Insights and Stories from Female Entrepreneurs Driving Change
Female entrepreneurship is on the rise and shows no signs of slowing. According to Forbes, there are more than 14 million women-owned small businesses in the U.S. that account for nearly 40% of all businesses in the country. Female entrepreneurs are making a huge impact, generating $2.7 trillion in annual revenue and employing almost 12.2 million people in the U.S. Notably, women are outpacing their male counterparts. The 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report shows that from 2019 to 2023, the number of women-owned businesses increased at nearly double the rate of those owned by men; and from 2022 to 2023, the rate of growth increased to 4.5 times.
These remarkable statistics aren’t surprising to MilkShake Factory founder Dana Edwards Manatos. Coming from a lineage of female entrepreneurs, she was inspired by multiple generations of strong women in business, starting with her great-grandmother. Manatos believes women are inherently suited for entrepreneurship due to their natural multitasking abilities.
Danielle Correia, founder of sugaringLA, agrees. She says that women have a collaborative nature, making them ideal for business ownership. She sees franchising as an opportunity for even more support and mentorship. Her all-natural hair removal franchise, for example, is opening doors for entrepreneurs (both male and female) to leverage the growing wellness industry.
Empowering women through franchising is something Kidokinetics founder Terri Braun feels strongly about. As she transitioned her children’s enrichment business to franchising, she leaned on the advice of mentors and advisors. She encourages aspiring female franchise owners to do the same. Braun sees women as a transformative force in franchising, shaping its future.
Through franchising, Manatos, Correia, and Braun are contributing to the rise of women-owned businesses. But getting started in franchising isn’t a simple process. As passionate business owners who knew their businesses inside and out, yet had no franchising experience, they needed guidance. All three founders called on the help of the franchise experts at REP’M Group, a respected franchise development firm known for growing brands responsibly. “We wanted to give other business owners and entrepreneurs the opportunity to create the same kind of welcoming spaces in their own communities,” says Manatos about venturing into franchising. In their collaboration with REP’M Group, the founders were able to scale their businesses, stay true to their missions and empower others to succeed.
Correia is thrilled to do her part in helping fellow female entrepreneurs succeed in business through franchising. “There’s a world of opportunities awaiting through good mentorship and support networks designed just for female entrepreneurs,” she says. Braun concurs and suggests that women build a strong network of mentors to succeed in franchising. Below, they share their stories, insights and advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs.
Dana Edwards Manatos, MilkShake Factory
Franchising is like a secret weapon for women wanting to dive into business without having to start from zero.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in franchising?
As a fourth-generation chocolatier, our family legacy traces back to 1914 when my great-grandparents immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island. Their humble beginnings saw them crafting candies on the street corner allowing them to save enough money to open our family’s first chocolate shop and soda fountain in Pittsburgh, Penn. What sets us apart is our tradition of female leadership spanning generations: from my great-grandmother to my grandmother, followed by my own mother, and now me. Today, I am proud to pass down our century-old techniques and values to my 11-year-old daughter, ensuring the continuation of our family’s traditions that originated in our village in Greece.
How did you enter franchising?
Our family never set out to build a franchise. Our priority was to cultivate a space where the community could gather and treat themselves to the simple joys in life. We set out to build a place that would make our great-grandparents and grandparents proud. Following the successful launch of eleven locations across Pittsburgh, it became evident that we had inadvertently crafted an ideal franchise blueprint. We decided we wanted to give other business owners and entrepreneurs the opportunity to create the same kind of welcoming spaces in their own communities.
How do you perceive the role of women in franchising today?
Women are multitaskers and I’m fairly confident this is the only way the human race has survived! In today’s franchising landscape, women are not just participants but vital leaders driving innovation, growth, and inclusivity. Women bring diverse perspectives and skill sets to the table, enriching the franchising community with fresh ideas and collaborative approaches. As CEOs, managers, and franchise owners, women are making significant strides, contributing to the dynamic evolution of the industry.
In what ways does franchising create opportunities for female entrepreneurs that may be different from other business models?
