From McDonald’s to the Lash Industry: How One Entrepreneur is Bringing the ‘McDonald’s Framework’ to Beauty
The Early Years in the McDonald’s System
Jonathan Ellis, grandson of one of the first McDonald’s franchisees in Texas, grew up immersed in the McDonald’s franchise. From a young age, he worked in various roles within the fast-food chain, gaining valuable skills and perspectives along the way. Working in maintenance, management, and even fixing air conditioners on the restaurant rooftops, Ellis developed a strong work ethic and the ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels.
A New Direction: Selling the Franchises and Venturing into Tutoring
In 2017, Ellis’s family made the decision to sell their McDonald’s franchises due to the significant financial investment required by the company’s remodeling initiatives. With the opportunity to explore his own ideas, Ellis entered the education industry by opening several Sylvan Learning Centers. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, forcing Ellis to reevaluate his plans.
An Overnight Transformation: From Sylvan Learning Centers to Lash Studios
With the closure of his Sylvan Learning Centers and mounting debt, Ellis had to think quickly to sustain his business. He and his wife came up with an innovative solution: converting the remaining locations into lash studios. Recognizing the potential of the niche beauty industry, Ellis embarked on the journey of creating Honest Lash.
Building a Strong Presence in Texas and Beyond
Since transforming the first location into a lash studio, Ellis has experienced rapid growth, going from franchisee to franchisor. Honest Lash currently has four corporate locations in Austin and has recently sold franchises in El Paso and San Antonio. With plans to expand further, Ellis aims to establish Honest Lash as a prominent Texas brand before saturating the entire state.
Embracing the McDonald’s Framework
Eager to incorporate the lessons he learned from McDonald’s, Ellis strives to merge the “McDonald’s framework” with the lash industry. By emphasizing strong support, effective communication, and a commitment to creativity and entrepreneurship, Ellis brings his unique perspective to the beauty industry while still staying true to the principles that made McDonald’s successful.
