Four franchise brands bringing the power of holistic living to Canadians
By Gina Makkar
Holistic practices nurture the mind, body, and spirit and foster lasting health and wellness. From mindful movement and balanced nutrition to natural therapies and emotional support, holistic health empowers us to live a more calm and vibrant life, and Canadian consumers are taking notice. These four franchise brands provide opportunities for self-care for their guests, and a way for passionate franchisees to spread wellness in their communities.
Crock A Doodle
For those craving an experience through connection, Crock A Doodle offers a space to create and make memories through pottery painting.
The concept encourages patrons to embrace creativity, regardless of artistic skill, and president Annette Brennan says pottery painting offers many incredible therapeutic benefits. “Anything in the artistic playground is naturally good for mental health if we can get out of our heads and into our hands and play.” Customers often describe the experience as relaxing and therapeutic. “Being together with family, date nights, and friend nights, we have the space and the concept to facilitate memory making. It’s healthy to give people a place to unwind, create, and connect,” says Brennan. “It’s just good for your being.”
With a robust support system, comprehensive training, and a proven track record of year-over-year growth, Crock A Doodle franchisees have the tools they need to thrive. The brand’s success is also driven by enthusiastic franchisees seeking to build community connections and make their location a hub for creative fun. Recently, the brand has expanded to serve schools, long-term care facilities, and even corporate clients. Brennan says organizations are recognizing the importance of mental health in the workplace, and pottery painting provides a fun, accessible way for teams to unwind and connect. “Bringing our concept to groups of every kind has been meaningful to see. It’s not about ability; it’s about the joy of participating.”
She says the path to ownership starts with introspection and understanding the model. “You have to be clear on what you are looking for. We want vested owners. We want them to be present, and we want their energy and enthusiasm. We want eyes wide open and all-in commitment to deliver on our promise.”
The brand often attracts candidates who want to invest in themselves for a different kind of ‘why.’ “They want to make meaning and add value. It’s no longer just about money. They are willing to risk a steady paycheck to build something more real. I think that’s the real mental health and wellness. Knowing what is no longer serving you and being able to take a step in a brighter direction.”
THE TEN SPOT®
For those looking to feel their best inside and out, THE TEN SPOT® makes everyone feel like a 10, from clients to franchisees. “We exist to make everyone feel great and make our franchise partners feel like they are living their best version of life. I think that entrepreneurship is an amazing way to realize that,” says founder Kristen Gale.
The business offers several benefits for owners. First, it provides a balanced lifestyle with a predictable schedule. The supportive environment and largely female network are appealing to those transitioning from male-dominated corporate settings. “There’s a collaboration and camaraderie that is really lovely,” says Gale. Another major benefit is the system’s comprehensive operational support. The brand maintains detailed, up-to-date protocols and policies for every aspect of the business, from marketing campaigns to customer service. “There’s nothing that you could do within the business that we don’t already have written down for you.”
Feeling primped and polished can have a surprising impact on overall wellness. Small acts of self-care, like getting a manicure or shaping brows, can significantly boost confidence and create a sense of fulfillment for customers. “Confident people do great things, and confident people live the best version of their life,” says Gale.
Prioritizing self-care benefits both the individual and the people around them. When people feel good about themselves, they tend to be more patient, kind, and engaged—positively influencing their personal and professional relationships, says Gale. “You have to put your oxygen mask on first,” she adds.
With 41 locations and a dozen more in progress, the brand has established a strong presence across Canada and is expanding into the U.S. Despite the growth, it remains committed to maintaining a personal touch. “We’re big for Canada, but we’re still small enough that our franchise partners can pick up the phone and talk to people at head office.”
Gale says successful franchisees are those who are excited to be in the system they purchased and can fully execute the protocols in place. “The key thing is to know yourself and whether you want to deliver the experience the brand has created. I think that’s when franchising works the best.”
