IMAGE Studios Hits 135 Locations and Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
HEALTH & BEAUTY
IMAGE Studios accelerates expansion with a deep pipeline of new franchise partners and real estate opportunities.
If you've been paying attention to the beauty and wellness franchise space, you've probably noticed IMAGE Studios popping up in markets across the country, and for good reason. The Salt Lake City-based salon suite franchisor just capped off one of its most impressive years to date, and 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger.
IMAGE Studios now has 135 locations open across 29 states, a milestone that reflects years of disciplined growth in an industry hungry for the kind of flexible, professional workspace the brand provides. Founded in 2009 and franchising since 2015, the company has spent over a decade refining the model its franchisees operate today, upscale, turnkey salon suites that let independent beauty and wellness professionals run their own business without the burden of significant startup capital.
A Year of Milestones
The growth story isn't just about location count. IMAGE Studios earned serious industry recognition in 2025 and heading into 2026. The brand climbed to number 265 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2026 Franchise 500 list, jumping 79 spots from the prior year, a jump that signals genuine momentum, not just steady-as-she-goes progress. On top of that, Franchise Business Review named IMAGE Studios to its 2026 Top 200 Franchises list and gave it a special designation as a Top Franchise for Women, reflecting strong satisfaction among owners and a particularly welcoming environment for women entrepreneurs.
What's Driving the Expansion
The brand's appeal cuts across two groups: first-time business owners drawn to the low-overhead model, and seasoned multi-unit investors looking for a scalable platform in a recession-resilient sector. Beauty and wellness consistently ranks among the most durable consumer spending categories, and the salon suite model, here professionals rent private studio space rather than working for commission, has disrupted traditional salon ownership in a major way.
IMAGE Studios' 2026 expansion includes new market debuts in New York, Virginia, and other high-demand territories, with a strategic emphasis on premier locations inside high-visibility retail and lifestyle centers.
The Franchisee-First Philosophy
Founder and CEO Jason Olsen has been clear about what separates IMAGE Studios from competitors: a genuine commitment to owner success. The company has invested heavily in real estate guidance, pre-opening training, local and national marketing support, and ongoing education. Franchisee community-building through events, retreats, and peer-to-peer learning s baked into the model, not treated as an afterthought.
"Our job is to surround them with the real estate expertise, marketing engine, and ongoing support they need to grow studios in markets across the country," Olsen said.
The Bigger Picture
With a deep pipeline of new franchise partners and real estate deals already in motion, IMAGE Studios enters 2026 with the kind of infrastructure and brand recognition that makes continued expansion feel inevitable. For beauty professionals looking to go independent, and investors looking for a franchise opportunity with real tailwinds, the brand is worth watching closely.
More information is available at imagestudios360.com and imagestudiosfranchise.com.