Regency Beauty Institute

Regency Beauty Institute was an independent cosmetology school headquartered in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The company began in 2002, founded with the goal of making professional beauty education more accessible. Over the next decade, Regency expanded quickly across the United States, and by September 2014, it operated 88 campuses in 20 states. Its schools were typically located in retail-adjacent shopping centers, reflecting a preference for sites with strong visibility and convenient access.

Regency’s curriculum focused on hands-on training in cosmetology, esthetics, and salon management, preparing students for state licensure and careers in the beauty industry. The company stood out for its contemporary campus design, branded as Studio Luma, which featured open layouts and modern salon settings to replicate professional environments. During its peak years, Regency built credibility through partnerships with major beauty brands and established itself as one of the largest beauty school chains in the country.

In the five years leading up to its closure, Regency pursued aggressive national growth, expanding into both suburban and urban markets and standardizing its campus buildouts. However, on September 28, 2016, the company ceased all operations and closed every campus, citing declining enrollment, increased competition, and challenges with federal student aid. Regency did not file for bankruptcy, and no assets were acquired by other entities. Since its closure, former locations have either been repurposed or remain vacant, and all company contact information and social media accounts are inactive as of 2025. The rapid turnover of Regency’s retail-adjacent spaces following its exit has influenced leasing activity and site selection strategies in multiple markets.