Franchising is Great for Moms who Want Flexibility and a Successful System to Follow
On Mother’s Day, moms everywhere are celebrated for being selfless, loving caretakers. While raising children is one of life’s greatest joys, balancing motherhood and a career can be difficult. But many mothers have found a great way to achieve an ideal work-life balance through franchising. Not only does franchising provide a successful system to follow, but it offers the flexibility moms need.
This flexibility allows moms to spend more time with their families while running a business. Moms have found great success in franchising. In fact, some of today’s leading brands were founded by moms. Here, we speak to six mothers who have created franchises to help other mothers provide for themselves and their families. First, we speak with Lisa Druxman, founder and CEO of the FIT4MOM franchise, a fitness brand that offers wellness and fitness programs for all stages of motherhood.
Lisa Druxman
Founder and CEO, FIT4MOM franchise
Franchising is amazing for moms because they don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
Why is franchising a good industry for moms?
Franchising is amazing for moms because they don’t have to reinvent the wheel. They can buy into a proven process and be their own boss with the added benefit of a franchise community. There are so many franchises out there that can be done from home or part-time, which can work great for moms.
What is your advice for moms looking to get into franchising?
You should be real about how much time you have to run the business. Yes, you are buying a proven model, but you still have to do the work. Find a business that you will be passionate about. Ask other franchisees about their experience. Are they able to work from home? What is the time commitment?
Why should moms bring their children to FIT4MOM?
Our franchise, FIT4MOM, was built by moms for moms. Most of our franchisees start with babies and their businesses grow up as their kids grow up. They can bring their babies to our Stroller Strides classes. We have created a business that integrates work with life instead of work vs life.
Do you have many franchisees who are moms?
Pretty much, all of our franchisees are moms. Most start with babies and toddlers. So many leave their career once they realize it no longer fits the life they want as a mom. FIT4MOM is their opportunity to create impact in their community, bring income to their family and have a career that is supportive of motherhood.
How can franchisors empower moms?
There is a huge opportunity to bring talented, experienced women into your business if you can support them as moms. Create opportunities to work from home, work flexible hours, and do remote meetings and training. Yes, we train our franchisees on the business, but we also developed our own Mom Business Academy where we teach moms how to lead, manage and become entrepreneurs.
Megan Reilly
Owner/COO, Tippi Toes, Inc.
Flexibility is the greatest gift for an ambitious mom who wants to build a business and be present at home.
Why is franchising a good industry for moms?
Franchising provides moms a chance to build a business with support and guidance. The beauty of franchising is that you are building your own business, but you do not have to do it alone. For added “mom-friendliness,” some franchises, including ours at Tippi Toes, are home-based, which allows for a great deal of flexibility.
What is your advice for moms looking to get into franchising?
Research franchise brands that interest you and then start having conversations with those brands. It is totally acceptable to just test the waters with phone calls with franchisors, and you will learn so much. Take the step to actually talk to different brands and that will give you great confidence in your final decision whether that means you become a franchise owner or not.
Why should moms bring their children to Tippi Toes?
We offer the most fun, uplifting and kid-friendly dance classes in the world. We are not just teaching dance; we are also building confidence in children by showing them that being physically active can be fun and learning a new skill is exciting. We are the only dance company that has written several children’s albums that keep our classes high-energy, silly, and engaging for the students. Tippi Toes dance classes are happy places for everyone.
Do you have many franchisees who are moms?
Almost all of our franchise owners are moms and moms of children who are still at home. We actually have three pregnant franchise owners right now. The beauty of owning your business is flexibility. Flexibility is the greatest gift for an ambitious mom who wants to build a business and be present at home.
How can franchisors empower moms?
Franchisors provide opportunities for moms, which is empowering. We provide opportunities for income, personal development and a chance for a mom to chase her dreams. Many people dream about being a business owner, but it seems intimidating. Franchising helps alleviate so much fear because you go into business with support and a team of people who want you to win. I have been a franchisor for 12 years because of the success of our franchisees. Not only do franchise owners want to succeed, but the entire franchisor home office wants you to thrive as well.
