From Miami to Capitol Hill: A Full-Circle Moment in Marisa’s Showhomes Journey
Marisa Santayana Salas, Founder & Owner of Showhomes Premier Staging | Miami, and Chairwoman of Showhomes Franchise Company, recognized as a 2026 IFA Franchisee of the Year.
Great leadership isn’t just about guiding a company, it’s about setting the standard for what’s possible. At Showhomes, we are fortunate to have Marisa Santayana Salas leading our brand as Chairwoman of Showhomes Franchise and Founder of Showhomes Premier Staging in Miami.
Her recent recognition as a 2026 IFA Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA) marks an extraordinary milestone in her 17-year journey with our organization. From launching a local staging business in Miami to taking on National leadership as Chairwoman, Marisa’s story is a powerful reminder that with true dedication, there are no limits to how far a vision can grow.
A National Honor for Outstanding Leadership
The IFA Franchisee of the Year Award honors franchise owners who demonstrate excellence in entrepreneurship, community involvement, workforce development, and peer support. For Marisa, receiving this recognition in Washington, D.C., at the IFA Advocacy Summit, marks a major milestone in a career defined by consistency, resilience, and entrepreneurship.
While the award highlights individual leadership, Marisa credits the collective effort behind her success, including her Miami team, local real estate partners, and the broader Showhomes network. Her trajectory offers a clear case study in how dedicated franchise owners can build thriving businesses while elevating the brand as a whole.
Laying the Groundwork
Marisa’s Showhomes story began in 2009. Over the past 17 years, she transformed a local staging studio into a market-leading luxury home staging and design enterprise serving South Florida. Positioned at the intersection of real estate and interior design, her business helps homeowners, Realtors, and developers maximize property value through strategic presentation.
Building a market-leading franchise location required grit, adaptability, and operational consistency, qualities that serve as a model for incoming franchise owners across the Showhomes network.
Elevating the Stage: Taking the Reins at Corporate
Following the success of her Miami operation, Marisa stepped up during the brand’s acquisition to revitalize Showhomes’ corporate leadership.
Marisa’s mission is to deliver the high-level support, resources, and leadership that franchisees truly need to thrive. Today, as Chairwoman, her dual perspective bridges real-world market experience with corporate vision, creating a collaborative and empowering network for every Showhomes owner.
Entrepreneurial Spirit on Capitol Hill
Marisa’s leadership extends well beyond local market operations to the national level. Representing Showhomes at the IFA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., she connected with franchisors, franchise owners, and industry leaders to discuss key drivers of small business success, workforce growth, and entrepreneurship.
Her involvement in Washington highlights a core strength of the Showhomes model: franchise ownership provides a platform for business owners to contribute to the broader conversation surrounding their industry. By sharing real-world insights from the ground up, Marisa helps ensure that the real-life perspectives of local business operators, employees, and franchise networks are recognized as vital components of a thriving economy.
Designing What’s Next
Marisa’s recognition reflects both past achievements and future opportunities for the brand. As Showhomes Premier Staging expands its reach in South Florida, Marisa continues to guide corporate growth initiatives, paving the way for new franchise owners joining the system.
For prospective entrepreneurs, Marisa’s journey illustrates the true spirit of the Showhomes franchise model: start with passion, build a scalable local business, and dare to dream bigger!
➡️ Keep up with Marisa Salas and her Showhomes Premier studio on Instagram or visit her studio page here!
