OMG: The Story of Image Studios

Matthew Landis, Author Image Studios is kind of like a warehouse. . . well, more like a high-end mall of small businesses with everything beauty related. You can have your hair done, tan, get a pedicure and finish off with a massage. Brothers Jason and Shaun Olsen developed Image Studios when they saw that many established hair stylists and beauty professionals were interested in starting their own business but lacked the resources and business background to get started. They are also co-owners of Prestman Auto. Image Studios has two locations in Salt Lake City and Draper, with another coming soon to Sandy. I sat down with these two hot, brilliant men awhile back to get more insight into this awesome business.  I have now become a part of myself because I love them so much. Matthew:  So where did this idea for Image Studios come from? Jason:  I have a lot of friend in the salon business – hairstylists.  Talking with them, it always seemed like something was missing.  They were getting nothing for their work or they were booth renting and weren’t getting support.  They were paying a lot and getting nothing in return.  Megan Oviatt (Manager, Image Studios Draper) is one of my best friends. Matthew:  Why hair salons?  Was this something you came up with over drinks? Jason:  I was having dinner with Steve (Steve Petersen, current manager at Image Studios Salt Lake) and I was telling him about my idea.  He said, “Why don’t you do it?”  I said, “Maybe I will.”  The next day I went to Shaun. Shaun:  I get to work and he tells me he wants to talk to me about something big and I think, “Well, maybe he’s invented a Snuggy or something, and I’m already thinking infomercials. . . “  Then he told me about it and I’m thinking, “A salon?” What are we doing in the hair business?  Then the more I thought about it. . .  I remember when the car business was dead and people were falling asleep at their desk. . . but … [Read Full Article]