Leaving Corporate for Franchising: Lessons from Blo Blow Dry Bar’s CEO Vanessa Yakobson

Ever wondered what it takes to leave the corporate world behind and build a thriving national franchise brand? This week on Enrich Your Empire, we sat down with Vanessa Yakobson, CEO of Blo Blow Dry Bar-one of North America’s leading beauty and wellness franchises. We explore Vanessa’s unconventional path from the corporate world and nonprofit fundraising into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of franchise ownership and franchise brand leadership.

Vanessa shares how she transitioned into entrepreneurship through family influence, eventually taking the reins of Blo Blow Dry Bar and growing it into a franchise brand with over 120 open locations and 50 more in development across the U.S. and Canada. This episode is a goldmine for aspiring business owners, franchisees, and anyone considering the leap from corporate careers to entrepreneurship. 

🎯 Learn how to assess whether franchising is the right entrepreneurial path.

💡 Get insider tips on what makes a great franchisee, from mindset to operational excellence. 

📈 Understand how to build scalable franchise systems and lead a growing franchise network.

🔥 Hear real-world advice on franchise vetting, unit-level success, and building a legacy brand.

Whether you’re researching how to start a franchise, looking for franchise business opportunities, or seeking leadership tips for entrepreneurs, this episode delivers actionable insight into what it truly takes to thrive as a franchise operator and franchisor.