Francie M. Willis
President and CE0
Urban Retreat & Francie Willis Enterprises

Francie Willis began her professional career with the Wendy Ward Charm School where she coached 6,000 young women over a period of six years. During this time, she also joined the staff of Miss Teenage America as the event choreographer. In 1976 Ms. Willis developed a Business Etiquette Program for Women nationwide. She traveled the U.S. and made presentations to fortune 500 companies, and consulted with the management staff of U.S. corporations.

In 1989, Ms. Willis took a visionary step when she opened Urban Retreat, now one of the leading day spas in Texas. Just four years after opening, Modern Salon and Spa, the two leading industry magazines, named Urban Retreat the 1993 Spa of the Year. As Founder and CEO of Urban Retreat, Ms. Willis also was recognized for her success by Allure, Better Homes & Gardens, Elle, Redbook, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Town and Country and Day Spa Magazine.

With her reputation well established, Ms. Willis opened Urban Retreat West Day Spa and The Urban Retreat Skin Care Center and Medi Spa. The Skin Care Center and Medi Spa offers men and women advanced skin care procedures in a clinical environment. Utilizing the knowledge gained from her skin care business, Ms. Willis organized and created Franché® Mineral Cosmetics and Franché® Chirally Correct Skin Care, the first mineral-based makeup with freeze-dried vitamins and sun protection factor (SPF) 20. Franché® launched at Henri Bendel department store in New York City. Ms. Willis believes traditional cosmetics can be changed one step at a time. In 2007 the following additions were incorporated to the Franché® line; Reflexions, a Chirally Correct Skin Care and shaving line developed for men. "baby my baby", a Chirally Correct Bath Care designed especially for babies; baby mousse, shampoo and moisturizer all in one and "baby my baby" balm, for the prevention and healing of diaper rash.

Ms. Willis was named one of the "Top 50 Women Business Owners" by the Houston Business Journal. Her name has been on the prestigious list since 1996. Besides her business interests, Ms. Willis has had a leading role in community service for the past 23 years. Presently, she serves on the boards of three educational institutions, including the University of Houston. As chairperson of 16 galas since 1986, she has helped raise more than $10 million for Houston charities. The galas she chaired most recently are: May 2008, Dancing With the Stars Gala, benefiting The Monarch School, February 2007, Moore School of Music Gala, benefiting Moore's School of Music @ The University of Houston. March 2000, Houston Grand Opera Ball, benefiting The Houston Grand Opera, October 2002 Mediterranean Magic, benefiting the University of Houston, October 2000, Ann B. Norris Gala, benefiting the Houston Gulf Coast Chapter of the Sickle Cell.

Additionally, Ms. Willis has received the following awards: