Oakwell Beer Spa Co-Founder and CEO Jessica Zouaoui Named a 2026 Woman of Wonder by Franchise Dictionary Magazine

Now in its eighth year, WOW gives Franchise Dictionary Magazine’s readers the chance to recognize women making a difference across franchising. The 2026 class includes more than 50 founders, executives, innovators, and mentors, each nominated by people who have witnessed their leadership firsthand. Franchise Dictionary Magazine is a national digital publication with nearly 450,000 readers, and all the proceeds from the October issue will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation through FranServe’s Fran-Aid initiative.

“Highlighting our ‘50 Women of Wonder’ (WOW) is an annual tradition, and we are truly proud to honor the contributions of these incredible women,” said Alesia Visconti, CEO of FranServe & Franchise Dictionary Magazine (FDM). “We love seeing more women in the franchise space and creating what I’ve written about, a Pink Tsunami! Our FranTastic WoW winners are women at the very top!

They don’t merely break the glass ceiling, they shatter it! Congrats to these powerful leaders who guide their organizations to wild success and to all women in franchising! Thank you to all for sharing their insights and wisdom and empowering women everywhere!”

The recognition comes as women take on a larger role across franchising. Women now own approximately a third of all franchises, according to Franchise Business Review.

Franchise Dictionary Magazine recognized Jessica for her journey from a corporate career in New York City to pioneering a new category of wellness hospitality. After working in talent acquisition and founding executive branding firm Boutique Resumes, Jessica and her husband, Damien Zouaoui, spent 14 months traveling through 25 countries researching business ideas to bring back to the U.S. In Europe, they discovered the centuries-old beer spa tradition and returned to Colorado to build Oakwell, which now operates two locations in Denver and Highlands Ranch.

As CEO, Jessica oversees operations, HR, legal, and finance, and is leading Oakwell’s franchise expansion efforts. The model requires no licensed massage therapists or estheticians, so franchisees can staff from the hospitality industry, opening the door to ownership for entrepreneurs without a spa background.

The WOW recognition follows Oakwell’s first franchise agreement, signed with Andrew and Gina Lanzino, who plan to open in the Las Vegas Arts District. Andrew is a former senior vice president at MGM Resorts who worked on Super Bowl LVIII and the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The signing marks Oakwell’s shift from a two-location Colorado concept to a national franchise brand.

“I’m honored to be named a Woman of Wonder, and the timing makes it especially meaningful,” said Jessica Zouaoui. “When Damien and I set out across 25 countries, we were looking for one idea worth bringing home. Signing our first franchise agreement means that idea is now creating a path to business ownership for someone else, and that’s what I’m proudest of.”