Franchising is like a secret weapon for women wanting to dive into business without having to start from zero. Imagine stepping into an arena where the game plan is already laid out for you, with a team ready to back you up and a toolkit full of strategies that actually work. It’s more approachable over creating something from scratch. Here, you get to stand on the shoulders of those who have already paved the way – you’ve got a brand people recognize, a roadmap on how to run things, and marketing tricks that pull in customers. But the real cherry on top? It’s the community. Franchising isn’t just about following a successful formula; it’s about being part of a club where everyone’s rooting for each other. You get to swap stories, share wisdom, and lean on folks who’ve been exactly where you are. It’s like having your own circle of business besties, mentors included, who help you skip the newbie mistakes and speed up your success story.
Have you noticed any specific challenges or opportunities for women in franchising?
Absolutely, there have been strides forward, but we’re not out of the woods yet. One big roadblock is shaking off those old-school views on gender roles that still hang around in some parts of the franchising world. Plus, trying to find that sweet spot between work and personal life is a real tightrope walk, especially for people who are juggling family duties on top of everything else.
The cool thing about franchising, though, is that it comes with a sort of playbook and a built-in support network, which is a game-changer for women just stepping into the entrepreneurship ring. And let’s not overlook the brighter side – there’s a lot more talk and action around diversity and inclusion in franchising nowadays. This shift is not just about opening doors for women; it’s about ushering them into leadership spots and sparking some truly fresh, innovative ways of doing business.
What advice would you give to women considering entering franchising?
First up, homework is your new best friend. Seriously, dig into those franchise options like a detective. What fits your vibe, your dreams, and your values? Take a close look at what support the franchisor offers and how happy their franchisees are. It’s all about finding your perfect match in the franchise world.
Next, remember, it’s totally okay to ask for help. Tap into every resource you can find — experts, mentors, people who’ve walked this path before you. Think of it as building your dream team; these folks can offer you valuable pieces of wisdom that can really shape your journey.
And finally: never underestimate the power of being you. Your unique perspective as a woman? That’s gold in the franchising scene. You bring something special to the table, something that can really shake things up for the better. So, embrace every bit of your journey, the ups, the downs, and everything in between. Challenges? They’re just stepping stones to make you stronger. Keep that passion burning bright, and trust in your amazing potential to rock the franchising world.
Danielle Correia, sugaringLA
Franchising is like a treasure trove of opportunities for women!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in franchising?
A little bit about me: In 2011, I embarked on a journey with a singular vision to revolutionize the hair removal industry by making quality sugaring accessible to all, while championing a “skin-friendly and sustainable” approach. Thus, sugaringLA was born. Fast forward to 2021, our dedication to this mission led us to partner with Franworth, paving the way for expansion into the franchising arena. Since then, my role has evolved into spearheading the development of our franchise systems, managing our dedicated team, refining our training programs, and working with our supply chain. Yet, amidst these responsibilities, my heart remains committed to my original role as the founder and visionary of sugaringLA. It’s a privilege to focus on shaping the future of our brand and industry, all while staying true to our core values of accessibility, sustainability, and skin health.
How do you perceive the role of women in franchising today?
In the world of franchising, women are making waves! Their unique perspectives and talents are adding depth and diversity to the scene. With a collaborative spirit, we’re forming supportive networks, sharing knowledge, and paving the way for personal and professional growth. It’s a dynamic landscape filled with opportunity and camaraderie.
Our biggest challenges are finding the work, life, family balance and breaking gender norms, it can be quite the juggling act for women in franchising. But fear not! There’s a world of opportunities awaiting through good mentorship and support networks designed just for female entrepreneurs.
In what ways does franchising create opportunities for female entrepreneurs that may be different from other business models?
Franchising is like a treasure trove of opportunities for women! With ready-made business models, killer training, brand recognition, and all the IT systems set up, it’s like stepping into the fast lane of entrepreneurship without all the hassle. Plus, the whole setup of a franchise system makes it way easier to dive in compared to starting from square one.
What advice would you give to women considering entering franchising?
My advice for women entering franchising would be research thoroughly, connect with mentors who can guide you, make the most of resources at your disposable, and focus on industries aligned with your interests. Stay committed, push past any doubts or fears, and lean on a solid support system for backup. Remember, growth doesn’t happen in our comfort zones. Keep your “why” front and center, and trust in your own abilities.
