DENVER, Colo. (February 22, 2024) – The International Franchise Association (IFA) has named four franchise owners from the Amazing Lash Studio®, Drybar®, Elements Massage® and Radiant Waxing® brands as Franchisees of the Year. They were honored at the 64th IFA Annual Convention in Phoenix for being outstanding franchise establishment owner-operators.
The winners include Teresa Hatter, the franchise owner of six Radiant Waxing salons in Utah; Mike Davis, who owns six Elements Massage studios in the Pacific Northwest; Bryan Frnka, who owns/operates seven Amazing Lash Studios in Texas; and Anne Evers, who owns eight Drybar shops in Texas and Minnesota.
The four brands are part of the WellBiz Brands Inc. portfolio of franchise brands. WellBiz Brands is the pre-eminent beauty and wellness franchise platform, with nearly 1,000 franchised locations open globally and more than 300 in development. WellBiz Brands’ portfolio includes the Amazing Lash Studio®, Drybar®, Elements Massage®, Fitness Together® and Radiant Waxing® brands.
“Teresa, Anne, Bryan and Mike are amazing franchisees within the WellBiz Brands portfolio,” WellBiz Brands CEO Jeremy Morgan said. “They are great examples of owners who focus on providing customers with world-class beauty and wellness experiences around the country. We are thrilled they were recognized by IFA for their accomplishments.”
Teresa Hatter opened her Park City, Utah, Radiant Waxing salon in 2014. After Park City, she opened five more salons in a seven-year span. More than growing the business, Hatter loved the connection she and her husband made with the employees in their salons and the culture they built together. She sits on the Franchise Advisory Council and is generous in sharing her knowledge of franchising with other owners who seek to grow their businesses.
Mike Davis, who opened his first Elements Massage studio in 2011, now owns six Elements Massage studios in the Pacific Northwest and has signed licensing agreements to open three Amazing Lash Studio locations in eastern Washington. In 2023, he was recognized for having the Elements Massage Top-Performing Multi-Unit Group. Last year, he and his leadership team achieved a year-over-year sales increase of 22%, providing more than 100,000 massage treatments for clients.
Bryan Frnka owns/operates seven Amazing Lash Studio locations in San Antonio, Texas. Frnka’s studios are consistently among the brand’s top performers. Winner of the brand’s Trailblazer Award in 2019, he has been named Amazing Lash Studio Franchisee of the Year three times and in 2023 was recognized as the brand’s Top Performing Multi-Unit Group. He also has been named a Multi-Unit Franchisee MVP by Multi-Unit Franchisee magazine and serves as president of the Franchise Advisory Council.
Anne Evers switched careers in 2014 to begin franchising. She now owns seven Drybar shops in Texas and is in a partnership in an eighth Drybar shop in Minnesota. Last year, she had the highest service provider retention rate for the Drybar system. She is on the Franchise Advisory Council for the Drybar brand and prioritizes mentoring other owners.
The Franchisee of the Year Award recognizes leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their franchisor company, individuals are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.
About WellBiz Brands Inc.:
WellBiz Brands Inc. is the pre-eminent beauty and wellness franchise platform catering to the needs of the affluent female consumer. The WellBiz Brands’ portfolio features category leaders including Drybar®, Amazing Lash Studio®, Radiant Waxing®, Elements Massage® and Fitness Together®. The company’s cross-brand digital marketing program drives effective member acquisition strategies, creating a world-class membership ecosystem. WellBizONE™ system, a proprietary technology platform, enhances studio operations for franchisees, fueling member engagement and retention. With expertise in supply chain management, e-commerce and product innovation, WellBiz Brands provides franchisees with a leading edge. The company has received national recognition on lists such as the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies, Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and Franchise Times Fast & Serious, among others. For more information, visit WellBizBrands.com.
