From Recession-Era Resilience to National Expansion: The OVO Salons Story

When the 2008 recession hit, Sheryl Kirby lost her interior design job at an Atlanta homebuilder. At the same time, her daughter Meg Carpenter had just graduated from cosmetology school, only to find the salon industry discouraging and filled with barriers to success. But instead of accepting defeat, this mother-daughter duo decided to build something better.

Seventeen years later, their creation—OVO Salons—is revolutionizing the salon industry with a business model that actually empowers stylists. And now, it's going national.

A New Vision Born from Adversity

Founded in 2008 in Cumming, Georgia, OVO Salons emerged at one of the most challenging economic moments in recent history. Sheryl Kirby had just been laid off, and her daughter Meg was facing the harsh realities of an industry that didn't seem designed for stylists to truly succeed.

"We started OVO Salons because we believed stylists deserved more—more respect, more support, and more of what they earn," Sheryl reflects. "What began as our response to challenging times has become a proven model that transforms careers. Seeing this vision now expand through franchising is incredibly fulfilling."

That original salon has operated successfully ever since, creating a blueprint for what happens when you put stylists first.

What Makes OVO Different?

In an industry notorious for unfavorable commission structures and limited growth opportunities, OVO Salons took a radically different approach. The concept is simple but powerful: create an environment where stylists keep more of what they earn while working in a culture based on respect, professional development, fairness, and kindness.

Sound basic? It should be. But surprisingly, this represents a revolutionary shift in the salon industry.

Kurt Landwehr, Founder and CEO of OVO Salons Franchise, LLC, recognized the potential to scale this model. With deep industry expertise, Landwehr is now leading the brand's franchise expansion with a vision to transform the salon experience nationwide.

"OVO Salons represents a radically new approach in an industry that has been stuck in outdated models for far too long," Landwehr explains. "Our stylists keep more of what they earn while working in an environment built on fairness and kindness. This isn't just good ethics—it's smart business. When stylists thrive, everyone succeeds, and our franchise partners are seeing that firsthand."

Proof of Concept: Franklin, Tennessee

On August 12, 2025, OVO Salons opened its first franchised location in the Cool Springs area of Franklin, Tennessee. The franchise is operated by Bruce and Kristen Brady, along with their daughter-in-law Abigail Brady—a multi-generational family investment that speaks to the brand's appeal.

The results? The salon is thriving.

"From the moment we discovered OVO Salons, we knew this was something special," says Bruce Brady. "The culture, the business model, the support system—it all made sense. We're not just running a salon; we're creating opportunities for talented stylists to build real careers. The response from both stylists and clients in Cool Springs has exceeded our expectations."

Kristen Brady adds, "What drew us to OVO was the genuine commitment to doing right by stylists. This is a brand built on integrity, and that foundation makes all the difference. We're proud to bring this concept to our community and excited to be part of its growth story."

The Franklin location validates what Sheryl and Meg proved in Cumming: when you empower stylists, the business takes care of itself.

From left: Sheryl Kirby, Meg Carpenter, Kristen Brady, Bruce Brady

A Team Built for Growth

National expansion requires more than a great concept—it demands experienced leadership. OVO Salons has assembled a veteran executive team with deep franchise expertise:

• Kurt Landwehr – Founder and CEO, OVO Salons Franchise, LLC

• Mark Kovach – Chief Development Officer

• Chantal Kovach – Chief Operating Officer

• Michael St Jacques – Chief Marketing Officer

All are longtime franchise industry veterans who bring the operational sophistication needed to scale while maintaining the brand's core values.

What's Next?

OVO Salons is actively seeking qualified franchise partners who share the brand's commitment to stylist empowerment and operational excellence. The company is targeting strategic markets across the United States for expansion throughout 2026 and beyond.

For stylists tired of outdated salon models, for entrepreneurs seeking a business with genuine purpose, and for communities ready for a better salon experience, OVO Salons represents an opportunity to be part of something transformative.

After all, when you build a business on respect, fairness, and empowerment, growth becomes inevitable.

Interested in learning more about OVO Salons franchise opportunities? Visit ovosalons.com/franchise or contact Mark Kovach, Chief Development Officer to discover how you can bring this revolutionary salon concept to your community.