Massage Franchise Focuses on Health and Wellness

Founded in 2007, LaVida Massage was conceived by John Hoose, an entrepreneur with a keen eye for business trends that saw an opportunity to develop a business in the booming health and wellness industry. Hoose created an affordable, gender-neutral and convenient massage center concept that focuses on massage's contribution to good health. LaVida Massage gets its name from a Spanish phrase meaning "The Life", but it might be more appropriate, given the success with which this innovative franchise elegantly incorporates massage, health and wellness into an appealing, affordable and enjoyable experience, to refer to the LaVida Massage concept as "The Lifestyle."

LaVida Massage, which began franchising in 2007, offers a refreshingly straightforward concept that is simple, efficient and, most importantly, affordable. Locations are planned with accessibility in mind, and the average center boasts 10-12 private massage rooms with stores open seven days a week and flexible hours. The concept aims to transform the idea of massage as a luxury item to a health and wellness necessity, and works to educate clients on the benefits of therapeutic massage as an investment in their physical and mental well-being, including rejuvenating techniques and products to help clients look good and feel younger.

For its franchisees, LaVida provides what is essentially a turnkey solution for interested franchisees: in-house experts and existing relationships with builders, architects, designers and leasing agents are made available to help guide franchisees through the process and open their doors with a minimum amount of fuss and a relatively modest initial investment. LaVida Massage offers a comprehensive online system that is easy to use and enables owners to simply manage their business on or off-site. The franchise's software also simplifies communications with customers regarding news and specials and allows them to set their own appointments online.

According to Hoose, finding the right fit is most important when searching for a franchise. "Potential franchisees need not be massage experts, but they should find value in the services LaVida provides. Most importantly, a potential franchisee's business philosophy should coincide with LaVida's," explained Hoose. LaVida looks for franchise candidates that have an entrepreneurial spirit, believe in the concept and are willing to learn.

LaVida contributes much of its franchising success to a business that does not need to rely on inventory for sales. As a service-based business, franchisees can enjoy relative immunity from technology and evolving supply chain dynamics that impact other retail-oriented businesses. Additionally, the company believes the health and wellness sector will continue to boom as customers follow their desire to be happy and healthy.

LaVida Massage currently has several franchise locations across the U.S. with plans to have a presence in all 50 states as well as internationally in the coming years. "We recently signed our first Canadian franchise agreement and we feel there is a great opportunity for expansion in Canada," said Hoose. Once a site is selected, most LaVida locations can be open within 60 days.