Terri Braun, Kidokinetics
The role of women in franchising today is increasingly significant and transformative.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in franchising?
My background in franchising is all self-taught. I got into franchising once I realized I wanted to grow my business. I had a successful Kidokinetics business up and running in South Florida and knew that I could use that as a foundation to expand. I made the time to focus on expansion and did that through franchising.
My story and how I came up with the idea to start Kidokinetics is very significant to the success of Kidokinetics today. I started karate at the age of 8 and started teaching little kids at the age of 12. I was immediately drawn to the children and had a natural way with them. I was able to empower them and made them feel confident in themselves.
I met with a pediatric neurologist, occupational therapists, and physical therapists and started to learn what children needed. I very soon realized that when children get to a certain age depending on their exposure to physical activity, they would either be active or not. I wanted to make sure that any child that goes through Kidokinetics has such a positive experience that they will want to be physically active for a lifetime. Unfortunately, kids today, unless they are enrolled in some kind of sports team, do not move very much. The reason for that is, it’s simple, there is nothing out there for them to do and be active without it involving a team and a winner at the end. Not every child is cut out like that.
At Kidokinetics, we make sure that in all our classes we are covering the national physical activity standards and what is expected of children. We are also making sure we focus on all the movement patterns and fitness components that are aligned with physical activity. We also teach kids where their muscles and bones are, all while focusing on a new sport or activity each week. Most importantly we are non-competitive and fun.
How did you enter franchising?
It’s a long story with many, many bumps in the road. When I was ready to start franchising, I did my due diligence and met with several companies that help you get your feet off the ground. I met with one particular company out of state. I met them three times in person before I went ahead with the idea of using them. At the time they seemed to be the leading company when it came to taking a concept and making it ready for all things franchising. I felt comfortable that they knew what they were doing, I didn’t have much to go on and I didn’t know anything about franchising, so I trusted them. I learned a lot through that experience (good and bad) and grew from it.
How do you perceive the role of women in franchising today?
The role of women in franchising today is increasingly significant and transformative. Over the years, the franchising sector has witnessed a growing number of women entrepreneurs who are leveraging franchising as a pathway to business ownership, leadership, and innovation. Women are not only becoming franchise owners but also playing pivotal roles as franchisors, suppliers, consultants, and influential leaders within the franchising community.
To me, the role of women in franchising today is characterized by growth, diversity, and leadership, contributing significantly to the innovation and resilience of the franchising model. Our involvement is crucial for shaping a more inclusive and dynamic future for the franchising industry.
Have you noticed any specific challenges or opportunities for women in franchising?
The challenges I think a lot of women face when it comes to franchising is work-life balance, we juggle so many different tasks in a day being a mother and entrepreneur. Being a woman which often goes with being a mother and wife in a lot of cases it can be a challenge to juggle attending meetings and networking. However, somehow, we all manage to do it. We are the mother, wife and entrepreneur and still show up in those roles every day.
In what ways does franchising create opportunities for female entrepreneurs that may be different from other business models?
Franchising offers several unique opportunities for female entrepreneurs that can be distinct from those presented by other business models. There are so many great opportunities in the world of franchising. Women can serve in leadership roles and positions, mentor and support other women, join franchise associations and women’s business groups. We can advocate for diversity and inclusion. Women also have the opportunity to leverage digital and social media platforms to market their franchise.
What advice would you give to women considering entering franchising?
For women considering entering the world of franchising, the journey can be both exciting and challenging. Do your research before diving into franchising. Make sure you are financially sound. Reach out to the women of franchising. They are one of the most supportive groups I know, and I have made some great friends (and mentors) from just reaching out. They are genuine and real and really want to see women be successful. Make sure you build a strong network and plan to have a good work-life balance. You can’t run a business without a strong sound mind, and you need to take care of yourself. Lastly, the most important piece of advice I can offer is do everything á la carte, pick the best franchise attorney for you, the best person to put an ops manual together, the best person to do your marketing. Whatever you do, don’t go to a place that says they have it all under one roof. There are some really good people out there that do great work, they just don’t all work for the same company. Stay true to your brand, your corporate culture, and always stay passionate about what you do.
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