Miranda Cullen found a way to turn a profit on time billing. Now, she’s ready to franchise

The article details the entrepreneurial journey of Alli Webb, co-founder of Drybar, and her new venture, Squeeze, a massage studio chain, alongside co-founder Brittany Driscoll. Drybar, launched in 2010 with Michael Landau and Webb's then-husband Cameron, disrupted the beauty industry by focusing solely on blow-drys, growing into a $100 million national franchise with over 3,000 stylists. Webb, initially a curly-haired woman who understood the struggle of home blow-drying, recognized a market gap for a simplified salon experience. Driscoll's marketing expertise further propelled Drybar's success, establishing it as a dominant chain across the US. Now, the same entrepreneurial team is tackling the massage industry with Squeeze, aiming to revolutionize the massage experience similar to how Drybar transformed blow-dry services. Unlike Drybar, which primarily catered to women, Squeeze targets a broader demographic, appealing to anyone seeking an improved massage experience. Driscoll highlights that while national massage chains exist, the current experience is often "clunky" with difficult appointment scheduling, indicating a significant opportunity for enhancement through a streamlined approach. Squeeze offers massages ranging from $29 to $129, including shorter, targeted sessions. A key differentiator of the Squeeze model is its fully digital platform. Customers can book appointments online, select their preferred therapist, and customize their room settings (temperature, lighting, music) in advance. Payments, including tips, are handled entirely through a mobile device, eliminating the need for queues after a relaxing massage. This digital integration aims to create a seamless and consistently pleasant experience, regardless of the therapist. The flagship Squeeze location in Studio City, opened in 2019, features a distinctive teal blue branding and a spa-like atmosphere, complemented by its automated, digital system. Following Drybar's successful franchise model, Squeeze will also adopt franchising to facilitate rapid national expansion. Driscoll is confident in the demand for a better massage experience and the backend technology developed to support quick growth. Squeeze's headquarters will be in Nashville, Tennessee, a departure from Drybar's Los Angeles base. Webb notes that Squeeze's concept is even simpler to convey to consumers than Drybar's: it offers a superior version of an existing and popular activity—getting a massage. Given the increasing emphasis on wellness among Millennials, massages are seen as a enduring trend. Beyond business, the co-founders integrated philanthropy into Squeeze's mission from the outset. As animal lovers, they sought a meaningful way to give back, inspired by the vital role of service animals. Rather than unconventional ideas like "goat yoga," they opted for a direct impact: each Squeeze membership sold results in a donation to Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit that provides service dogs to individuals with disabilities without charge. Webb encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take action and build their foundation, advising them to hire experts later once the core business is established. #Entrepreneurship #Drybar #SqueezeMassage #FranchiseModel #WellnessIndustry #DigitalInnovation #FemaleFounders #SmallBusiness #Philanthropy

