IMAGE Studios sees openings surge

IMAGE Studios, a franchisor of turnkey salon suites, is touting strong growth.

Featuring what it describes as an ultra-modern, upscale setting, IMAGE has reached 135 locations in 29 states. The milestone arrives after IMAGE surpassed 100 open studios in early 2025.

This year, IMAGE is debuting in multiple new markets including New York and Virginia. The company notes that this year will showcase additional solid expansion efforts and said it has “ a deep pipeline of new franchise partners and real estate opportunities.”

“We’re incredibly proud of what the team accomplished this past year, but we’re even more excited about where we’re headed next,” said Jason Olsen, founder and CEO of IMAGE Studios. “Our upcoming expansion highlights the demand we’re seeing from beauty and wellness professionals nationwide, and we’re committed to scaling in a way that keeps our studios beautiful, our owners supported, and our community at the center of everything we do.”

The company said it is empowering franchise owners through events, retreats, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities designed to foster collaboration. IMAGE also continues to invest in real estate guidance, pre-opening training, local and national marketing, and ongoing education to help owners launch and scale locations.

In order to stimulate further growth and franchisee success, IMAGE said its leadership team is focused on enhancing technology and elevating marketing efforts while expanding its presence in top-tier, flagship markets. IMAGE is a partner of MPK Equity Partners, a private investment firm based in Dallas, Texas. MPK says it focuses on partners with entrepreneurs and executives to invest in and acquire growing, profitable, category-leading companies.