Chopped Leaf
Canadian brand Chopped Leaf is redefining how people perceive healthy eating with nourishing meals made from fresh, quality ingredients. From signature salads, bowls, and wraps to refreshing “Chopped Water,” infused with a different delicious combination of fruits and veggies every day, the franchise promotes the philosophy of “feel good after you eat.”
With over 120 locations across Canada and the U.S., Chopped Leaf makes wellness both accessible and enjoyable. Its commitment to delivering greens without sacrificing flavour has set it apart in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. “The idea is to change the perception that healthy food means sacrificing taste,” says executive vice president Genti Kongjika. Instead, Chopped Leaf aims to make greens “craveable,” by offering handcrafted dressings and signature flavour combinations.
To further support customers’ wellness journeys, Chopped Leaf launched a five-day customizable meal plan designed to help people eat well, save money, and meet their fitness goals. Each meal contains no more than 600 calories and is packed with protein.
Recognizing the importance of accessibility, Chopped Leaf strategically positions its restaurants near fitness centres and gyms, making it easier to enjoy a balanced meal after a workout. “When we select locations, proximity to a gym scores high in our evaluation,” says Kongjika. The brand has also expanded its presence in universities and colleges, and recent openings at McMaster University and Mohawk College have been a success.
For aspiring franchisees, the brand’s simple operational framework is designed to to be easily replicated, making it ideal for owners seeking growth. “Ultimately, it is easily scalable. Once you’ve mastered one unit, it’s easy to take the franchisee to the next level with the second, the third, and so forth.”
While restaurant experience isn’t required, Chopped Leaf seeks passionate individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit. Many current franchisees began as loyal customers. “We are people-driven,” says Kongjika, adding that one of the brand’s core objectives is to support the growth and journey of each franchisee.
Kongjika’s advice to investors? “Try the food first. If you love it, you’re already on the right track. Know what you want and what you don’t want. If you want to be a hands-on operator and be a part of a franchise system with access to proven processes, and you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get into it, this could be the opportunity for you.”
Oxygen Yoga & Fitness
Founded in 2011, Oxygen Yoga & Fitness (OYF) provides franchisees and members the opportunity to experience holistic well-being through yoga, fitness, and community.
When founder Jen Hamilton first experienced the power of infrared yoga, she realized the potential of combining fitness and yoga in an inclusive, welcoming space. Her passion soon became her purpose. “I fell in love with the infrared. I thought, ‘This is amazing.’” She acquired a small studio and quickly expanded its offerings.
Hamilton’s passion for personal growth and community connection is at the heart of the brand’s mission. “Our mission statement is, ‘I love my life.’ I love my life. I love myself enough to give myself one hour to take care of myself, to channel my energy in a positive way, in a community within the studio with like-minded people who want to create positivity and health and wellness for themselves.”
A core feature of the brand is the use of far infrared heat, which provides gentle, therapeutic warmth that promotes detoxification, improves circulation, and supports muscle recovery, Hamilton says. “The constant flushing and detoxifying are essential for overall health,” she adds.
Beyond the physical, OYF programs foster mental health benefits, from reduced stress to improved clarity. A sense of belonging is just as important as the workout. A variety of class formats—from yoga and barre to high-energy fitness sessions—cater to all fitness levels and preferences, and keep members engaged and committed to their wellness journeys.
For those seeking to invest, a key advantage of franchising with OYF is the comprehensive support system. From real estate selection and construction to operations and marketing, franchisees receive guidance every step of the way. “About 85 per cent of our franchisees were once members,” says COO Melissa Hanssens. “They come in, they feel it, they fall in love with it and come to us with this passion for what it has done for them.” Top of Form
Hanssens’ advice to prospective franchisees is to trust and follow the systems. “If you have a passion for the industry, you don’t need to be an expert. We’ve done our trial and error. We are sharing our best practices with franchisees. We’ve seen what works. Our most successful franchisees put in the work, follow the system, and give it one hundred percent. You are only going to get out of it what you put into it.” franchisees follow the system but also give it 100 percent. You are only going to get out what you put into it.
