On today's two part show, we are meeting with the Fantastic Sam's franchise opportunity. This will be the second time we had Fantastic Sam's on the show. With over 1,300 salons located throughout North America, Fantastic Sam's Hair Salons is one of the world's leading full-service hair care franchises with an outstanding reputation for providing quality hair care services for the whole family. Fantastic Sam's Hair Salons has been consistently ranked as one of the top franchise opportunities by Entrepreneur Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, Franchise Times and Bonds. We are meeting with the CEO to Fantastic Sam's Scott Colabuono. Scott will discuss the brand's growth strategy, the role of a Fantastic Sam's franchisee, what the brand looks for in franchisees, and the hair care industry as a whole. We are also going to have Rich Upson, multi-unit Fantastic Sam's franchisee from San Antonio!

Did you know that around 30% of people experience hair loss by age 30, and that number jumps to 50% by age 50? Interestingly, 40% of those affected are women. Despite its prevalence, hair loss and the available treatment options are often misunderstood. Hair Club occupies a unique space—it's not a medical necessity like treatment for a chronic condition, but it's certainly more than just a luxury, as hair loss can have a significant impact on an individual's self-esteem and quality of life.

Recognizing the importance of accessibility, Hair Club has offered financing options to customers from the very beginning, ensuring their services are within reach for anyone seeking help.

Today's show features a fascinating conversation with Jason Olsen, the founder of Image Studios 360. This unique franchise concept provides salon professionals with stylish, high-end studio spaces that are also affordable. More than just a space provider, Image Studios 360 is guided by the principles of creativity, freedom, and success, aiming to empower professionals and uplift local communities through the establishment and support of independent franchise owners across the country. Their approach is straightforward yet powerful: they offer the ideal environment and franchise framework, while their franchisees contribute the passion, skills, and client base for mutual success.

We have a fantastic show lined up today! We're speaking with Christo Demetriades, the COO of LunchboxWax. This isn't your average waxing salon; it's a boutique speed-waxing concept that blends expert techniques with premium products. What truly sets LunchboxWax apart is their unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Their highly trained waxologists are skilled in waxing all bodies and are dedicated to creating a welcoming and comfortable environment, especially for the LGBTQ+ and transgender communities. This dedication extends to every facet of their business, with all employees participating in "culture classes" to deeply understand the brand's inclusive mission. Excitingly, LunchboxWax has existing locations and has recently expanded its reach with two multi-unit agreements in new markets across the Midwest.

Get ready for an insightful show! Today, we're speaking with Ken McAllister, the President of MY SALON Suite. Since its founding in 2010, MY SALON Suite has been redefining luxury for both salon entrepreneurs and their clients throughout North America. They attract and empower seasoned professionals across the health and beauty sector, providing them with the opportunity to own and operate their independent businesses within beautifully appointed private suites. Each suite is fully equipped, featuring a dedicated styling center, advanced security, and thoughtful eco-friendly amenities.

Today's show features a conversation with Inger Nicolaisen, the visionary founder of Nikita Hair, an impressive international salon chain boasting over 150 locations across Europe and a recent exciting expansion into the United States via franchising. Inger is a well-known personality in Norway, notably from her appearance on the 2004 season of "The Candidate," the Norwegian adaptation of "The Apprentice." Beyond their salon success, Nikita Hair is deeply committed to giving back through their support of "A Hand to Children." This vital foundation provides crucial help and hope to children in need, focusing on essential resources like food and clothing. Demonstrating their commitment, Nikita Hair donates a portion of the proceeds from every haircut to support this impactful organization.

Today's show features a conversation with Philip Watson, the VP of Business Development for Phenix Salon Suites, the nation's premier salon suite concept offering upscale and customizable spaces for independent lifestyle professionals. Phenix Salon Suites has experienced significant growth, recently surpassing 300 locations. Building on this success, the brand has announced its international expansion, marked by the opening of its first UK location in Manchester earlier this month. Looking ahead, Phenix Salon Suites has ambitious plans for both international and national expansion into numerous new markets. This growth trajectory follows a remarkable 344% surge in inquiries from salon professionals during the pandemic and a recent high-profile partnership with rapper and entrepreneur LL COOL J. But every successful business has a beginning, and for Phenix Salon Suites, it started with founder Gina Rivera. From her early days sweeping hair in her parents' salon, Gina's passion led her to beauty school and then to building a stellar reputation as a booth renter. Tune in to Franchise Interviews to hear the rest of her inspiring journey.

Get ready for an interesting show today! We're speaking with Vas Maniatis, the founder of the Seva franchise opportunity. Seva offers a specialized franchise model centered around the art of brow shaping, facial hair removal, and waxing. Notably, Seva is recognized for its expertise in eyebrow threading, a popular and growing technique known for its numerous benefits. What makes Seva truly unique is its strategic growth model: they establish locations within major retail stores, beginning with an exclusive partnership with Walmart, with opportunities for expansion into other retail environments. This "store-within-a-store" approach significantly enhances foot traffic potential. Furthermore, Seva leverages technology to drive the success of each salon. They've also developed a comprehensive turnkey "Salon-in-a-Box" system, managing every step from design to build-out for new franchisees. Interestingly, no prior experience in eyebrow threading, waxing, or the beauty industry is required to thrive with a Seva franchise.

Inspired by his wife, a salon chair renter, co-founder Jack Griffey envisioned a real estate and leasing franchise concept for beauty and wellness professionals. Undeterred by initial skepticism from focus groups in December 1997, Griffey and his partner Cecil Miller leveraged personal funds and an SBA loan to launch the first Salons By JC in 1998. Franchising began in 2008, with early adopters being family and friends. We are meeting with Jack Griffey, co-founder of this San Antonio-based franchise, which has rapidly become a major player in the billion-dollar salon suite market.

In 1993, Joanna Meiseles' search for a child-friendly hair salon revealed a gap in the market. The salons she encountered either lacked patience for young clients, maintained questionable cleanliness, or offered uninspired environments. Recognizing the need for a better experience, Joanna envisioned a salon where haircuts were fun for kids, replacing tears with engagement and parental anxiety with ease. Today, we will be speaking with Kim Ellis, the VP of Franchise Development for Snip-Its, a company that embodies this vision.

Anna Phillips founded The Lash Lounge in 2006, establishing the first franchise specializing in the art of semi-permanent eyelash extensions and permanent makeup. From its Grapevine, Texas headquarters, The Lash Lounge has expanded to six franchise and corporate locations throughout Texas, all committed to exceeding industry standards and customer satisfaction through Phillips' comprehensive training model. Beyond their core services performed by licensed technicians, each location enhances the luxurious spa experience by offering a variety of beauty products and stylish boutique items. This ensures a convenient path to effortless glamour. We are now meeting with Anna Phillips, the Founder and President of The Lash Lounge.