Karissa Johnson
Founder & CEO, Moms on the Run franchise
Mothers look to business ownership as a path to the flexibility they need in their lives as parents.
Why is franchising a good industry for moms?
Mothers look to business ownership as a path to the flexibility they need in their lives as parents. A franchise business gives women the opportunity to build their own company with a proven model and systems in place to promote their success. In addition to all the resources provided, franchising is an excellent way to be surrounded by a community of supporters cheering you on.
What is your advice for moms looking to get into franchising?
Align yourself with a brand you are passionate about. When the inevitable challenges of business come your way, just remember your “why,” and it will motivate you through them. Have realistic expectations about the time it will take to become profitable, and make sure you have the resources you need to support yourself and your family during this time. By avoiding financial stress, you’ll be less tempted to cut corners with those initial business investments that ultimately lead to your future success.
Why should moms bring their children to Moms on the Run?
Moms on the Run offers a variety of fitness classes designed to welcome women of all ages and fitness levels into our inclusive community. We help busy women accomplish their self-care and friendship goals; in just one hour of “me time,” women can get in their workout and find community and connection with others. Many choose this time as a much needed break from the kiddos, but women are welcome to bring children along any time.
Do you have many franchisees who are moms?
The vast majority of our franchisees are mothers. We pride ourselves on offering a super flexible part-time opportunity that works around the busy lives of women.
How can franchisors empower moms?
Franchisors have the opportunity to empower moms by building inspirational communities of like-minded entrepreneurs. Their systems of support offer a wide variety of resources women can tap into that are designed to ensure success.
Jenny McCuiston
Co-owner, Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC
Starting a franchise is tough like motherhood, but just like motherhood, there’s nothing better than seeing your baby grow and succeed.
Why is franchising a good industry for moms?
Franchising is a great industry for moms because it provides an opportunity to enhance your career while having a flexible schedule, being your own boss, creating your own hours, possibly working from home and most importantly, spending more time with your family. Moms already possess many of the skills needed to succeed as a franchisee – diligence, hard work, organization, time-management, patience and compassion. More and more moms are leaving corporate America for flexibility, and the pandemic has certainly accelerated a boom in female entrepreneurship as people have a desire to follow their passion more than ever before. Starting a franchise is tough like motherhood, but just like motherhood, there’s nothing better than seeing your baby grow and succeed.
What is your advice for moms looking to get into franchising?
Follow your passion because passion will fuel your determination to find success.There will always be challenges, but passion and purpose will drive the fierce determination you need to achieve your goals. Bottom line – you must believe in the brand you invest in. You don’t want to buy yourself a job. Find a franchise opportunity that you love, believe in, and are passionate about.
Why should moms bring their children to Goldfish Swim School?
Goldfish Swim School was created by parents, for parents, with the goal in mind to give kids the platform to make waves in life. Our classes are offered by specially-trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly, and fun environment. We want our members to have great experiences in the water and at our schools. With children being our main focus, we have built everything with them in mind. Our in-school experience is second to none and we have the opportunity and obligation to translate that beyond our front door and into the community. Our schools provide swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children ages four months to 12 years. Each school offers swim lessons and programs using a proprietary philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay, to build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment.
Do you have many franchisees who are moms?
A large number of franchisees in our system are moms. Furthermore, 40% of our 2021 signed franchise agreements included women owners. Some are husband-and-wife teams; others are female business partners. As a whole, Goldfish has experienced approximately a 5% increase year-over-year in signed franchise agreements involving a female owner, each year. Approximately 60% of Goldfish Swim Schools include a woman owner.
How can franchisors empower moms?
