Degree Wellness Franchise Offers Innovative Therapies for Body and Mind
Amanda Lightcap didn’t plan on starting a personal wellness journey, let alone launching a wellness franchise. But when thyroid cancer forced her to slow down, everything changed. “I can be a little stubborn,” she says with a laugh. “I needed an extra nudge. For me, that came in the form of thyroid cancer.”
Recovery wasn’t easy. Lightcap dealt with fatigue, mood swings and burnout. That’s when her husband, Tom, urged her to try the services at Degree Wellness, a wellness studio he had been using regularly to manage stress and stay sharp. “I was always more reactive than proactive about my health,” she says. “But I finally gave it a shot.”
The change was immediate. “Cryotherapy helped cut through brain fog. IV drips gave me energy. Red light therapy helped with my scar. It made such a difference,” she says. “I should’ve been doing these things earlier, but I’m just grateful I found them.”
How It Started
Degree Wellness originally opened its doors in Jacksonville, Fla., in 2018. As Lightcap enjoyed the impact of the services firsthand, she saw tremendous business potential. She acquired the brand in 2020 and took over day-to-day operations. She soon realized that franchising should be the next step. “Our customers kept asking when we were going to open in their city,” she says. “The demand was there.” In partnership with franchise development firm Beloved Brands (formerly Franworth), Lightcap launched Degree Wellness as a franchise brand in 2024.
Technology has played a big role in shaping the Degree Wellness model. “We’re very technology-centric. Every business should find ways to keep costs low, and automation helps us do that,” she explains. “But more than that, we focus on what people actually want. That’s something I learned from working at startups — build something people need, not just what the founder wants.”
Degree Wellness offers a wide range of cutting-edge wellness services that support both body and mind. These include therapies like cryotherapy, IV drips, red light treatments, infrared saunas and more — all designed to help boost energy, support recovery and reduce stress. “It’s about long-term wellness,” Lightcap says. “Most of our members treat it as part of their routine, just like working out or eating healthy.”
A Female Touch
Lightcap believes what truly sets Degree Wellness apart is the experience. “Most of our competitors are male-founded and male-led. That influences the vibe,” she says. “I’m a working mom. I just want to feel good, boost my energy and take care of myself without being overwhelmed. We create beautiful, unintimidating spaces filled with innovative services,” she says.
Franchisees benefit from a system designed to keep operations smooth. “We’re always thinking about how to make our franchisees’ lives easier. How can we automate tasks? How can we reduce their costs so they can focus on delighting their members?”
Lightcap’s passion for the franchise opportunity goes way beyond business. In fact, she even signed her first franchise agreement from a hospital bed— just hours after giving birth to her second child. “I’m that dedicated,” she says with a smile.
She credits her entrepreneurial drive to her mother-in-law, a self-made business owner who became a mentor and inspiration. “She showed me how life-changing business ownership can be,” Lightcap says. “It’s about independence, impact and fulfillment. That’s why I chose to franchise — to give others that opportunity too.”
What Degree Wellness Offers
Degree Wellness locations provide a curated list of science-backed services that promote recovery, relaxation and long-term health:
- Cryotherapy: A cold therapy that helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain and boost circulation.
- Red light therapy: A non-invasive treatment that supports skin healing, collagen production and cellular repair.
- Infrared sauna: Uses gentle infrared heat to promote detoxification, relaxation and improved circulation.
- Cold plunge and contrast therapy: Alternates hot and cold exposure to improve circulation and speed up muscle recovery.
- IV drips & intramuscular injections: Deliver vitamins and nutrients directly into the bloodstream for an energy and immunity boost.
- Compression massage: Helps reduce swelling, improve circulation and relieve sore muscles.
- Oxygen therapy: Delivers concentrated oxygen to enhance energy, clarity and overall well-being.
- Light facials: Gentle, light-based treatments that improve skin tone, texture and radiance.
For more information, visit Degree Wellness’ franchise website.
