2016
25
$450,000
$49,500
$1,200,000
No
Elevate Salon Institute (ESI) is redefining the future of beauty and cosmetology education in the United States. Combining the creative spirit of beauty with the precision of business education, ESI provides aspiring beauty professionals with a world-class learning experience in partnership with L’Oréal Professionnel and other top beauty brands. The institute bridges the gap between traditional beauty schools and modern salon environments, offering students an elevated education experience while empowering franchise owners to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
The Elevate Salon Institute franchise has become a leading name in the beauty education sector, offering comprehensive programs in cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, and makeup artistry. Each ESI location provides a vibrant learning atmosphere that blends high-quality instruction, hands-on training, and real-world salon experience. With its proven business model and strong partnerships, Elevate Salon Institute allows franchisees to invest in a purpose-driven business that shapes the next generation of salon professionals—while benefiting from strong financial growth and operational excellence.
Investing in the Elevate Salon Institute franchise means owning a business that thrives on creativity, education, and empowerment. The beauty industry in the U.S. continues to experience rapid growth, exceeding $70 billion annually, with consistent demand for licensed beauty professionals. ESI stands at the center of this growth—providing accredited education that meets state and industry standards while aligning with global beauty trends.
Franchise owners benefit from a recession-resistant business model and continuous enrollment opportunities, making it a stable and scalable venture. The institute’s partnership with L’Oréal Professionnel provides brand credibility, cutting-edge training resources, and marketing leverage that few competitors can match. Furthermore, ESI offers a proven framework for operational success—from curriculum development and student recruitment to accreditation guidance and facility setup.
By joining Elevate Salon Institute, you’re not just opening a beauty school—you’re launching a transformative educational institution that helps students achieve professional success while creating a profitable and sustainable business for yourself.
Elevate Salon Institute (ESI) is a nationally recognized beauty and cosmetology education franchise operating under the umbrella of The Salon Professional Education Company (SPEC) — a trusted name in the professional beauty education industry. Established in 2016, ESI was launched with the mission to transform traditional beauty school models into modern, salon-inspired learning environments that reflect the real-world standards of today’s professional salons and spas.
ESI was created by a team of industry veterans and education innovators who understood the gap between beauty school training and professional salon readiness. Through its affiliation with L’Oréal Professionnel and SPEC’s deep roots in education and franchising, Elevate Salon Institute brings a fresh, upscale, and business-oriented approach to cosmetology, esthetics, and barbering education.
SPEC, the parent franchisor, is known for developing and managing multiple beauty education brands, including The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) and Spa Pro Academy (SPA). Franchisees who partner with SPEC have the option to operate under one of these recognized brand names, with Elevate Salon Institute positioned as a premium, modern, and design-forward franchise model for metropolitan and suburban markets.
Today, Elevate Salon Institute has 25+ locations across the United States, with schools in key markets such as Florida, Texas, Michigan, Washington, and North Carolina. Each institute is privately owned and operated by franchisees, supported by SPEC’s comprehensive training, operational systems, and compliance framework.
The brand’s strength lies in its dual purpose — providing profitable opportunities for franchise investors while helping shape the next generation of beauty professionals. ESI’s education model is designed to meet Department of Education and state board accreditation standards, ensuring every graduate leaves with both technical excellence and business acumen.
By merging luxury salon aesthetics with accredited educational excellence, Elevate Salon Institute has become one of the fastest-growing beauty education franchises in the U.S. Its strong industry partnerships, innovative training environment, and solid franchise infrastructure make it a top choice for entrepreneurs seeking a purpose-driven business with long-term scalability.
Elevate Salon Institute offers unmatched franchisee support at every stage of business ownership. From the moment you sign your franchise agreement, ESI’s corporate team provides comprehensive assistance to ensure you’re fully equipped to launch and operate your institute successfully.
Pre-Launch Support:
Site Selection Assistance – Guidance in choosing the right location with high visibility and accessibility.
Accreditation Process Support – Help with navigating complex licensing and accreditation requirements.
Facility Design & Setup – Layout design aligned with the ESI brand standards and salon-grade aesthetics.
Staff Hiring & Onboarding – Recruiting qualified educators, admissions counselors, and operations staff.
Operational & Marketing Training:
Initial Franchise Training – Intensive training covering operations, curriculum management, compliance, and finance.
Marketing & Enrollment Strategies – Turnkey digital marketing campaigns, social media toolkits, and lead conversion training.
Brand Partnership Support – Access to exclusive L’Oréal Professionnel training modules and promotional opportunities.
Ongoing Field Support – Regular check-ins, performance analysis, and continuous education for staff and franchisees.
Ongoing Support:
Franchisees receive continual support through performance coaching, marketing refreshes, operational audits, and student recruitment best practices—ensuring consistent profitability and brand growth.
The Elevate Salon Institute franchise is ideal for entrepreneurs who are passionate about beauty, education, and community development. While a background in cosmetology or education is beneficial, it is not mandatory. ESI’s comprehensive training and support make it accessible for investors from diverse professional backgrounds.
Ideal Candidates:
Entrepreneurs or investors looking for a purpose-driven business with a strong ROI potential.
Beauty industry professionals seeking to expand their careers into ownership.
Educational leaders passionate about helping students achieve financial independence through skills training.
Individuals with strong management, marketing, and leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Minimum liquid capital of $150,000–$200,000.
Total net worth of $500,000 or more.
Commitment to full-time or semi-absentee ownership.
Desire to contribute positively to the beauty and education landscape in their community.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the estimated investment and financial structure for owning and operating an Elevate Salon Institute franchise in the United States. These figures are based on data disclosed in the SPEC (The Salon Professional Education Company) 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and industry averages. Actual costs may vary depending on location, facility size, and local market conditions.
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $49,500 | Paid upfront to SPEC for the rights to operate under the Elevate Salon Institute brand. |
| Total Initial Investment | $450,000 – $1,200,000 | Includes all costs to establish and launch your ESI campus. |
| Leasehold Improvements | $150,000 – $400,000 | Buildout of the facility to meet ESI’s modern salon-inspired design standards. |
| Equipment & Furnishings | $80,000 – $150,000 | Includes salon stations, classroom furniture, retail fixtures, and office equipment. |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $15,000 – $30,000 | Professional salon tools, haircare products, and student kits. |
| Accreditation, Licensing & Legal Fees | $20,000 – $50,000 | Covers state board licensing, accreditation filing, and regulatory approvals. |
| Technology & Software | $10,000 – $20,000 | Student management systems, online learning tools, and POS setup. |
| Marketing & Pre-Launch Advertising | $25,000 – $50,000 | Digital marketing, social media, local promotions, and student enrollment campaigns. |
| Training & Travel Expenses | $5,000 – $10,000 | Initial training for franchise owners and staff at ESI headquarters or designated sites. |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $50,000 – $100,000 | Cash reserves to cover payroll, rent, and operations during the initial ramp-up phase. |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross revenue | Ongoing fee for continued use of the brand, operational support, and system updates. |
| National Marketing Fund | 2% of gross revenue | Contributes to brand-wide marketing, advertising, and promotional campaigns. |
| Average Enrollment Size | 100–300 students annually | Depending on program offerings and facility size. |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% annually | Based on mature franchise performance and student enrollment rates. |
| Break-Even Period | 18 – 36 months | Estimated timeframe to reach profitability. |
| Franchise Term | 10 years (renewable) | Standard franchise agreement term with renewal options. |
| Current Franchise Units | 25+ across the USA | Expanding in both metropolitan and suburban regions. |
