Bring Saltmara
to your city
Saltmara started with a simple idea: nail care deserves better. We are collecting interest from future partners who share our standards and want to bring our coastal-inspired nail oasis to new markets beyond Chicago. We are not franchising yet.
From one idea to
a growing brand
Instead of another transactional nail counter, we built a coastal inspired oasis: an elevated, calming space paired with careful craft. Since opening our flagship in Wicker Park, we have grown to three fully built and operating salons across Chicago, each holding the line on the guest experience that made the flagship work.
Wicker Park
South Loop
West Loop
Your city
A brand guests come back to
Membership at the core
Our memberships make consistent nail care part of our guests’ routine and help us build lasting relationships. 570+ active members and counting across our three salons act as true brand ambassadors.
A trademarked brand
Saltmara is a registered trademark with a proven, repeatable operating playbook, from the menu and pricing to the guest journey.
Guests who return
70% of visits come from returning guests, and 25% of appointments are requests for a specific technician.
Digital from day one
Half of all guests book online through our website. Our Instagram has grown to 7K organic followers with 250K+ content views in the last 30 days.
Nail Tech Academy
Our Nail Tech Academy provides in-house training and resources to help technicians develop their skills and grow their craft.
In-house marketing team
Our in-house marketing team runs local marketing for franchisees, supporting each salon with brand-aligned campaigns and guest outreach.
Loved in every
neighborhood
Guest sentiment across Google reviews, internal feedback and social is consistently strong at every location, with a partner community of influencers across Chicago.
Instagram followers
Views, last 30 days
New followers, 30 days
Ratings updated October 27, 2026. Social figures as of July 2026. Update before launch
Room to lead a category
A large, fragmented industry
Nail care is dominated by independent, inconsistent operators. That leaves real white space for a standardized, premium brand to grow market by market.
The talent gap
Hiring great nail technicians is the industry's hardest constraint, and most trade schools underprepare new techs. Our education program gives Saltmara partners a way to train and keep the best.
A brand guests
take home
The Saltmara Candle Collection brings the oasis home: hand carved ceramic candles, vegan and cruelty free, in Mara (sea salt and driftwood), Salt (grapefruit and sage) and Santal (amber and sandalwood). A holiday product collection follows in Q4 2026.
Sold in every salon and online.
Who we are
looking for
You do not need to be a nail technician. You do need to care about guests, lead a team well and want to build something lasting in your community.
- ✓Owner operators and multi unit investors
- ✓Experience in hospitality, retail, wellness or beauty
- ✓Strong local ties in your target market
- ✓Recommended minimums: $300,000+ in liquid capital and $750,000+ in net worth
At a glance
Planned franchise costs. We are currently collecting interest, not offering franchises.
One time
For one salon
Recommended minimum
Recommended minimum
Ongoing fees
$1,500 monthly minimum
Brand marketing fund
Run by our in-house marketing team
Per month
Term: 10 years, plus 2 renewals of 5 years each.
The Saltmara salon
Square feet
Stations
Chairs
Team members
Months
Your path to opening
Inquire
Share a few details using the form below.
Intro call
Meet our team and ask anything.
Review the FDD
Receive our Franchise Disclosure Document to review with your advisors.
Discovery day
Visit our Chicago salons and meet our leadership team.
Sign and open
Site selection, build out, training and your grand opening.
Franchising FAQ
Start the
conversation
We are not franchising yet. Tell us about yourself and the market you have in mind, and we will keep you in the loop as plans take shape.
Your details are kept confidential.
I agree to be contacted by Saltmara about franchise opportunities.
Send my interestThis information is not an offer to sell a franchise. An offer can only be made through a Franchise Disclosure Document, and only in states where Saltmara is registered or exempt.