Case Studies

Q&A with owners on their woodhouse experience

Learn about the experiences and lifestyles of a few of our Woodhouse Franchise Partners who are helping us build a household, iconic brand that transforms lives.

Owners:

Chris Mann
Erica Miller
Tina Lovelace

Chris Mann

Cincinnati, Dayton & Liberty Way, Ohio
Woodhouse Spa Owner since 2007
What was your background before owning a Woodhouse Day Spa?

What was your background before owning a Woodhouse Day Spa?

I was an assistant programing director and on air talent in radio. In that industry, you have to move every couple of years to go a bigger market. I have a son, and wanted a stable family environment. I've always wanted to open my own business, and dreamed of being my own boss. I had limited knowledge of accounting and POS systems, but I knew I would be good at marketing. Therefore, the franchise was perfect because it filled in the gaps for me.
How did you find The Woodhouse? What was your impression?

How did you find The Woodhouse? What was your impression?

I was looking for the right business opportunity and read an article on Jeni in Entrepreneur Magazine. The turn-key aspect of The Woodhouse and the fact that it was high end luxury concept really appealed to me. I wanted a business that I could be proud to tell people that I owned. There are very few high end franchise opportunities, and fewer still that are not food-related. I did not want to take on the logistical and personnel issues of a food franchise. I also love going to spas, so The Woodhouse was a perfect fit for me.
What was your Discovery process like?

What was your Discovery process like?

During my initial phone call, I felt like they were genuine, honest people that were interested in my success rather than just making money. Two weeks after my initial phone call, I went to Discovery Day. I believed in the brand, the home team, Jeni and the whole culture. The values of The Woodhouse are consistent with my own. I signed my Franchise Agreement about a month after that.
What are your plans for growth? What do you see for the future of The Woodhouse?

What are your plans for growth? What do you see for the future of The Woodhouse?

I currently have two locations, and I’m working on developing one more. I am a regional developer, and my plans are to help future franchisees develop their business and succeed. I see The Woodhouse as being a household name synonymous with luxury, like a neighborhood Ritz Carlton Spa.
What do you love about owning a Woodhouse Day Spa?

What do you love about owning a Woodhouse Day Spa?

For me, the best part about owning a Woodhouse is the discretionary time and money. You can take a vacation without having to ask permission. Being able to jet out to Florida with my family or go skiing at moment's notice is awesome; and frankly I do it a lot.
What is it like working with the home team?

What is it like working with the home team?

The home team always does what is right, even when it costs them money or time. They wouldn’t do something to the franchisees that they wouldn't do to themselves. Many franchisors look out for their own best interest, but I know The Woodhouse always has my back. If there ever is an issue they are quick to address it and create a solution that makes everyone happy. The franchisee culture is like a family. We bounce ideas off of each other, talk to each frequently, and learn from each other’s experience.
Is there anything else potential franchisees need to know about The Woodhouse Day Spa®?

Is there anything else potential franchisees need to know about The Woodhouse Day Spa®?

The great thing about The Woodhouse is that we take the time to do things right. We emphasize quality over quantity. It took a while to lay the ground work for this luxury concept. We are not running a factory; we are making a difference in the lives of every single guest who walks through the door. This is a lifestyle choice for me, and I am proud to be a part of The Woodhouse Brand.
What traits do the most successful franchisees possess?

What traits do the most successful franchisees possess?

The Woodhouse concept requires an owner who is interested in people, not just making money. The most successful franchisees put their heart into it.
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Erica Miller

Lubbock & Austin, Texas
Woodhouse Spa Owner since 2008
What was your background before owning a Woodhouse Day Spa?

What was your background before owning a Woodhouse Day Spa?

Prior to owning a Woodhouse, I was a regional marketing director for USA Health Networks. I was going back to school for Business Management when my best friend had her bachelorette party at The Woodhouse in Austin. After that, I started going to The Woodhouse on a monthly basis getting facials and preparing for my wedding. I loved how rejuvenated I felt, and how much stress I let go of. I had been to other spas and not had the same experience, so that set The Woodhouse apart for me. School wasn’t really working for me, and I was looking for options. I called the home office, and then met Jeni and the whole team.
How was your Discovery process?

How was your Discovery process?

The Join the Family Day was very informative. I met with each individual on the home team from purchasing to protocol and product knowledge. Everything was supported by research. I connected with Jeni. I trusted her and believed in the business model. Because I had never previously owned my own business before their support was crucial. After Discovery Day, I was all in. I knew that the first year would require determination, but with that and the help of home team, I had the resources I needed to be successful. I signed the franchise agreement one month later.
What do you love about owning a Woodhouse Day Spa?

What do you love about owning a Woodhouse Day Spa?

