LIVE Hydration Spa

The modern consumer, increasingly aware of the intricate connection between lifestyle and well-being, faces a persistent problem: the pervasive demands of daily life often lead to dehydration, fatigue, and a general decline in vitality, prompting a search for efficient and effective solutions beyond conventional medical settings. Live Hydration Spa, founded in 2018 by healthcare professionals Felicia Janovich, a Registered Nurse (RN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Cassandra Kuhl (also known as Casey Kuhl), an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), emerged precisely to address this critical need within their community for reliable and effective intravenous (IV) treatment services. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, where its corporate office is situated, Live Hydration Spa operates as a privately owned company, with Felicia Janovich serving as its CEO and Co-Founder, guiding its strategic vision alongside key leadership team members like Gwynne Wickman, Director of Franchise Success and Onboarding, and Megan Lackman, Director of Operations. This brand has rapidly scaled from its humble origins in a 150 square-foot room equipped with just two recliners, exclusively operating by appointment, to an expansive 2000 square-foot storefront featuring nine chairs, now serving an average of 20 to 35 clients daily, seven days a week, demonstrating an "exponential growth" trajectory within the burgeoning IV hydration therapy market. As of December 2023, the brand boasted more than 27 Live Hydration Spa locations open and in development, with the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) indicating a total of 30 franchised Live Hydration Spa locations across the USA, and other 2024 reports citing 32 total units, including 6 new units opened that year, and a broader count of 40 US locations, establishing a significant and growing presence in a wellness segment ripe for expansion. Currently, Live Hydration Spa operates solely within the United States, extending its reach across 17 states, with a notable concentration of 12 franchises in the Southern region, positioning it as a rapidly expanding player in the "All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services" category, offering a compelling franchise opportunity for investors seeking to capitalize on robust consumer demand for proactive health and recovery solutions, a market we at PeerSense independently analyze with rigorous data.

The industry landscape for "All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services," particularly within the rapidly expanding IV hydration therapy market, is characterized by robust growth driven by significant secular tailwinds and evolving consumer preferences. This market is experiencing substantial expansion, fueled by a collective shift towards preventative health, enhanced wellness, and accelerated recovery solutions, creating a compelling environment for franchise investment. Key consumer trends driving this demand include a heightened health consciousness post-pandemic, an increasing desire for personalized wellness treatments, and the pursuit of efficient recovery methods for everything from athletic exertion and travel fatigue to general vitality and anti-aging protocols, all of which Live Hydration Spa is strategically positioned to address. The market benefits from a growing awareness of the tangible benefits of IV vitamin and hydration therapies, which are perceived as direct and effective means to deliver essential nutrients, bypass digestive absorption issues, and provide immediate symptomatic relief or prophylactic support. While specific total addressable market size figures for the IV hydration therapy segment were not provided, its description as "rapidly expanding" underscores its significant growth potential, attracting both new entrepreneurs and established medical professionals. The competitive dynamics within this space are currently somewhat fragmented, with numerous independent clinics and emerging franchise systems, but Live Hydration Spa is actively carving out a substantial national footprint, with its locations spanning 17 states and a strategic expansion into new markets, including a strong presence with 12 franchises in the Southern region, indicating a proactive approach to market consolidation and brand recognition. Macro forces, such as the increasing emphasis on personalized medicine, the convenience of outpatient services, and the willingness of consumers to invest in discretionary health and beauty treatments, collectively create a fertile ground for the continued success and expansion of the Live Hydration Spa franchise model, making it an attractive proposition for investors seeking to enter a high-demand service sector.

Investing in a Live Hydration Spa franchise involves a structured financial commitment, beginning with the initial franchise fee, which stands at $49,500 according to one source, but is reported as $57,000 in the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This initial fee is a standard component of franchise agreements, securing the rights to operate under the Live Hydration Spa brand and access its proprietary systems and training. The brand also demonstrates support for veterans, offering a 10% discount off the initial franchise fee for qualified individuals, resulting in a reduced veteran's fee of $51,300, which can significantly lower the barrier to entry for service members transitioning to entrepreneurship. The total initial investment required to establish a Live Hydration Spa franchise exhibits a notable range, reflecting variables such as location, build-out costs, and initial operating capital. The 2025 FDD data provides a comprehensive range of $227,575 to $395,783, while other reported investment ranges include $147,075 to $319,783, $98,455 to $220,213, an average of $228,000 to $396,000, and a more concise range of $100,000 to $230,000. This wide spread is driven by specific cost components detailed in the 2025 FDD, including an initial franchise fee of $57,000, construction and leasehold improvements ranging from $43,000 to $105,000, lease deposits between $6,500 and $20,833, furniture, fixtures and equipment costs from $5,000 to $10,000, initial inventory expenses of $7,000 to $9,000, signage costs from $6,000 to $12,000, and a substantial grand opening marketing budget of $31,000. Additional initial outlays include a software purchase and set up fee of $3,750, utility deposits from $200 to $800, insurance deposits ranging from $650 to $1,200, and travel expenses for initial training estimated at $4,000 to $8,000, collectively covering all essential startup elements. Franchisees are also required to meet specific liquid capital and net worth requirements to ensure financial stability; liquid capital requirements vary across sources, cited as $50,000, $60,000 to $130,000 for working capital, $30,000 as cash required, and a minimum cash required of $55,000, alongside a net worth requirement of $150,000, positioning Live Hydration Spa as a mid-tier franchise investment. Ongoing fees include a royalty rate of 7.5% on monthly gross sales, which is a standard industry practice, and a brand fund fee, reported as 1% towards the Brand Development Fund for national marketing by one source, while another indicates an Ad Fund Fee of 2.0% of Gross Sales, both contributing to collective brand promotion and system-wide growth. The initial franchise agreement term is set at 10 years, with an option for a 10-year renewal term, providing a stable long-term framework for franchisees to build their business.

