From Miami to Capitol Hill: A Full-Circle Moment in My Showhomes Journey
Marisa Santayana Salas, Founder & Owner of Showhomes Premier Staging | Miami, and Chairwoman of Showhomes Franchise Headquarters, recognized as a 2026 IFA Franchisee of the Year.
There are moments in business that make you pause…not because you have reached the end of something, but because you take a look back and see how far the journey has taken you.
For me, being named a 2026 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA) and receiving that recognition at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., was one of the most impactful moments for me as an entrepreneur and businesswoman.
A Memorable Recognition
The IFA Franchisee of the Year Award recognizes franchise owners for entrepreneurship, community involvement, workforce development, service to others, and support of fellow franchisees. To be recognized in this way, and representing Showhomes Premier Staging and the entire Showhomes organization, is an honor. For me, it reflects almost two decades of dedication, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Looking back on how far we’ve come, I’m truly proud of the grit, faith and passion that carried me through the hard times and brought this dream to life.
At the same time, a business is never built in isolation. This achievement is equally a testament to the incredible team beside me, the Realtors and developers who trust our vision, and the Miami community that has welcomed us into their homes since 2009. Every staging project and every challenge navigated has brought us to this point. I take immense pride in how far I’ve come, and I share this honor with everyone who has walked this path with me. My gratitude goes to our team, our clients, our Realtor and developer partners, and the many people within Showhomes who have supported this journey. Thank you for being part of it.
Building From the Ground Up
Seventeen years ago, I began with a local staging studio. Since 2009, Showhomes Premier Staging has grown into a leading luxury home staging and design company in the Miami and the South Florida market. Building this business has required more than an appreciation for beautiful spaces. It has called for entrepreneurship, consistency, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the people we serve.
Our work sits at the intersection of design and real estate. We help homeowners, Realtors, and developers prepare properties to make a meaningful impression in the market. Over the years, I have seen how much thought, creativity, and coordination go into creating a home that feels right not only visually, but for the people who will experience it.
Elevating the Stage
As the business has grown, so has my role within the Showhomes organization. Today, in addition to continuing to lead our Miami operation, I serve as Chairwoman of the entire Showhomes Franchise brand. It is a responsibility that has expanded my perspective from the day-to-day work of one business, to the opportunities and challenges facing our broader franchise network. It’s a path that continues to shape my career, my relationships, my leadership, and my vision for where this industry is headed.
Framing the Conversation
The award celebration took place during the IFA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., from September 14–16, 2026. Being recognized nationally and then having the opportunity to participate in Advocacy Day was a transformational experience. Franchise owners, franchisors, and industry leaders gathered to discuss issues affecting franchise businesses and met with lawmakers and their staffs on Capitol Hill.
I appreciated the opportunity to step into those conversations not only as a leader within Showhomes, but as a franchise owner and small-business operator. Franchise owners aren’t simply operating businesses in their communities, we also have an opportunity to have a voice in conversations that affect entrepreneurship, employees, franchise systems, and small businesses across the country. Franchise owners bring a vital, grounded perspective to the future of our industry. For me, this was a full-circle moment: traveling from Miami, where I have spent so much of my career building Showhomes Premier Staging, to Washington, D.C., where I was able to celebrate that journey and actively contribute to a larger conversation.
Designing What’s Next
An honor like this is worth celebrating, but it also makes me think about what comes next. I am proud of how far Showhomes Premier Staging has come, my expanding responsibilities within the company, and I am equally excited about the opportunities ahead. We continue to build our presence in Miami, strengthen our relationships across the real estate community, and contribute to the growth of Showhomes.
Receiving this recognition is a reminder of how far I’ve come and a nudge to keep moving forward, pushing boundaries, and always dreaming bigger. I now know that most meaningful milestones aren’t endings. They’re reminders of what’s possible and invitations to keep building, growing, and always dream bigger.
Let’s keep going and see where this journey takes us!
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