2006
230
$288,000
$39,900
$562,000
No
Elements Massage is one of America’s most trusted and recognized massage therapy franchises, built around a mission of providing personalized wellness experiences that improve lives. Known for its client-focused approach and therapeutic excellence, Elements Massage delivers a premium, results-driven massage experience tailored to each guest’s individual needs. The brand stands out in the $18 billion U.S. massage and wellness industry by combining a science-backed wellness philosophy with a high standard of service, warm studio environments, and highly trained therapists.
With an established reputation and proven business model, Elements Massage empowers entrepreneurs to own a purpose-driven business that promotes physical and emotional wellbeing. Franchise owners benefit from strong brand recognition, a loyal customer base, and the backing of WellBiz Brands, Inc.—a respected leader in health and wellness franchising with a portfolio that includes leading names like Drybar® and Radiant Waxing®.
Elements Massage continues to grow nationwide, offering franchise partners a chance to join an established, scalable business that aligns profit with purpose.
Investing in an Elements Massage franchise is not just about financial success—it’s about helping others live better. The brand operates within the rapidly expanding wellness and self-care market, which continues to show strong consumer demand. Elements Massage offers franchisees the advantage of a recurring revenue model driven by membership-based services, ensuring predictable income and long-term client retention.
The franchise also boasts:
Strong brand equity backed by WellBiz Brands’ experience and resources.
Proven systems and tools for operations, marketing, and customer management.
A membership model that enhances client loyalty and ensures consistent cash flow.
Low inventory and streamlined operations, making it easy to manage even for first-time business owners.
Elements Massage was founded in 2006 in Aurora, Colorado, by Michele Merhib, a licensed massage therapist and passionate advocate for holistic wellness. Michele envisioned a place where clients could experience personalized, therapeutic massages designed to meet their specific physical and emotional needs—not just a luxury spa experience, but a results-driven wellness solution. Her goal was simple yet profound: to improve lives through the healing power of touch.
What started as a single, client-centered massage studio quickly evolved into a thriving franchise brand. Recognizing the growing demand for high-quality, affordable, and customized massage services, Elements Massage began franchising in the same year. Its unique focus on personalization, membership-based affordability, and therapist-client matching made it a standout in the booming health and wellness industry.
Today, Elements Massage operates under the WellBiz Brands, Inc. umbrella—one of the largest wellness and beauty franchise platforms in North America, which also owns recognized names like Drybar®, Radiant Waxing®, and Fitness Together®. This affiliation gives Elements Massage access to unmatched operational resources, marketing power, and technology-driven business systems that help franchisees succeed in competitive markets.
With over 230+ studios open and operating across the United States, Elements Massage has become a trusted name in the therapeutic massage space. The brand’s consistent focus on wellness, customer satisfaction, and professional excellence has earned it numerous awards, including top rankings in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 and recognition from Franchise Times for growth and innovation.
Elements Massage has built its reputation around four key pillars:
Personalized Experience: Every session is customized based on the client’s goals, pressure preference, and desired outcome.
Professional Excellence: Only certified, licensed massage therapists are employed, ensuring the highest level of care and expertise.
Membership Model: Clients enjoy affordable monthly massage services through a recurring membership system that creates consistent revenue for franchisees.
Community Connection: Each studio is locally owned and actively involved in promoting health and wellness within its community.
The brand continues to thrive as Americans increasingly prioritize self-care, stress relief, and holistic health. With a proven business model, established brand credibility, and a strong support network, Elements Massage offers franchise partners an opportunity to build a purpose-driven, profitable business that positively impacts lives—one massage at a time.
Elements Massage provides one of the most comprehensive franchise support systems in the wellness industry. Franchisees receive robust training and ongoing assistance to ensure smooth operations and long-term success.
Pre-Launch Support:
Site selection guidance and lease negotiation assistance.
Studio design and build-out support.
Access to pre-opening marketing campaigns and local PR.
Operational Support:
In-depth training on day-to-day operations, financial management, and staffing.
Access to a proprietary point-of-sale and customer management system.
Business coaching and mentorship from experienced franchise consultants.
Marketing & Branding:
National advertising campaigns across digital, social, and local channels.
Professionally designed marketing materials and social media templates.