The franchise industry as a whole should be a champion for other women and moms at work – encouraging their ideas, giving them the tools they need to succeed, and supporting them on their journey as franchisees. At Goldfish, we celebrate our rockstar moms – whether it be systemwide call outs, featured blog posts, company awards and more. We embrace their ideas, welcome their feedback and encourage them to take on additional leadership roles, such as becoming members of our franchise brand advisory council, which is currently made up of two moms.
Rosemarie Hartnett
President, Abrakadoodle franchise
Build your network by surrounding yourself with positive people who are interested in learning new things and from whom you can learn.
Why is franchising a good industry for moms?
Franchising is a good industry for women in general, including moms. There are a number of solid franchise brands that offer the kind of flexibility that women need while raising a family. Home-based businesses like Abrakadoodle offer the flexibility that enables women to realize the dream of business ownership while balancing life/work issues.
What is your advice for moms looking to get into franchising?
Build your network by surrounding yourself with positive people who are interested in learning new things and from whom you can learn. I joined the International Franchise Association (IFA) very early in my career. Through IFA participation, I have built invaluable relationships and been mentored by some of the smartest people in franchising. It also enabled me to meet other professional women in franchising who were also raising families. We have provided great support to one another over the years.
Why should moms bring their children to Abrakadoodle?
Art uplifts us all. Our art classes, camps and special art events build creativity and imagination in children while providing a fun and positive learning environment. Our art classes introduce children to artists from around the world, help children learn about different art techniques and styles, all while exploring a wide variety of art materials. We love watching children get creative.
Do you have many franchisees who are moms?
Yes, we do. I am reminded of our long-time franchise owner Sue Walia from northern Virginia. Sue raised three children as a single parent and has built a very successful Abrakadoodle franchise business. Her children, one who was in preschool when she started her business, have worked in her business too. She has been a remarkable role model for her children. I am also inspired by our new moms. Margaret Cornwell from Alabama runs a wonderful Abrakadoodle franchise all while raising her son Rowan, who is now 2.5 years old. Stephanie Burke, an Abrakadoodle franchise owner from Maryland, is another remarkable new mom to her son, five-month-old Raheed. Her positivity is contagious. She brings this “can do” spirit to her business and to her family.
How can franchisors empower moms?
I think providing leadership opportunities for female franchise owners, and for women who are employees within the franchisor’s organization, will empower women who are raising families. This builds a culture that encourages forward thinking and creates a positive culture where role models inspire others to reach for success.
Shannon Wilburn
CEO and Co-Founder, Just Between Friends franchise
Franchising provides women the opportunity to utilize their talents without sacrificing the needs of their family.
Why is franchising a good industry for moms?
Nobody tells you when you become a mom that your time is no longer your own. It is challenging at best to keep up with all the things that are required of busy parents. Franchising provides women the opportunity to utilize their talents without sacrificing the needs of their family. Flexibility is the key.
What is your advice for moms looking to get into franchising?
Find something that speaks to you. If you want to go all in, why not do it with something you love doing? Twenty-five years ago, I became an accidental entrepreneur when I had the desire to dress my kids in the “best” brands. At the time, our young family did not have the luxury of department store shopping, and I knew there had to be a better way for families to make ends meet. Out of that passion, a business was born and it’s as relevant today as it was 25 years ago. Knowing your “why” makes work rewarding and sustainable.
Why should moms bring their children to Just Between Friends?
Our events provide families with a local marketplace to buy and sell things their kiddos no longer need or want. It is fun for children to see firsthand how items that they have outgrown or outloved can bring joy to another child. We always say that items purchased at Just Between Friends are “pre-loved,” which creates a sense of community even amongst our littlest of shoppers.
Do you have many franchisees who are moms?
Our franchise partners are moms and grandmoms who are committed to a healthy work-life balance. The seasonal nature of our business model enables women in particular to build a business that is meaningful to their families and their communities. It’s a win-win.
How can franchisors empower moms?
Moms are problem solvers and adept at getting things done. Through franchising, these essential skills can be channeled into a framework that has proof of concept. This is exciting because entrepreneurial-minded women can go further faster.