The article introduces Alli Webb, the founder of the successful blowout salon chain Drybar, and her latest venture, Becket and Quill, a jewelry line. This interview, part of a 'Female Founder Friday' series, delves into Webb's entrepreneurial journey, her motivations for venturing into the jewelry business, and the lessons she has learned throughout her career. Webb discusses the unexpected origins of Becket and Quill, which began when she discovered the designs of Meredith Quill through a friend and was impressed by the quality and affordability of the jewelry. She proactively reached out to Quill and partnered with her to develop the brand, focusing on aspects like naming, website development, public relations, and packaging to elevate the new business. A key differentiator for Becket and Quill, as highlighted by Webb, is its use of gold fill over gold plated materials. She explains that gold fill contains significantly more layers of gold than gold plating, making it more durable, resistant to tarnishing, and virtually indistinguishable from solid gold in appearance, all while being a fraction of the cost. This allows customers to purchase high-quality, fashionable jewelry at accessible price points, enabling them to change their pieces more frequently without guilt. Webb, who personally enjoys wearing a variety of jewelry, appreciates this aspect, noting that a white sapphire in a disc necklace can effectively mimic a diamond, offering both quality and affordability. Reflecting on the future of Becket and Quill, Webb compares its nascent stage to the early days of Drybar. She admits that when she started Drybar, her initial ambition was modest, envisioning it as a single local shop to support her family while allowing her to be present for her children. The rapid growth of Drybar into an empire was an unforeseen development. She expresses similar excitement and anticipation for Becket and Quill, noting the enjoyment she derives from watching new orders come in, reminiscent of the early, exhilarating phase of building Drybar. Webb also shares valuable insights into her entrepreneurial journey, specifically emphasizing the importance of self-confidence. She recounts feeling intimidated in the early stages of Drybar, particularly in board meetings with highly educated investors, due to her background as a hairstylist and lack of a college degree. She initially hesitated to voice her opinions or ask questions, fearing judgment. Over time, and with increasing experience and success, she gained the confidence to assert herself, admit when she didn't know something, and recognize her own intelligence and contributions. She wishes she had developed this self-assurance earlier in her career. Finally, Webb discusses female entrepreneurs who have inspired her. While she initially lacked visible female business leaders as role models beyond her hardworking mother, she later found inspiration in figures like Candace Nelson (Sprinkles), Diane Von Furstenberg, and Sarah Blakely (Spanx). She now actively seeks to be a role model herself, readily engaging with students interested in entrepreneurship. Currently, she admires Sarah Gibson Tuttle of Olive and June, particularly for Tuttle's agile response to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, where she successfully pivoted her salon business to selling at-home nail kits and tutorials, ultimately launching in Target and achieving significant growth. This highlights the adaptability and innovation characteristic of successful female founders in the contemporary business landscape. #AlliWebb #Drybar #BecketAndQuill #FemaleFounder #Entrepreneurship #JewelryBusiness #GoldFill #BusinessGrowth #SelfConfidence

Cynthia Maxwell, a serial entrepreneur with a diverse background in real estate, fashion, communications, construction, fitness, and staffing, has become one of the newest franchisees of Drybar, a rapidly expanding blow-out salon franchise with over 140 locations. Maxwell's entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 20 as a single mother of two, selling purses and jewelry from her car. By 27, she had accumulated a real estate portfolio worth over $10 million. Her decision to venture into the beauty industry with Drybar follows her success with two independently owned hair salons in McAllen, Texas, 'The Blow Bar' and 'By Maxwell Salon,' which have consistently received 'Best Salon' and 'Hall of Fame Service' awards. Maxwell's initial exposure to the blow-out salon concept occurred during a trip to Canada, where she visited a local blow bar and was impressed by the service. Later, during a visit to Los Angeles, she experienced Drybar firsthand and was captivated by its atmosphere and overall experience. This positive encounter led her to contact Drybar directly, expressing her interest in bringing the brand to South Texas. Her primary motivation for franchising with Drybar stemmed from the brand's established system, which allows her to focus on growth and operations rather than reinventing a business model. Maxwell values the community aspect of franchising, seeing it as a supportive family environment that fosters mutual growth and career opportunities for individuals in the beauty sector. When conducting her research into franchising, Maxwell emphasized the importance of due diligence, recommending that potential franchisees thoroughly investigate the brand and engage with existing franchisees. She advises choosing a brand with a robust system and a strong cultural fit, highlighting that entering a franchise is akin to forming a long-term relationship that requires open communication, passion, and confidence in the brand. Maxwell's future aspirations include becoming a multi-unit developer in franchising, driven by her passion for building and developing strong teams. In her personal time, Maxwell enjoys traveling with her husband and visiting her adult children across Texas. She has also embraced Peloton workouts and engages in friendly fitness competitions with her eldest daughter using Apple Watches. The article also provides a brief overview of Drybar, noting its origin in 2010 by Alli Webb and its expansion beyond traditional hair salons to offer an experience that enhances confidence. Drybar's product line, designed for the perfect blowout, is sold in its franchise locations and through major retailers such as Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta, and Macy’s, as well as online. #CynthiaMaxwell #DrybarFranchise #SalonFranchise #Entrepreneurship #FranchiseeSpotlight #SanAntonioBusiness #BeautyIndustry #FranchisingTips

