Beauty & Wellness Franchise WellBiz Brands Leading the Charge in the 'Experience Economy'

Today’s consumers are looking for more than just services—they’re buying experiences. In the Experience Economy, people seek moments of joy, confidence, transformation, and connection. Nowhere is this shift more visible than in the beauty and wellness sector, where demand for high-touch, high-value services continues to surge. One franchise at the forefront of this evolution is Denver-based WellBiz Brands, the more than $600 million powerhouse whose female-focused portfolio has become a blueprint for how experiential franchises can succeed.

With category-defining brands Drybar, Elements Massage, Fitness Together, Amazing Lash Studio and Radiant Waxing, WellBiz Brands has built a network of proven and complementary businesses. It’s also built a community. One that reflects and celebrates the female consumer who drives the bulk of beauty and wellness spending.

Behind the success of WellBiz Brands is a group of powerful women leaders and female franchisees who are reshaping what modern entrepreneurship looks like.

Membership model-based franchises create recurring revenue and drive meaningful customer relationships. At WellBiz Brands, these repeatable, high-value experiences drive loyalty with memberships accounting for more than half of the company’s total business. This level of engagement reflects the trust guests place in the brands and the consistent, quality experiences that keep them coming back.

WellBiz Brands has sharpened its operational excellence and scalability under the leadership of CEO Amanda Clark. Clark has revitalized brand relevance, elevated franchisee support, and accelerated innovation across the portfolio. Her initiatives range from implementing AI-driven front-desk technology across select brands to introducing new service offerings and launching trend-forward marketing that keeps each brand culturally connected and competitively positioned.

Clark is surrounded by an executive team of female leaders, including COO Ankin Laysha, CMO Elyse Blouin, CFO Kristin Brink, and Head of Legal Sarah Hill. Their leadership reflects the very guests they serve—and that matters. When decision-makers mirror the customer, brands innovate faster, understand needs more deeply, and build experiences that resonate.

“Leadership teams should reflect the customer. Different perspectives spark innovation,” said Clark.

Then there are the female franchisees who are blazing new trails. Take Stacy Dykman, a Fitness Together owner in Washington, D.C., who transformed an underperforming studio into the brand’s top revenue producer. Through visionary thinking and a commitment to staff empowerment—including promoting trainers into ownership—she exemplifies what women-led entrepreneurship can achieve when supported with the right systems.

“With over 20 years in the franchise industry, I knew Drybar was the perfect fit because of its proven systems, strong membership model, and incredible brand,” said Julie Sterling, Drybar franchisee of DC Metro & Florida markets. “Becoming a Drybar owner has allowed me to combine my experience with a business I truly believe in. Taking over five DC metro locations and preparing to open additional shops in Florida has been a rewarding journey, and I’m proud to be a part of a brand that empowers women while offering exciting opportunities for franchise growth."

Add it all up, and the results speak for themselves. WellBiz Brands has grown from $200 million to more than $600 million in systemwide sales and expanded from 300 to more than 755 locations in less than a decade.

As the Experience Economy continues to thrive, the beauty and wellness sector is poised for continued growth. According to the International Franchise Association, personal services employment will rise 14% in the coming years, with consumers prioritising health, wellness, and self-care more than ever. WellBiz Brands isn’t just participating in that future—it’s shaping it.

With more women in leadership, the franchise network, and the guest experience, WellBiz Brands is proving that when women rise, industries rise with them.

If you’re ready to gain a real edge in a fast-growing industry, WellBiz Brands gives you the portfolio, support, and growth power to build lasting success. Explore opportunities at wellbizbrands.com/franchise-opportunities.

SPONSORED BY:
Drybar
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