As Mosaic Hair Studio & Blowout Bar continued to experience strong demand across its Orlando locations, leadership faced a pivotal growth decision. Expansion was necessary, but the how mattered just as much as the where.
Their employee-based salon model, intentionally different from traditional chair-rental concepts, relies on culture, consistency, and long-term stability. Leasing another space could solve short-term capacity needs, but it would limit control and introduce uncertainty at a stage where the business required predictability and flexibility.
Mosaic needed a solution that supported growth while protecting the business they had so thoughtfully built.
Working closely with Mosaic founders Mike Van den Abbeel and Kiri Wollheim, we approached the assignment as a business underwriting exercise rather than a traditional site search.
The process focused on:
- Evaluating ownership versus leasing through a long-term financial lens
- Identifying corridors aligned with Mosaic’s client base, workforce, and brand presence
- Stress-testing renovation potential alongside future income opportunities
The Edgewood / SoDo corridor emerged as a natural fit. South Orange Avenue benefits from strong residential density, daily commuter traffic, and continued reinvestment, making it a corridor where service-oriented, community-driven brands thrive.
The acquisition at 4901 S. Orange Avenue allowed Mosaic to renovate the building for its third Orlando location while intentionally preserving approximately 2,100 square feet for future lease, creating optionality and helping offset ownership costs.
The seller was represented by my colleagues Glen Jaffee and Sam King, and financing was secured through Seacoast Bank, led by Charlene Hotaling.
Mosaic Hair Studio & Blowout Bar successfully transitioned from tenant to owner-user, securing a strategically located asset that supports both current operations and future growth.
The outcome includes:
- A purpose-built third Orlando location designed to meet increasing demand
- Ownership control over a highly visible Edgewood / SoDo property
- Additional leasable square footage to enhance long-term financial performance
- A real estate strategy aligned with operational stability and scalability
This acquisition positions Mosaic to grow with intention while building equity alongside the business.
Mosaic’s leadership valued having an advisor who understood not only the real estate, but the operational model and long-term vision behind the business. The ability to thoughtfully evaluate continued ownership versus leasing, structure a plan that preserved flexibility, and align the real estate decision with Mosaic’s people-first approach gave them confidence in taking this next step.
Design and renovation plans are underway, with James Cornetet of Hip Hop Design Studios helping bring Mosaic’s vision to life. Construction will be commencing soon, further activating this Edgewood / SoDo infill corridor. Leasing efforts for the additional retail space will also be launching in parallel.