From educator to entrepreneur: a mother’s mission to help children shine

After more than a decade in further education, Gaitri Sharma’s career took a turn when motherhood inspired her to seek something more meaningful. What began as a search for flexibility soon became a passion for early years education and a successful business investment.

Now, as the proud owner of Monkey Puzzle Stafford and Monkey Puzzle Solihull, Gaitri has turned that passion into two thriving nurseries built on warmth, trust and quality.

“My background is in travel and tourism,” explained Gaitri. “I spent 12 years lecturing in further education and loved every minute of it – seeing young people grow in confidence was really rewarding.”

Gaitri’s hard work led her to become an Assistant Director, overseeing travel and tourism, sport, public services and early years education. “It was a role I was really proud of, but after my third child was born, I realised how much I was missing being at home. The job just wasn’t flexible enough, and I wanted my family to come first.

“I moved into part-time lecturing for a time, but when my fourth child arrived, I wanted something a little more fulfilling – something still connected to education but that gave me the freedom to build a business of my own.”

The ticket to Monkey Puzzle

That spark soon became a mission. “I’d always dreamed of running my own business,” said Gaitri. “But I was also well aware it’d be a huge responsibility. Things like compliance, policies and procedures can be daunting when you’re doing it alone.”

Gaitri began exploring nursery franchises and reached out to a few different groups, but Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries stood out. “There was just something about the brand that felt right. I could see Monkey Puzzle struck the perfect balance between independence and support.”

For over 20 years, Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries has been the market leader for nursery franchises. With over 70 locations nationwide, their model ensures they deliver an early years education experience of the highest quality, providing children with opportunities to learn, develop and grow within a safe, secure and caring environment.

“My husband Amit needed a little more convincing, however, he previously had a difficult experience with a franchise before and was understandably a little cautious. But when we met Grace, who was the Head of Franchising at the time, and is now Monkey Puzzle’s Managing Director, he changed his mind. Her honesty and practical knowledge really helped put us at ease – I knew I’d found the right team to help me make this dream a reality!”

Destination: Stafford

“Before I even opened the doors of my first setting, I felt super supported. Monkey Puzzle introduced me to a number of franchisees before I launched, and their advice was invaluable. Hearing their experiences gave me the confidence that I could really do this.”

Monkey Puzzle Stafford opened in April 2019. With help from the Monkey Puzzle team, they carried out demographic research, found a suitable building – a former community hall – and carefully selected a group of builders to turn the project around. “The fit-out was expected to take four months, but we managed to do it in three,” added Gaitri.

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries franchisees are extensively supported through their onboarding process and beyond. This training includes industry-leading support in recruitment, financial management, marketing and property acquisition and maintenance. This method allows their franchisees the infrastructure to produce a growing, successful business.

“In the lead-up to our launch, the marketing team was amazing too! They made sure our open day was a real success and we could make a splash in our local community right from the get-go!”

The next stop: Solihull

By the time Gaitri opened her second setting in early 2023, she had plenty of experience under her belt. “Everything I’d learned from opening Stafford made such a difference. I knew what to expect and felt far more confident going into it.

However, this time, the property was already an existing nursery, with the then owners looking to sell. “Monkey Puzzle approached me with the possibility of expanding with a second setting in Solihull – I felt ready!

“Their support was amazing. They were crucial in the whole process – especially when it came down to the financial side of things.”

Beyond Gaitri opening a second setting, it was the support of Monkey Puzzle and the wider network that continued to matter most. “The annual events they run are really inspiring, and I’ve taken away so much. I love the closeness of everyone in the network too – there’s always someone at the end of the phone – it’s such a relief when you’re running your own business.

Keeping the journey on course

These days, Gaitri divides her time between her two nurseries. “Stafford has 14 amazing staff members, and we’re sitting at around 60% occupancy. Solihull’s a little smaller, with 12 staff and about 50% occupancy. Both settings are growing steadily, and I’m really proud of the quality of care and education we deliver every day.”

Her short-term focus is all about maintaining those high standards while continuing to build. “We want to push occupancy to full capacity,” added Gaitri, “but without ever compromising on what makes our nurseries special! Recruitment is also a sector-wide challenge, so it’s a goal to stay on top of that too.”

Looking ahead, Gaitri is happy to keep things balanced – for now. “I’m a pretty hands-on franchisee – I love getting involved! It means I get to really know our staff, families and, of course, all our children, while still having the time with my own.”

That said, Gaitri isn’t ruling out expansion forever. “With Barbara, my Group Operations Manager, taking more control, the possibility of opening a third nursery would definitely be on the agenda. And with the backing of Monkey Puzzle, I know it’d be another exciting adventure!”

Gaitri’s advice

“The best thing about being a Monkey Puzzle franchisee – it’s the network, the expertise and the fact that you get to run your own business, but you’re never on your own!”

When it comes to advice for others, Gaitri doesn’t hesitate. “Monkey Puzzle is an incredible brand, and they really support you on your journey as a franchisee. Their record in early years education really does speak for itself.

“Take advantage of all that support! You also need to be flexible and patient. Early years education can be a complex industry, and it’s okay to lean on someone else – especially when it comes to tricky areas like recruitment, finances or finding the right property. It really does take a team to make it work, and Monkey Puzzle gives you that team.”