On September14th Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Scotland has a massively inspiring panel of franchisees on board to tell us all about their journeys!
Over the past decade, the number of women venturing into franchise ownership has grown significantly, both globally and in the UK. So, at the next EWiF Scotland meeting, we've decided to gather a panel of some of these intrepid women together and ask them about their journeys.
From how they got started to how they balance work/life, we will be asking for all of the juicy details!
So who will we have under the spotlight? Meet our panelists!
Alison Norman
Monkey Music was the UK’s very first pre-school music class franchise founded in London in 1993 and 30 years later is an award winning franchise network having delivered over 3 million hours of classes!
Alison Norman from Monkey Music Tunbridge Wells & Sevenoaks has been a franchisee with the network, for over 20 years. She saw her first Monkey Music class in 2001, and knew it was the perfect fit - she's never looked back! She became a franchisee launching a new territory/unit in Kent back in 2003, and has, this summer, just taken on 2 further resale territories. She feels privileged to have the opportunity to lead more teams who will be introducing Monkey Music to even more families over the next 5 years!
Asha Richardson
Asha is a business owner, a charity founder, a mum of two and a proud plate spinner. Asha is the owner and Principal of multi-award winning Razzamataz Theatre Schools South Lakes.
Despite spending several months abroad in Ghana each year, Asha's proud to have grown her school by over 700% in the last 3 years. Asha was named Lifestyle Franchisee by the BFA in 2022, has been recognised as Great British Franchisee Award Winner 2023 by Which Franchise and was named Young Woman in Franchising at the 2023 EWiF Awards.
Asha, aged 29, has faced many obstacles both in business and in her personal life but was once told "life isn't the dress rehearsal, it's the real thing" so she continues to take every opportunity thrown at her to create the best possible life she can for herself, her two young boys and all the students and families who she continues to inspire through her charity work and her Razzamataz school.
Sarah Maguire
After a 20 year career working in Data & Analytics for a large UK bank, Sarah stepped away from the pressure of corporate life to start her Raison Home franchise.
She longed for more flexibility and creativity in her working life. With a passion for interior design, and plenty of encouragement from her family and friends, Sarah decided that Raison Home was the perfect fit! Raison Home Edinburgh began trading in April 2022, joining an international network of in-home designers.
Sarah loves getting to know her clients and bringing to life their dream interior. She understands that some people find home renovation projects daunting and enjoys bringing a more convenient and stress-free alternative to her clients. She’s by their side through every step of their project and looks after the small details that make a big difference to their experience.
Donna McKenna
Donna McKenna is the franchisee and owner of Pink Spaghetti Stirling and Livingston. She has been running her virtual assistant business for over 2 and a half years, and has recently recruited her first employee.
A detail-orientated science graduate, and qualified in Health and Local Authority Management and Prince2 Project Management, Donna brings a wealth of experience gained in senior management positions over a 27-year period, within the health and social care sector. From managing care homes, home care services, NHS partnership services and service development, Donna has been able to successfully apply her diverse skillset to the small business world.
Pink Spaghetti is an award-winning franchise that provides virtual business support and lifestyle management, offering an efficient, flexible, cost-effective and time management solution for businesses and individuals alike.
Want to attend?
To book your free spot go tto EWIF Scotland and register your place! Please feel free to invite anyone you know who has been thinking about going into business for themselves - it might be just the inspiration they need!
Date: 14th September 2023
Venue: Zoom
Timing: 11am – 1:00pm