market. Surround yourself with smart people who challenge you. And then go for it. There will never be a perfect time. Confidence is built through action, not waiting.
4. Please share your favorite mantra or motto in business.
I have two that I live by:
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” — Henry Ford
And,
The fortune is in the follow-up.
For more information about franchising opportunities, visit FACE FOUNDRIÉ’s website.
