Michele Henry, founder of Face Foundrie franchise, reveals their formula for success.

Michelle touches on fear and overcoming challenges, especially in the context of taking the leap into entrepreneurship and avoiding analysis paralysis when starting a business. She emphasizes that starting is the hardest part and that many people hesitate out of fear of failure.

Michele Henry's 10 Close The Deal Mindset Success Quotes:

1. "The biggest challenge in business is actually starting. Overcoming analysis paralysis is the first step to success."
2. "Entrepreneurship is about taking the leap, even when you don’t have everything figured out."
3. "Mentorship and guidance are crucial—learning from those who’ve been there saves you time and heartache."
4. "Surround yourself with strong people who complement your weaknesses. Success is a team effort."
5. "Being an entrepreneur means eating, sleeping, and breathing your business—it becomes part of who you are."
6. "Every setback teaches you something. Learn from both what to do and what not to do."
7. "A business is only as strong as its culture. Make sure you’re building something you believe in."
8. "There’s no perfect moment to start—just start and adjust along the way."
9. "Business is about solving problems. If you’re facing a challenge, chances are others are too—find the solution and own it."
10.  "Success is about consistency. Even after years in business, we’re still learning, growing, and evolving."

In this episode of Your First Franchise, host Ewell Smith interviews Michele Henry, founder of Face Foundrie. Michele shares her entrepreneurial journey, starting from her first business in fashion retail to building a successful beauty franchise. She discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of mentorship, and the factors that make Face Foundrie a compelling investment opportunity.

Michele Henry’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Michele Henry's entrepreneurial journey began right out of college, inspired by her family's business in pool construction. Growing up in an entrepreneurial household gave her firsthand exposure to business operations, problem-solving, and the perseverance required to succeed.

Her first business, Primp, was a women's clothing boutique with an innovative pricing model where everything was under $100. Launched in 2010 with just $8,000 from each co-founder, Primp quickly gained traction, selling out of inventory within hours of opening. Over eight years, the company grew to generate $25 million in sales, serving over a million women.

After selling her share of Primp, Michele wasted no time in launching her next venture. Within minutes of selling her first business, she signed the lease for what would become Face Foundrie.

The Birth of Face Foundrie

Michele launched Face Foundrie in response to a personal challenge—dealing with hormonal acne after having her third child. She found that traditional spa services were expensive and had limited hours, making it difficult for busy individuals to access quality skincare treatments.

Face Foundrie was created as an accessible, modern alternative offering high-quality facial services, brow and lash treatments, and skincare products at an approachable price point. The brand was designed to be gender-neutral and welcoming to all customers, with a clean, inviting aesthetic and a signature scent that enhances the client experience.

The Face Foundrie Experience

Upon entering a Face Foundrie location, customers are greeted with a welcoming atmosphere, a signature scent, and a staff dedicated to excellent service. The business offers:

·       Focused facials (40-minute treatments tailored to different skin needs)

·       Advanced facials for more intensive skincare treatments

·       Brow services including shaping and tinting

·       Lash lift and tint services

·       A range of skincare products that complement the treatments

With a high-end feel but accessible pricing, Face Foundrie provides a luxurious yet affordable skincare experience, filling a gap in the market for professional, non-medical facial treatments.

Franchise Investment & Business Model

Michele explains that Face Foundrie’s franchise model is ideal for owner-operators who want to be actively involved in their business. While franchisees don’t need a background in aesthetics, they should be engaged community members who understand local marketing opportunities.

The investment details include:

·       Initial investment range: $334,000 - $670,000

·       Retail footprint: 1,200 - 2,000 square feet (ideal size: 1,500 sq. ft.)

·       Average Unit Volume (AUV): $852,000 for stores open 12+ months

Unlike some franchise opportunities that allow absentee ownership, Face Foundrie thrives with hands-on owners who can build strong community relationships and drive local engagement.

The Power of Branding & Marketing Support

Face Foundrie provides robust marketing support for its franchisees, leveraging a multi-pronged approach that includes social media, local partnerships, and digital marketing. The company’s in-house creative team helps franchisees maintain brand consistency by providing marketing collateral, graphics, and social media assets.

Michele highlights that franchisees receive hands-on support, ensuring that they can effectively promote their business without having a background in marketing.

Growth & Expansion Strategy

Since its launch in 2019, Face Foundrie has experienced rapid growth. The franchise started franchising in 2021 after refining its business model and processes. Currently, the company has 55 locations open, with plans to reach 80 by the end of the year and 150 by 2027.

Many franchisees are multi-unit owners, further demonstrating the success and scalability of the business. The brand strategically places locations near complementary businesses such as health-conscious restaurants (e.g., Sweetgreen) and fitness or wellness-focused retailers (e.g., Lululemon).

The Ideal Franchisee

Michele emphasizes that selecting the right franchisees is crucial for the brand’s long-term success. The ideal candidate is:

• Passionate about the beauty and wellness industry
• An engaged community member who can build strong local relationships
• Not necessarily an esthetician but someone willing to lead a team of professionals
• ·Committed to following Face Foundrie’s systems and best practices

The company also encourages prospective franchisees to speak with existing owners, attend discovery days, and thoroughly review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to ensure alignment with their goals and expectations.

Advice for Prospective Franchisees

Michele offers valuable advice to those considering franchise ownership, regardless of the brand:

1.     Understand the Franchisee-Franchisor Relationship: A franchise is a long-term commitment, much like a business partnership or marriage.

2.     Do Your Homework: Review the FDD carefully, ask questions, and ensure you understand the financials and operational expectations.

3.     Speak with Existing Franchisees: Learning from current owners will provide insight into the day-to-day operations and overall business experience.

4.     Find the Right Cultural Fit: It’s not just about financials—it’s about joining a community and brand that aligns with your values and interests.

Conclusion

Face Foundrie is an exciting franchise opportunity in the beauty and wellness industry, offering a scalable, high-demand service with strong unit-level economics. With continued growth, a dedicated support system, and a commitment to community engagement, Face Foundrie presents a compelling investment for entrepreneurs looking to enter the franchise space.

For more information on Face Foundrie or to explore franchise opportunities, visit YourFirstFranchise.com. Interested individuals can also receive a free copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap, a book written by Ewell Smith to help aspiring franchisees navigate the industry.

Final Thoughts



As Michele and Ewell wrap up the conversation, they discuss the possibility of bringing Face Foundrie to New Orleans. With its proven success, growing national presence, and ongoing innovation in skincare services, Face Foundrie is poised for continued expansion, making it an attractive opportunity for motivated franchisees.