MiniLuxe Nails It with Money Making Franchise Program

BOSTON, Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MiniLuxe, the pioneer in ultra-hygienic nail and waxing lounges, announced it will expand its concept nationally through a franchise program with plans to open up to 15 new locations throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic by the end of 2011.  The management and investors behind the concept includes: the former Chairman of UBS Financial Services and the Homeland Security Advisory Council, the former President of McDonald's Business Development and Managing Director of McDonald's Ventures, a World Economic Forum Global Leader and the former CEO of The Thomson Corporation.  These are just some of the individuals behind MiniLuxe who have come together to develop and announce one of the most exciting franchise launches in recent years.

With upwards of $6 billion in revenue in play, it was clear that someone would make a "Starbucks-like" grab for the highly fragmented and recession-resistant nail industry.  When asked how his team of high powered executives found themselves in the "mom and pop" world of nail salons, Tony Tjan, Chairman of MiniLuxe and General Partner of The Cue Ball Group (MiniLuxe's founding firm), explained, "We challenged the team to come up with a breakthrough franchise concept that could create a new brand standard, grow quickly, and be resistant to economic market cycles.  After months of analysis by some of the best minds in the country, the only project still standing was MiniLuxe."

The first store opened in Newton Center, Massachusetts in mid-2007.  Since then, MiniLuxe has opened a new location each year, including one on Boston's trendy Newbury Street and one in the upscale community of Lexington, Massachusetts.  The MiniLuxe brand thrives on a number of factors, one of the most important being the chain's dedication to hygiene.  To ensure the MiniLuxe concept was solid and the services were industry-leading, the company assembled a special group of advisors that spans from top podiatrist Dr. Carolyn Siegal to renowned physician Dr. Mehmet Oz to top beauty editors.  Every store features a clean lab equipped with hospital grade autoclaves and supporting sterilization equipment.  "In survey after survey prior to our initial launch, cleanliness and service surfaced as the two most important things for our customers. With both a podiatrist and a physician on our advisory staff, our practices are already reshaping the industry," notes Laura Bronner, Senior Vice President.

Early feedback from potential MiniLuxe franchise owners highlights the quality business model and advantageous timing of the launch. Would-be affiliates with diverse backgrounds express they are looking for a business that works when times are good or bad.  "One of the reasons we chose the nail salon model is the recession-resistant nature of this business," says Jill Kravetz, Founder and active Advisor and Shareholder of MiniLuxe.  "In the minds of most women, massages and facials are luxuries, while nails and hair represent beauty maintenance necessities, or 'mini-luxuries'."

"It's an exciting year ahead for us," says Kevin Wilson, Senior Managing Director of Envest (a leading venture capital firm with deep franchising experience) and a MiniLuxe investor.  "The early franchisees will have the advantage of starting up quickly and capitalizing on MiniLuxe's proven business concept while also helping to shape the company for years to come.  This is a company that is filling a large void in the nail salon business and, in a few years, I expect to see our stores all over the country."

For more information visit www.miniluxe.com/franchise.  Press kit and high-res images available upon request.

SOURCE MiniLuxe