This Women's History Month, we have something worth celebrating: Blushington co-founders Stephi Cohen and Nicki Maron have been featured in FranchiseWire's spotlight, "Women in Franchising: 15 Female Founders Share Their Stories." Being named alongside 14 other remarkable women who built franchise brands from passion and purpose is an honor that reflects everything Stephi and Nicki have worked toward since day one.
From a Makeshift Makeup Chair to a National Brand
Blushington's origin story is one that many people can relate to: a gap in the market, a vision, and the courage to act on it. Stephi Cohen discovered her talent for makeup early, often practicing on her sister Nicki and friends in high school. But it wasn't until she experienced professional beauty services herself — and left disappointed — that the idea for Blushington took shape.
"Everything was either too expensive or too unprofessional. Department stores just want you to buy their products, and high-end salons are unaffordable," Stephi told FranchiseWire. So in 2011, fresh out of college and with her family's support, she launched Blushington. Nicki, with her background in marketing, quickly joined as co-founder — and together they built something entirely their own.
Beauty That Belongs to Everyone
Blushington's mission has always been clear: help people feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable in their own skin through accessible, personalized beauty services. That means blowouts, makeup, and skincare all under one roof — designed to welcome every age, every skin tone, every hair texture.
It's more than a business model. It's a philosophy. And it's one that has resonated deeply with clients and franchise owners alike. Blushington's membership model creates genuine loyalty and lasting relationships — the kind that turn first-time visitors into regulars and regulars into brand advocates.
A Bigger Picture: Women in Franchising
Being included in this FranchiseWire feature isn't just a personal milestone for Stephi and Nicki — it speaks to the growing power of women in franchising. According to Franchise Business Review research cited in the article, female franchise owners with two or more years of ownership report average annual revenues of $1.2 million. Women aren't just participating in franchising — they're leading it.
Stephi and Nicki are living proof of what's possible when you build a brand rooted in something real. They didn't follow a template — they created one. And now, through franchising, they're inviting others to carry that vision forward in their own communities.
What's Next for Blushington
This recognition is a milestone, but it's also a launching pad. Blushington continues to grow its franchise family, bringing highly trained beauty artists and a welcoming community atmosphere to new markets. If you've ever dreamed of owning a business where beauty meets belonging, we'd love to talk.
Read the full FranchiseWire feature here:
Women in Franchising: 15 Female Founders Share Their Stories