The operating model for a Live Hydration Spa franchise is meticulously designed to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality IV hydration therapy services, supported by a comprehensive training and ongoing support structure. Daily operations for a franchisee involve managing a professional medical spa environment that has evolved significantly from its origins, now accommodating nine chairs in a 2000 square-foot storefront and operating seven days a week, serving an average of 20 to 35 clients daily, moving beyond its initial appointment-only model to embrace broader accessibility. The staffing requirements are central to the brand's credibility, necessitating the employment of qualified healthcare professionals, mirroring the expertise of its founders, Felicia Janovich (RN, BSN) and Cassandra Kuhl (APRN), to administer treatments safely and effectively. While the initial business operated from a compact 150 square-foot room and later expanded to an 800 square-foot space with five recliners, the current format emphasizes a larger, more accessible storefront model, optimized for higher client volume and a comprehensive service offering. Live Hydration Spa provides an extensive training program known as "The LIVE WAY Training," which is engineered to guide franchisees from the initial signing day through their successful launch in as few as 60 days, ensuring a rapid and efficient ramp-up period. This robust curriculum encompasses essential modules on providing care, operational best practices, effective marketing strategies, and hands-on experience through "Live Hydration Spa in Action," which includes practical training on running an IV, equipping franchisees with both clinical and business management skills. Ongoing corporate support is a cornerstone of the Live Hydration Spa system, with dedicated leadership team members such as Gwynne Wickman, Director of Franchise Success and Onboarding, and Megan Lackman, Director of Operations, providing continuous guidance, technological platforms, and marketing program assistance to ensure franchisee success. The brand's territory structure facilitates growth, with franchise locations spanning 17 states, and active expansion into new markets, ensuring exclusivity within designated areas, although specific multi-unit requirements or expectations are not explicitly detailed, the rapid growth trajectory suggests opportunities for scaling. The model is well-suited for both owner-operators who wish to be deeply involved in daily management and those who prefer a more semi-absentee role with a strong management team in place, given the specialized nature of the services offered.

While the PeerSense database indicates that Item 19 financial performance data is not disclosed in the current Franchise Disclosure Document for Live Hydration Spa, supplementary web research, which explicitly states that Live Hydration Spa *does* disclose financial performance information in Item 19 of its FDD, provides compelling unit-level financial metrics derived from third-party sources. According to these sources, the average Live Hydration Spa franchisee reported gross sales of approximately $478,718 in 2022, demonstrating a solid revenue stream for individual units. Further, these units achieved an average gross profit of 20.4%, indicating healthy operational efficiency within the system. More recent data from 2024 shows a positive trend, with the average unit revenue increasing to $505,592, reflecting continued market demand and effective business operations. Another detailed report cites yearly gross sales of $403,910, and, crucially, provides estimated owner-operator earnings ranging from $56,548 to $72,704, offering a clear picture of potential profitability for a hands-on franchisee. The estimated franchise payback period for a Live Hydration Spa investment is calculated to be between 5.3 to 7.3 years, suggesting a reasonable timeline for franchisees to recoup their initial capital outlay, especially when considering the robust average unit revenue figures. The spread between top and bottom performers, while not explicitly detailed, can typically be attributed to factors such as market demographics, local marketing effectiveness, operational efficiency, and the franchisee's engagement level in community outreach and client retention strategies. These publicly available revenue figures, coupled with the brand's significant unit count growth trajectory—from 27 locations in development in December 2023 to 30 franchised locations in the 2025 FDD, and 40 US locations reported in 2024—strongly suggest a healthy and expanding unit-level performance, indicating that the Live Hydration Spa model is capable of generating substantial returns for its franchisees within its rapidly growing market segment.

