Closing Business Deals and Packing Juice Boxes

Stay at home with your child or go back to work? This has been the age-old question especially in America’s current economy. Parents want to provide financial security for their children but also want to ensure their healthy development as they grow. So which option is best? How about both. Small business ownership has allowed individuals, especially moms, get into business for themselves and create a career where they call the hours. Franchising in particular has helped individuals get into a business model that gives extra support, and assists people with succeeding as owners. Take for example Lora Brown, a Fantastic Sam Hair Salon franchisee in Tampa Bay, Fla.. Brown spent several years doing court reporting in the Tampa Bay area. After a while she realized she wanted to spend more time with her son and decided to look for a career that would allow her to set her own hours. She quickly realized the business model that Fantastic Sams offered would allow her to do just that. “The thing that pulled me in was the support system; you’re never alone, the regional officers are so great,” Brown said. “Owning a private salon, you’re scared, lost or worried that you don’t have anyone to help you. With Fantastic Sams, there are always 10 people that you can talk to on a daily basis.” The idea of being a “momtrepreneur” and being able to split time between parenting and having a successful career has become very attractive to prospective business owners. Many of these female entrepreneurs seek to be paired with a system that is viable and a good fit with their lifestyle. Deb Mathis, Soccer Shots franchisee of Northeast Dallas County, Texas, has always had a passion for fitness and previously worked as the corporate fitness coordinator at Johnson & Johnson. “It was a way of turning my passion into a career,” Mathis said. “I’m very active and was never going to be satisfied with an eight to six at a desk.” When Mathis had children, her hours started to wane as she wanted to be there while her kids grew up. She discovered Soccer Shots, a child health and fitness program that teaches children two to eight years of age the fundamentals of soccer. Soccer Shots provided, “a great way to stay in shape and stay in the [fitness] industry but still be a stay-at-home mom,” Mathis said. “I've had the same obstacles as anyone else who is a mom. I have to deal with how you balance working and supporting your family financially, while still being the kind of mom you want to be.” Through franchising, both Brown and Mathis were able to find a business system that helped them succeed as owners. Franchising also allowed them to support their families as moms. When asked about their passions, both franchisees answered that they love their family and being able to support them in every way possible.