Hand & Stone Franchisee Andrew Chandna Takes Ownership of Massage Therapy School in Saskatoon

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa franchisee Andrew Chandna has been working with the 475-plus-unit spa franchise since 2017, and in that time, he’s built a thriving business. This year, Chandna was looking for an opportunity to expand as a business owner, but he wanted to do so in a way that would help massage therapists find the same success he’s achieved. So when the opportunity to take over Saskatoon’s Professional Institute of Massage Therapy presented itself, Chandna jumped.

Chandna took ownership of the institute in September. Now, he says he’s eager to work with aspiring massage therapists and help prepare them for successful careers in the industry.

“I am excited to help students become confident massage therapists who can leave the institute ready and able to find a great job,” said Chandna. “With my background as a Hand & Stone franchise owner, students will have the valuable experience of being able to talk to an employer. If they walk out of our doors having the ability to apply for and secure employment, then I have done my job.”

Hand & Stone’s leadership team has worked closely with its growing network of franchisees to ensure each of them has the support and resources required to be successful. Chandna says he is inspired to build the same network of support for his students.

“The institute is an opportunity for students to grow and help each other out,” said Chandna. “They will have an entire network of fellow graduates with whom they can navigate their careers. It’s a really powerful way to build your career and have all of these excellent resources at hand.”

Chandna’s experience with Hand & Stone will provide valuable insights into the industry for his students. Drawing from that expertise, Chandna aims to equip students not only with the skills and techniques required to be great massage therapists, but also with the tools and knowledge required to successfully build careers in the industry.

“I’m just really excited to be able to educate and develop a curriculum that can truly enrich the lives and careers of our students,” said Chandna. “There’s an excellent opportunity to grow both the institute and Hand & Stone through this new venture, and I look forward to expanding my reach as a business owner in Canada’s spa industry.”

*Hand & Stone is always looking for new franchisees to help grow its footprint. Start-up costs to open a Hand & Stone franchise in Canada range from CA$485,730 to CA$701,780 with a franchise fee of CA$45,000. To receive a breakdown of fees, estimated initial investment costs, contracts, corporate financial statements and other valuable information included in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), visit