The growth trajectory of Live Hydration Spa underscores its dynamic expansion within the IV hydration therapy market, transitioning from its initial franchising efforts in 2021 to a significant national presence. As of December 2023, the brand had more than 27 Live Hydration Spa locations open and in development across the country, a figure that progressed to 30 franchised locations in the USA according to the 2025 FDD data. Further reports from 2024 indicated 32 total units, with a notable 6 new units opened within that year, and an overarching count of 40 US locations, illustrating a rapid net increase in units annually. This expansion is rooted in the brand's foundational success, growing from a modest 150 square-foot space to a 2000 square-foot storefront that now serves 20 to 35 clients daily, operating seven days a week, highlighting an "exponential growth" that demonstrates strong market acceptance and operational scalability. Recent corporate developments include the continued leadership of co-founder Felicia Janovich as CEO, supported by key team members such as Gwynne Wickman, Director of Franchise Success and Onboarding, and Megan Lackman, Director of Operations, who are instrumental in guiding the brand's strategic growth and franchisee support. Live Hydration Spa's competitive moat is significantly strengthened by its founding by healthcare professionals, Felicia Janovich (RN, BSN) and Cassandra Kuhl (APRN), which instills a critical layer of clinical credibility and expertise in a health-focused service industry. This professional foundation ensures a high standard of care and operational integrity, differentiating it from less clinically-rooted competitors. The brand's proprietary "The LIVE WAY Training" program further enhances its competitive edge, providing a comprehensive and standardized system for franchisees to develop and grow their businesses effectively. Furthermore, its established presence in 17 states, with 12 franchises concentrated in the Southern region, provides a strong brand recognition and market penetration, while its active expansion into new markets demonstrates a forward-thinking real estate strategy and adaptability to evolving market conditions. The brand's ability to consistently serve a high volume of clients daily indicates a robust operational model that can adapt to increasing demand and maintain customer loyalty in a competitive landscape.

The ideal franchisee for a Live Hydration Spa location is an individual with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, who is passionate about health and wellness, and possesses a keen understanding of business management, even if direct healthcare experience is not explicitly required given the brand's robust training and clinical oversight. While specific required experience or management background beyond general business acumen is not detailed, an interest in the "All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services" category and a commitment to delivering exceptional client care would be highly beneficial. The brand's rapid expansion and sophisticated operational model suggest that candidates with leadership capabilities and the capacity to manage a team of healthcare professionals would thrive. Although multi-unit expectations or requirements are not explicitly stated, the rapid growth from 27 to 40 US locations within a short timeframe indicates potential for multi-unit development for qualified franchisees. Live Hydration Spa is actively seeking expansion into new markets, with available territories across the 17 states where it currently has a presence, including Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Florida (FL), Iowa (IA), Illinois (IL), Maryland (MD), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), North Carolina (NC), Nebraska (NE), New York (NY), Pennsylvania (PA), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), and Wisconsin (WI). The Southern region currently boasts the largest concentration of locations with 12 franchises, suggesting strong market performance and receptiveness in those areas, which could be indicative of optimal markets for future development. The timeline from signing to opening is remarkably efficient, with franchisees capable of launching their Live Hydration Spa business in as few as 60 days, a testament to the streamlined onboarding and training processes. The initial franchise agreement term is a substantial 10 years, providing a long-term commitment for franchisees, with an additional renewal term of 10 years, offering sustained stability and opportunity for continued growth within the Live Hydration Spa system.

For franchise investors contemplating entry into the high-growth IV hydration therapy market, Live Hydration Spa presents a compelling opportunity, underpinned by a robust business model and significant expansion potential. The brand’s foundation by healthcare professionals Felicia Janovich (RN, BSN) and Cassandra Kuhl (APRN) lends unparalleled clinical credibility, a crucial differentiator in a health-focused service industry, ensuring a high standard of care and operational integrity. With an initial franchise fee reported between $49,500 and $57,000, and a total investment range from $227,575 to $395,783 (per 2025 FDD), coupled with a 10% veteran discount, Live Hydration Spa offers an accessible entry point into a rapidly expanding sector. The brand's "exponential growth" from its 2018 founding to 40 US locations by 2024, spanning 17 states, demonstrates strong market acceptance and a proven ability to scale effectively. With average unit revenues reported at $505,592 in 2024 and an estimated owner-operator earnings range of $56,548 to $72,704, the financial performance signals a healthy return on investment, with a payback period estimated between 5.3 to 7.3 years. The comprehensive "The LIVE WAY Training" program and dedicated corporate support from leaders like Gwynne Wickman and Megan Lackman further mitigate investor risk, equipping franchisees for success in as little as 60 days. This investment thesis is further strengthened by the brand's strategic positioning within the "All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services" category, tapping into secular tailwinds of health consciousness and preventative wellness. PeerSense provides exclusive due diligence data including SBA lending history, a strong FPI score of 66, detailed location maps with Google ratings, comprehensive FDD financial data, and side-by-side comparison tools, offering an unparalleled depth of independent analysis. Explore the complete Live Hydration Spa franchise profile on PeerSense to access the full suite of independent franchise intelligence data and make an informed investment decision.