I am able to live the kind of lifestyle that I wanted, and that’s different for everybody. I wanted to be a business owner so that I could spend more time with my small children. Granted, I worked a lot more the first year but now I can do the things that I want to do and I’m not tied down. I’m able to have family quality time and balance it with work. It takes time to get there. It’s not overnight. but you get there. I also give back to the community a lot. We host several events per year for the military and teachers, and other people within community. If we didn’t own the spa I wouldn’t have that opportunity.
When considering owning a Woodhouse Day Spa, did you have any initial hesitations?

When considering owning a Woodhouse Day Spa, did you have any initial hesitations?

We opened in October of 2008 right before the banks crashed, and the economy wasn’t doing well. In spite of that, I believed that people would come and then become repeat guests. Even though we opened at that time, we were almost profitable in 2008. I knew if we could overcome that, we were onto something big.
What is it like working with the home team?

What is it like working with the home team?

The home team is always available; even if you call after hours you can reach someone. You can talk to Paul about marketing ideas, email blasts, and events. Lynda can explain why protocol is why the way it is so that our guests receive the best service possible. They’re available to support with whatever I need from computer systems to operational issues. The Woodhouse is a strong brand, and Jeni always has the franchisees' best interests at heart. She is always thinking about us a whole, and keeps us ahead of the game. You don’t get that with a lot of other franchises.
What are you plans for growth? What do you see for the future of WDS?

What are you plans for growth? What do you see for the future of WDS?

We opened a second location in Midland, and have acquired the Austin location. Our brand is growing so fast, and it’s very exciting to be a apart of it before it really explodes. We are going to be a major national brand.
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Tina Lovelace

Denver & Littleton, Colorado
Woodhouse Spa Owner since 2004
What was your background before owning a Woodhouse Day Spa?

What was your background before owning a Woodhouse Day Spa?

Before owning a Woodhouse Day Spa, I was a sales representative in the employee benefits industry for 17 years. I loved my job and the people I worked with however I dreamed of owning my own day spa. Over the years I collected my ideas of what my dream spa would looked like.
How did you hear about The Woodhouse?

How did you hear about The Woodhouse?

I found The Woodhouse on the internet. I immediately connected with Jeni and her family and wanted to be a part of the brand. Since I didn’t come from spa background, I knew needed the support of the franchise system.
How was your Discovery process?

How was your Discovery process?

Join the Family Day was warm and welcoming and felt like a family. To walk away from a job you love, it had to feel right. Meeting the Woodhouse Team gave me a level of trust that I needed. It was the beginning of a new adventure.
What is it like to work with the home team?

What is it like to work with the home team?

I opened my first Woodhouse Day Spa on December 4, 2004. The Home Team is just that a “TEAM”. Woodhouse gives you the tools to launch a successful day spa but also gives you great people to support you when you need it. After 12 years from opening my original spa, I launched my 2nd Woodhouse. I’m amazed by how much The Woodhouse franchise has learned and streamlined the process for new franchisees.
What is the franchisee culture like?

What is the franchisee culture like?

Every year we have an annual conference which is called a reunion. Our annual reunion creates a supportive franchisee culture. It gives us an opportunity to bond and develop solid relationships. The franchisees are a resource for each other. When you join The Woodhouse Day Spa it means joining an amazing group of like-minded individuals.
What do you love about owning a Woodhouse Day Spa?

What do you love about owning a Woodhouse Day Spa?

I love the sense of pride in ownership. I now own multiple spas and employ 100+ people. Opening any new business is hard. But it’s true that you get out of it what you put into it. The first couple of years were a lot of hard work. I can say I always believed we could do it. But in my wildest dreams I would have never thought we’d be what we are today. I’m now a Regional Developer for the Franchise and help support other franchisees who are ready to take the challenge of opening their own day spa.
Of all of the support that The Woodhouse provides to the franchisees, which do you feel is the most impactful for you?

Of all of the support that The Woodhouse provides to the franchisees, which do you feel is the most impactful for you?

The franchise has grown significantly in terms of knowledge and technology since I’ve joined. They’ve made huge strides since I began in 2004. Our website is phenomenal. Technology still continues to be a priority. Most importantly, The Woodhouse recognizes their franchisees are one of the most valuable assets. Ideas, feedback and what our future holds is a collaboration of the franchisees and our Home Team.
What are you plans for growth? What do you see for the future of The Woodhouse Day Spa®?

What are you plans for growth? What do you see for the future of The Woodhouse Day Spa®?

I see The Woodhouse Day Spa continuing to explore new technology, new cutting edge products and equipment while differentiating from other day spas. We believe our guest deserve a luxury spa experience while receiving results oriented treatments.
What traits do the most successful franchisees possess?

What traits do the most successful franchisees possess?

The most successful franchisees are those that fully commit themselves to their businesses. You need to have what I call the 3 D’s: DEDICATION, DETERMINATION and DESIRE.
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