Editor’s Note: This article was kindly shared with us by Sonal Patel, an entrepreneur with over two decades of experience and an owner of numerous franchises across North Carolina. Currently, Sonal’s portfolio includes (among other brands) Woodhouse Spa, the United States’ largest premium day spa brand with over 85 locations in the U.S.
From food to education and now the health and wellness sector, Sonal Patel’s entrepreneurial journey has been dynamic. After opening a QSR International brand in Raleigh, North Carolina, Sonal ventured into the wellness and beauty industry, opening a Woodhouse Spa in North Hills. Additionally, for the past ten years, she has owned an after-school learning center franchise.
Sonal’s success as a female franchise owner stands as a testament to the growing diversity in the franchising space. Her journey in the wellness and beauty industry and the rewards she has enjoyed from her career offer inspiration to other women aiming to get into franchising.
Exploring the Beauty Industry
What drew Sonal into the beauty industry was a combination of fascination and passion, which eventually led her to open a Woodhouse Spa. Being involved in the beauty industry has exposed her to endless innovation and business opportunities. Whether exploring new facial techniques or staying up to date on emerging skincare trends, Sonal thrives on the opportunity to expand her knowledge and expertise. For Sonal, the beauty industry is not just a profession—it is an ongoing journey of discovery, growth, and self-care.
Why Woodhouse Spa?
Sonal was initially attracted to the Woodhouse Spa brand through a friend's recommendation. After hearing about her friend’s positive experiences with the Woodhouse Spa in Walnut Creek, California, Sonal visited the Woodhouse Spa location in Charleston, which left a lasting impression. The exceptional customer service and elevated luxury experience to promote self-care stood out, sparking her interest in becoming a part of the Woodhouse Spa franchise.
After her visit, Sonal fell in love with the overall experience and concept and could envision herself being involved in providing such exceptional services to guests. Here is what she has to say about her ownership experience:
“Since opening my Woodhouse Spa in November 2022, every day feels successful. Seeing the positive response from the community and receiving overwhelming support from the Woodhouse team has been the most rewarding part of opening this business.”
Unique Challenges for Female Franchise Owners
As a female entrepreneur in the franchise industry, Sonal shared that she has navigated many unique challenges. Many franchises have been predominantly male dominated, leaving women in leadership roles feeling underrepresented. In recent years, however, and especially in sectors like beauty and wellness, there has been a noticeable surge in female representation, dominated by the rise of leaders in establishments like Woodhouse Spa. Being a successful female franchise leader requires strategic planning, unwavering determination, and the cultivation of strong networks and relationships within the industry.
Expert Tips for Aspiring Franchise Owners
As a successful female franchise owner, Sonal is excited to offer advice to those who want to follow in her footsteps:
“If you are considering owning a franchise, I highly recommend ensuring you have a genuine interest and passion for the industry you're entering. When you love what you do, it becomes a fulfilling endeavor.”
Sonal also notes that passion is not the only consideration. As a prospective franchise owner, it is crucial to conduct thorough research into the various franchise opportunities you are looking to invest in, understanding their business models, financial requirements, and growth potential. While this task might seem overwhelming, this is where a franchise coach – like the team at FranCoach – can help.
Additionally, it’s important to invest in a franchise that provides support for you and your team. As a franchisee of Woodhouse Spa, Sonal is grateful for their corporate team, which does an amazing job at guiding her through every aspect of operating the business. They provide every owner with a comprehensive system that covers all the essentials needed to run the spa and prime owners for maximum growth.
Opportunities to Give Back
Like many franchise owners, Sonal is grateful for the opportunities that owning her own business gives her in terms of supporting her local community. She is heavily involved with several community events, charities, and organizations in her area. She also holds a position as a member of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, where she helps with various initiatives aimed at fostering local business growth and economic development.
One of the charities she partners with is Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women from underprivileged backgrounds to help them thrive in work and life. Sonal hosts events with Dress for Success three to four times a year, providing coaching, resources, and business attire to women struggling to find employment or establish a career path. As an individual, Sonal might not be able to achieve this level of reach – but through her business, she can make a tangible difference in her community.
Franchise ownership is an incredible path toward independence, control, and self-sufficiency – and for many franchise owners, the opportunity to make a contribution and give back to the community is also important and gratifying.
Discover the Opportunities of Franchise Ownership
Women like Sonal Patel exemplify the growing representation and accomplishments of standout female franchise owners. While Sonal is making waves in the wellness and beauty industry, her story is just as applicable across the 70+ verticals that offer franchise opportunities. Finding the perfect franchise for YOU starts with partnering with FranCoach.
FranCoach is a national search firm dedicated to working with individuals who are interested in owning a franchise. We have partnered with over 600 of the top franchisors in the country, spanning nearly 70 industries.
When we work with clients, our number one goal is to help them find the absolute best franchise for them to own. If you are looking to start a business, build a lasting legacy, make an impact in your community, and be your own boss, franchise ownership might just be the ideal path for you.
Reach out to us to learn more about becoming a franchise owner. There is never any fee for our service, so why not take the first step today toward your better tomorrow?