Assistance with community outreach and local partnerships.
Ongoing Support:
Regular business reviews and performance optimization support.
Annual franchisee conferences, networking opportunities, and best-practice sharing.
Continuous updates to training modules and operational resources.
The ideal Elements Massage franchisee is someone who is passionate about health, wellness, and helping others lead better, more balanced lives. While previous experience in the spa or wellness industry can be helpful, it’s not required — Elements Massage provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to help franchisees succeed. The brand is looking for individuals who are not just investors, but hands-on leaders who want to make a positive impact in their communities while building a sustainable, profitable business.
Here’s what the perfect candidate typically looks like:
Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur: Someone who genuinely believes in the power of self-care and wellness, and wants to contribute to the physical and emotional well-being of others through a trusted brand.
Strong Leadership & People Management Skills: The ability to lead, motivate, and retain a team of massage therapists, front-desk staff, and managers while maintaining a supportive and empowering workplace culture.
Business-Minded Thinker: Franchisees should have an entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on operational excellence, financial management, and customer service. Backgrounds in business ownership, hospitality, fitness, or management are often a great fit.
Customer-Focused Personality: A strong commitment to delivering superior client experiences and maintaining the highest standards of quality and care that Elements Massage is known for.
Financial Capability: Potential franchisees should have the financial strength to cover startup costs and early-stage working capital. The brand typically looks for individuals with a minimum net worth of $350,000 and liquid assets of at least $100,000.
Community-Oriented: Ideal franchise partners understand the value of local engagement. They are active in their communities, build local partnerships, and use personalized marketing strategies to attract and retain loyal clients.
Operational Involvement: While Elements Massage can be run as a semi-absentee business, franchisees who are actively engaged — overseeing team performance, ensuring client satisfaction, and optimizing operations — often see the greatest returns.
This opportunity is well-suited for those seeking a purposeful, people-centered business that combines financial success with personal fulfillment. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced business owner looking to diversify into the wellness industry, Elements Massage offers a supportive, values-driven path to long-term growth.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the estimated financial requirements to open and operate an Elements Massage franchise in the United States. These figures are based on the brand’s current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) estimates and may vary slightly by location, studio size, and regional costs.
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $39,900 | One-time fee granting the rights to operate under the Elements Massage brand and access to proprietary systems, training, and support. |
| Total Estimated Investment | $288,000 – $562,000 | Includes all costs to open a studio, such as build-out, equipment, furnishings, and working capital. |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $100,000 | Recommended minimum available cash to cover pre-opening expenses and sustain operations during ramp-up. |
| Net Worth Requirement | $350,000 | Minimum total net worth required to qualify for franchise ownership. |
| Studio Size Requirement | 1,800 – 2,400 sq. ft. | Ideal size for a modern massage studio, balancing room capacity and comfort. |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales | Ongoing fee for continued use of the brand, operational systems, and support services. |
| National Marketing Fund Contribution | 2% of Gross Sales | Supports national and regional advertising campaigns, digital marketing, and brand awareness initiatives. |
| Local Marketing Budget | $1,000 – $2,000/month | Recommended for local advertising, community engagement, and client acquisition. |
| Leasehold Improvements | $130,000 – $250,000 | Costs for interior construction, signage, décor, and ADA compliance. |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) | $45,000 – $65,000 | Includes massage tables, reception furniture, office equipment, and fixtures. |
| Technology & Software Setup | $5,000 – $10,000 | POS systems, client management software, and operational technology setup. |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $3,000 – $6,000 | Includes massage oils, linens, uniforms, and retail wellness products. |
| Pre-Opening Training & Travel | $2,500 – $5,000 | Training for the owner and manager at Elements Massage’s headquarters. |
| Working Capital (3 Months) | $25,000 – $40,000 | Funds to cover initial payroll, rent, and operating expenses during early months. |
| Average Break-Even Point | 18 – 24 Months | Based on average performance and steady membership growth. |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% | Estimated return on investment depending on sales performance and operational efficiency. |
| Number of Franchise Units (USA) | 230+ | Established nationwide presence under the WellBiz Brands portfolio. |
| Revenue Streams | Membership fees, single session bookings, gift cards, retail product sales | Multiple recurring income sources providing stable cash flow. |
