Own a Franchise That Elevates Nail Care
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Check Out Our Numbers!
$38.8B
Global Industry Size
The Future of Nail Care
The Shade is a fully dry manicure and pedicure studio that reimagines nail care as a clean, elevated, design-forward experience. The concept was built by systematically eliminating the pain points of the traditional nail salon. Unlike salons built around soaking tubs and standing water, The Shade’s entirely waterless approach removes the single biggest source of infection, fungus, and bacteria in the category, delivering a level of hygiene clients can see and feel.
Why Should I Franchise with The Shade Franchise
Why Is the Studio Waterless?
A fully dry model supports a cleaner experience while reducing plumbing needs and simplifying studio operations.
What Makes the Guest Experience Premium?
Red-light therapy, signature lymphatic techniques, and transparent pricing create an elevated experience that stands apart.
Who Is Behind the Brand?
The team behind The Tox brings proven systems and experience scaling a national franchise brand.
Can I Open More Than One Studio?
Yes. Repeatable systems and streamlined operations support consistent execution and multi-studio growth.
Steps to Franchise Ownership
We invite you to officially start our 7-step mutual evaluation process where you will learn more about this opportunity, and we will learn more about you!
Step 1
Introductory Call
Brand history and what makes us unique.
Step 2
Unit Economics
Startup and operating expenses, reported earnings, send FDD.
Step 3
FDD Review + Q&A
FDD signed, item review, questions answered.
Step 4
Territory Mapping & Confirmation Day Agenda
Territory analysis, C-day invitation, C-day preparation.
Step 5
Confirmation Day
Meet the franchisor’s leadership team, brand approvals, and decision day call.
Step 6
Franchise Agreement Delivery
Personalized franchise agreements delivered and signed, fees transferred.
Step 7
Welcome Call
Celebrate and discuss first steps as a franchisee.
The Shade at a Glance
- Category
- Luxury nail services (manicure, pedicure, and related retail products) delivered through a proprietary, European-inspired dry technique, in a distinctive dark, minimal 'Shade Sanctuary' studio design
- Footprint
- A brand-new concept launching its very first location (a company-owned flagship in New York City, under construction, targeted to open around April 2026) with franchise sales just getting underway - genuine ground-floor timing for an early mover
- History
- The Shade Franchising Group, LLC was formed in January 2026 by Founder/CEO Courtney Yeager and COO Ryan Yeager, who also co-founded and run The Tox (a Vero Beach, FL-based franchise brand operating since 2021) - meaning The Shade's leadership team is already experienced in building and franchising a beauty/wellness brand, even though The Shade itself is new
- Business model
- A single-studio, storefront business delivering luxury nail services using The Shade Technique, plus retail products (cuticle oils, hand and foot care, tools) - built around a signature design aesthetic meant to stand out from traditional nail salons
- Initial investment
- $295,250-$482,300 total for a single studio, including a $49,500 Initial Franchise Fee
- Ongoing fees
- 8% royalty on Gross Revenue (or a $1,500/month minimum), plus a Brand Fund contribution of up to 2% (currently set at 0%, so it's not yet being collected)
- Agreement term
- 10 years, with the option to renew for 2 additional 5-year terms (up to 20 years total)
- Brand site
- theshadetechnique.com
- FDD on file
- The Shade Franchising Group, LLC FDD (issued January 26, 2026, amended March 23, 2026, revised July 3, 2026, reviewed in full for this brand)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it actually cost, line by line?
A single The Shade studio runs $295,250 to $482,300 total, covering the $49,500 franchise fee, a premium buildout and furniture package, a curated opening product inventory, Grand Opening advertising, and everything you need to open a true luxury studio experience.
Source: FDD Item 7What happens after I inquire?
You get 112 hours of hands-on and classroom training led personally by Founder and CEO Courtney Yeager, and you can be open in about 180 days.
Source: FDD Item 11Is my market available?
This is genuine ground-floor territory selection as The Shade prepares to launch its flagship New York City studio, with your own protected Territory defined around your approved location, so let's see what's available in your target market before it's spoken for.
Source: FDD Item 12Do I qualify?
Yes, no cosmetology license is required of you personally, just your commitment to lead as General Manager for your first 6 months before transitioning to Executive Model Ownership.
Source: FDD Item 15What ongoing fees do I pay (royalty % and marketing/brand fund %)?
An 8% royalty on Gross Revenue, with the Brand Fund contribution currently set at 0% so nothing extra comes out of your pocket there today.
Source: FDD Item 6Do I need prior industry experience?
No, The Shade's training program brings your team fully up to speed, backed by a leadership team with over 10 years of combined health, wellness, and beauty experience and proven franchise success building their sister brand, The Tox.
Source: FDD Item 2What training and ongoing support is provided?
112 hours of training at The Shade's NYC flagship, a detailed 174-page Operations Manual, site and advertising approval, promotional artwork, on-site opening support, and ongoing individualized assistance whenever you need it.
Source: FDD Item 11Is this Executive Model Ownership friendly?
Yes, after leading hands-on for your first 6 months, you can transition to Executive Model Ownership by appointing a General Manager to run daily operations while you stay actively involved.
Source: FDD Item 15How long is the agreement, and can it renew?
A 10-year term with two 5-year renewal options gives you up to 20 years to build lasting equity in your market.
Source: FDD Item 17Are financing options available?
The Shade keeps its franchisees fully funded from day one, so you'll want financing lined up before signing to hit the ground running.
Source: FDD Item 10Do I need employees, or can I run this solo?
You'll build a full team, typically 10 to 15 nail technicians plus 3 front-of-house staff, all trained and qualified to The Shade's standards before serving clients.
Source: FDD Item 7Can I own multiple territories or units?
Yes, The Shade's Multi-Unit Development Agreement covers up to 10 outlets in a designated area, with per-unit fees dropping as low as $30,000 once you commit to 7 or more.
Source: FDD Item 5What's the realistic revenue/profit potential (Item 19 highlights)?
The Shade puts you at the true ground floor of a brand new luxury concept, backed by a leadership team with proven franchising success from their sister brand The Tox, with performance data coming as the NYC flagship opens and the system grows.
Source: FDD Item 19Is there a discount for veterans, educators, or first responders?
The Shade doesn't currently publish a specific discount for veterans, educators, or first responders.
Source: FDD Item 5What's the exit strategy - can I sell the franchise later?
When you're ready, The Shade ensures a smooth, structured sale process through its right of first refusal that protects the value you've built.
Source: FDD Item 17Do I need a physical location, or is this home-based/mobile?
Yes, a storefront studio built around The Shade's distinctive dark, minimal "Shade Sanctuary" design, with the brand guiding you to a site built to succeed.
Source: FDD Item 11Ready to Own the Future of Nail Care?
©2026 The Shade. All Rights Reserved.
*Franchise FastLane, LLC (“FFL”) is an independent contractor retained by the Brand described on this webpage (“Franchisor”) to provide franchise sales and marketing services on its behalf. This webpage contains financial performance representations and other information from Franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (“FDD”). Please refer to Franchisor’s FDD for additional information, including Item 19 of the FDD, which contains information on Franchisor’s financial performance representations. FFL has not verified and is not responsible for this information. This webpage and the information contained in it is not a franchise offering or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. A franchise offering (or follow-up or individualized responses to you that involve selling or attempting to sell a franchise) can be made only in a state if Franchisor is first registered, excluded, exempted, or otherwise qualified to offer franchises in that state, and only after your receipt of an appropriate FDD in compliance with applicable law. FFL has not verified and is not responsible for Franchisor’s compliance with applicable laws.
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