Local entrepreneur Aine Burns has signed a franchise agreement with Nashville-based VIO Med Spa to bring a new location to the Atlanta market. This location will be the second for the region, joining an existing spot in Dunwoody.
Burns, who has prior franchise experience in the weight loss and fitness industry along with local real estate experience, was drawn to VIO’s commitment to making people feel confident about themselves. Burns also was attracted to VIO’s affordability, approachability and personalized approach to wellness.
“I knew I wanted to get into the wellness and aesthetic space because it’s something that I’m personally passionate about and it aligns with that passion I have for helping people feel the best about themselves,” Burns told What Now Atlanta. “I chose VIO because they combine science-backed wellness with aesthetic treatments.”
Burns is planning to open her first location with VIO in 2027. She is aiming to land in Brookhaven for the initial location and plans to sign a lease soon. She hopes to continue to expand with the brand in years to come and is eyeing Midtown for a second location.
“[Brookhaven] felt like the perfect place to introduce this modern wellness concept,” Burns said. “I have a big heart for Atlanta and all the different neighborhoods, so I would love to bring this concept to different areas down the road.”
Founded in 2017, VIO Med Spa has now expanded to more than 65 locations across 20 states, with additional units in development across the country. The brand offers injectables, skin treatments, body contouring, hair removal and wellness treatment like nutrients and peptide therapy.
“This agreement reflects a trend we’re seeing across the system as more experienced business owners look to diversify into wellness-focused concepts,” Ryan Rao, chief development officer at VIO Med Spa, said in a release. “Entrepreneurs are increasingly drawn to categories with strong consumer demand, recurring engagement and long-term growth potential, and VIO is well-positioned at the intersection of aesthetics, wellness and longevity.”
Burns sees VIO as a strong player in the med spa space. VIO stands for “Value In Ourselves,” a message that resonates with Burns.
“Med spas are popping up everywhere,” Burns said. “There is a demand and need for it, but what makes a place successful are the people that are there. It’s really important to me that the staff that I hire has the same values I have, which is to help every client who walks through our door to have a personalized experience where they are leaving feeling more confident about themselves and educated about the different services and options available.”