This article features an interview with Jennifer Matthews and Julia Au, twin sisters and co-founders of Tempaper, the first removable wallpaper company. The interview highlights their journey in establishing and growing their business, particularly focusing on their innovative approach to wallpaper during a challenging economic period. They launched Tempaper in 2008 amidst the recession when traditional wallpaper was out of favor, perceived as expensive, labor-intensive, and dated. Despite these market conditions, their strong belief in the potential of removable wallpaper and their enthusiastic presentation garnered early support, as exemplified by their first major account, Janovic in NYC. The co-founders, Jennifer (Creative Director) and Julia (CEO), have strategically built the Tempaper brand by releasing original collections that reflect their distinctive style. They have also engaged in successful collaborations with prominent industry influencers and brands, including Bobby Berk, Genevieve Gorder, The Novogratz, goop, and Zoe Bios Creative. These partnerships have significantly expanded Tempaper's market reach and enhanced its brand recognition within the design community. Jennifer and Julia bring substantial business acumen to Tempaper, having managed multi-million dollar budgets and forecasts for various domestic and international clients prior to founding their company. This experience has been instrumental in overseeing Tempaper's extensive business operations. Under their leadership, Tempaper has achieved an impressive annual revenue growth rate of 34% and has substantially broadened its market presence. To date, the company has shipped approximately 75 million square feet of removable wallpaper, effectively transforming millions of white walls. Tempaper's success is attributed to its ability to offer a modern and convenient solution for design enthusiasts. In a market where consumer tastes are rapidly evolving and design trends change with increasing frequency, removable wallpaper provides an accessible and flexible option for home decoration. The company addresses the need for easy and temporary decor changes, allowing individuals to update their living spaces without the commitment or labor associated with traditional wallpaper. The sisters' entrepreneurial spirit, combined with their understanding of market demands, has positioned Tempaper as a pioneering and successful brand in the home decor industry, proving that innovation and conviction can overcome initial market skepticism and economic downturns. #Startup #SHeroes #WomenInBusiness #HomeDecor #Entrepreneur

Madison Taylor, founder of Madison Taylor Interior Design, developed an early interest in design, textiles, and visual order, influenced by her mother's work as a decorator. Her initial professional experiences in the service industry, starting at age 14, instilled in her a strong work ethic and an understanding of creating positive customer experiences. Despite the demanding nature of hospitality, these roles shaped her perspective on making efforts appear seamless for others. Eventually, the rigorous demands of the hospitality sector led Taylor to seek a different career path that would allow her to leverage her creativity and achieve better work-life balance. This search culminated in an 'aha moment' where she recognized the potential to combine her passion for creating spaces with her service industry background, specifically focusing on restaurant design. She pursued formal education in interior design, winning a scholarship for a restaurant design project, and subsequently worked for several prominent brands in hospitality design. However, the extensive daily commute from Barrie to Toronto, often lasting five hours, eventually overshadowed the professional fulfillment of her role. This logistical challenge prompted her to consider a new direction. With encouragement from her entrepreneurial husband, she made the bold decision to leave her corporate job in 2008 and establish her own business, Madison Taylor Interior Design. The transition was initially daunting for Taylor, who was accustomed to a traditional employment structure. To build a solid foundation for her new venture, Taylor enrolled in a government-sponsored business preparation course. This program proved invaluable, providing her with the knowledge and tools to develop business plans and marketing strategies, breaking down the complex process of entrepreneurship into manageable steps. Following this, she actively engaged in networking, initially finding it challenging despite her previous experience interacting with people in the service industry. Her persistent efforts led to the gradual expansion of her Barrie-based studio, growing from a sole proprietorship to a team of four, and eventually a dozen employees. A critical factor in this growth was the development of trusted relationships, including with a Commercial Relationship Manager at TD. This manager supported her vision, connected her with the TD Women in Enterprise initiative, and assisted her in securing financing for a significant business expansion: a 12,000-square-foot commercial hub that now features a showroom and café, showcasing her comprehensive design work. As her client base continued to grow, Taylor identified an opportunity to enhance her business model. She restructured the company to offer a more integrated approach, encompassing architecture, interior design, landscaping, and construction management, providing clients with a seamless end-to-end experience. This strategic shift proved successful, leading to further expansion and a team of over 30 employees. Throughout her 17-year entrepreneurial journey, Taylor has emphasized the importance of adaptability, open communication, and sustainable growth, advising others to build strong foundations to scale their businesses effectively. She remains passionate about her work and looks forward to future endeavors. #EntrepreneurshipJourney #InteriorDesign #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #StartupChallenges #ClientRelationships #WorkLifeBalance #SustainableGrowth #DesignIndustry