Texas Franchisees Double Down, Helping the Brand Reach 100 Locations
Ray and Pia Arthur were so encouraged by the success of their IMAGE Studios salon suite franchise in Austin, Texas, that they decided to reinvest in the brand and open a second location in the city. Their decision to grow their business helped propel IMAGE Studios to a major franchise milestone as the company’s 100th franchise location.
“This achievement is a testament to the incredible drive and dedication of our IMAGE owners, like Ray and Pia, who embody the spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity that defines our brand,” says Jason Olsen, founder and CEO of IMAGE Studios, the leading franchisor of upscale, turnkey suites for independent salon professionals. “We’re excited for the future as we continue to grow and innovate together.”
The Arthurs opened their first IMAGE Studios franchise in 2023 in Austin, fulfilling a dream of business ownership and capitalizing on Ray’s previous corporate experience as a manager and Pia’s extensive career in strategic communications. They initially were drawn to the company’s recession-proof business model and its diverse service offerings, and as franchisees they were impressed by the comprehensive corporate support. As their firsthand experience continued to strengthen their confidence in IMAGE Studios, they committed to opening four more locations, for a total of six across the Austin market.
Empowering Entrepreneurs
“With our recent opening, we’re reminded why we chose to invest in an IMAGE Studios salon suite franchise. It’s all about knowing that you’re empowering people and making a positive impact,” Ray Arthur says. “This 100th opening is just the beginning.”
The Arthurs’ new location has 25 ultramodern, high-end suites for beauty and wellness professionals with a broad mix of specialties from hairstyling to tattoo artistry. “We’re thrilled to keep building on this success with an incredible team and community behind us,” Ray Arthur says.
Olsen launched IMAGE Studios in 2009, combining his love of beautifully designed spaces and his passion for entrepreneurship. The company’s business model allows salon professionals to take control of their careers and run their own businesses without taking on the expense and hassle of owning a traditional salon, reflecting the company’s core values of creativity, freedom and success. “At IMAGE Studios, our mission has always been to empower beauty and wellness professionals to achieve their dreams, and reaching this milestone of our 100th franchise is proof of the lasting effects we have in communities across the country,” Olsen says.
Dedication to Innovation and Growth
IMAGE Studios began franchising in 2015 and now has franchise locations in more than 22 states. The franchisor assists franchisees in getting their new locations ready for business, with support ranging from site selection, design and construction processes to marketing and recruiting professional stylists to fill the suites. Ongoing support comes from expert training and collaborative weekly roundtables with other franchisees. The company also provides support to the professional stylists, with workshops on best business practices, retirement planning and even self-care. And the IMAGE PRO app gives professionals an all-in-one platform for scheduling, taking payments and handling other management tasks.
As part of its dedication to innovation and growth, the company plans technological updates, including launching a new franchise development website and streamlining operations by integrating artificial intelligence into its support systems.
A Flourishing Industry
The salon suites market continues to flourish, driven by an increase in consumer spending on self-care and wellness services, according to a report in Business Research Insights. The global market for salon and spa suites was valued at about $277.7 billion in 2024, according to the report, and is expected to reach $515.81 billion by 2033. The report also notes that consumers’ desire for cleaner and more private spaces is a factor in the demand for salon suites businesses.
The IMAGE Studios salon suite franchise is poised to capitalize on the industry’s growth, with more than 200 units in development. Last year the company opened 26 locations and also partnered with MPK Equity Partners to further expand and support its franchise base. IMAGE Studios’ successes are gaining attention, as it was recently recognized on the prestigious Entrepreneur Magazine 2025 Franchise 500 list, based on its achievements in areas such as unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.
“It’s amazing to reflect on how far the IMAGE Studios family has come and the passion, creativity, and hard work that have fueled this growth,” Ray Arthur says.
For information about franchising opportunities, visit the IMAGE Studios website.
