BE YOUR OWN BOSS AT LOW COST
CHILDREN INSPIRED BY YOGA (WITH TATTY BUMPKIN)
What did you do before franchising? I worked in tourism for VisitScotland and the Scottish government and I loved my previous job! When my daughter was starting school I wanted to have more fl exibility so that I would be able to pick her up, help with homework, organise playdates and generally be involved in her school life. So I looked around for other options.
How did you discover Children Inspired by Yoga and Tatty Bumpkin? I didn’t have a specifi c business idea, but wanted to work with children and was passionate about movement and exercise and its benefi ts for physical and mental health, and for building children’s self- esteem in the long term. I looked at several franchises, but chose Tatty Bumpkin. Their product has depth – it is well thought out, has a host of experts behind it and I believed in it. When I met those behind the franchise, I found them to be caring, nurturing people who are passionate about the wellbeing of children. I felt I could work with them.
Was a low-cost investment level a major part of your decision making? The franchise wasn’t the cheapest that I looked at, but other fi nancial risks were low – I didn’t need to commit to premises and rent, I could contract teachers when it was the right time for me. The upfront cost of the franchise included everything to get me going: training, starter marketing materials, access to proven wording for sales communications, enough mats and props to make a start, all of which was good quality and value for money.
Does low cost mean low return? I think the level of return is in your hands as a franchisee – the more eff ort and time you put in the the greater the return. The returns are not all fi nancial – I put a high
value on being in charge of my own time and schedule, having fl exibility as to how much I work and when. It is also a privilege to work with young children, to be part of their learning journey.
What training and support is available on an ongoing basis? Support from head offi ce is exceptional. There is support for any aspect of running the business and delivering sessions, dealing with special needs, special behaviour, help putting together documents for prospective customers, providing artwork for ads and leafl ets, and help with the computer software. Further training is off ered for special needs and for more advanced classes. All are delivered to a high standard and with clear pathways to new revenue streams. The franchisee network is special – no question is too mundane or silly, everyone supports everyone else with ideas, answers and emotional support. While I am quite isolated, geographically speaking, from everyone else, I know that there are amazing people all around able and willing to support.
How was trading in the beginning and how is business going now? I managed to fi nd several customers quite quickly, plateaued a little and then found confi dence and inspiration to grow. Business is going well; we have loyal customers and new ones in the pipeline.
Describe a typical day... Every day is diff erent. I deliver classes on most days, fi tting class prep, admin, sales, marketing and teacher meetings around them. I now keep one day a week free to focus on admin and sales and to give a little headspace to think about the business.
What are your plans for the future? I am reviewing the business direction...
Children Inspired by Yoga with Tatty Bumpkin off ers “bendy, giggly yoga for clever minds and strong bodies”. Tara McGregor is the Tatty Bumpkin franchisee for Edinburgh and is enjoying the fl exibility that being her own boss brings.
the market has changed and there are more opportunities. Yoga is so much more mainstream, plus physical and mental health are huge priorities for young people now.
How well does the franchise fi t in with your current lifestyle? Does it provide a happy work-life balance? The franchise is fl exible so that you can choose your work-life balance. At the beginning there is so much to learn and to think about, everything is new… the franchise can take over! But you are in control so it doesn’t have to. There have been times when life events have meant giving more time to that side and less to the business, but the business has been very resilient and ticked along until I have been able to give it more attention again.
Would you recommend Tatty Bumpkin to others? What advice would you give to anyone considering a franchise? I would recommend Tatty Bumpkin highly to those interested in an opportunity that accommodates your life, and provides quality, varied, rewarding work. It is a business full of caring, trustworthy, giving and passionate people.
I would say the most important thing
is research – you need to be sure that the franchise you buy fi ts with your own aspirations – fi nancial, work-life balance, support, communication. Develop some realistic business scenarios before you commit. Most of all – are the people right for you?
July/August 2018 |
BusinessFranchise.com | 31
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