Monkey Puzzle has taken the opportunity to speak to one of our franchisees, Cheryl Law, about women in franchising. Cheryl is a successful businesswoman, currently operating two Monkey Puzzle nurseries and discusses what she enjoys about being a franchisee and why becoming a franchised nursery operator is a fantastic opportunity for women looking to start their own business.

What do you enjoy the most about being a franchisee?

There are lots of reasons why I wanted to be a nursery owner – be my own boss – use the skills and talents I have, to grow a business. I love being a franchisee because I run the business in a way that fits my style, but I have all the professional backup I need if I want to use it. It’s my business, it’s success rests on what I do, but I’m not left out to flounder when things get difficult.

What motivates you?

My motivation is seeing people and children grow. Although making a profit is important, it’s about the investment in people. Staff who join with little idea of where they are going, I want to help them grow, train, and find success in what they are doing. It’s helping children from all backgrounds grow and achieve way beyond expectation. Its helping parents get to grips with parenting, and the nursery being a safe place for them.

How do you manage running multiple settings?

To run multiple settings, you need the right team – I have an admin manager who covers both, and I have an exceptional Operations Director, who overseas both nurseries – an expense that I believe is worth every penny. We work very closely together, but I am now able to have a good work life balance, whilst still being in daily contact with both settings, and remaining in charge of major decisions.

What makes your nurseries successful?

My nurseries are successful because of the team I have built, particularly the senior management team, because I care about the children, parents, and staff, and so do the managers and leaders. This is all part of being an effective leader. A successful nursery is a team effort – show your team that you appreciate them, and ensure your manager listens to staff, and shares with you any issues or problems.

What has been your proudest moment?

My proudest moments have been when a child who has joined us when no other nurseries would take them, because of their physical difficulties. He left our nursery to go to school with abilities way beyond anything their parents and Drs had hoped for. The little boy who could not walk, talk, or eat, and the little girl who just laid there unaware of anyone around. He left walking, talking, and eating, and she left knowing she was loved by the other children, and she could communicate and play in her own way. Their parents cried when we accepted them and cried when they left – because their precious little one’s lives were transformed – yes, they still had challenges ahead, but they had defeated so many already.

What do you find most challenging about being a franchisee?

The most challenging thing – comes with being any business owner – staffing – balancing money – and seeing young people waste their training and future possibilities because they fancied a change.

What makes franchising a great option for women?

Franchising is a great option for both men and women, but particularly women. Historically mostly women have taken on the main care of children, their careers put on hold, or even ended, as it has been seen as ‘what a mother should do’. Being a franchisee is challenging but also rewarding – both financially (eventually) and mindfully. You are your own boss and can set your own guidelines while having the security behind you of an expert group of people that want you to succeed.

You can become a very successful businesswoman.

What advice would you give to other women looking at starting a franchise?

No question is too stupid or too small. If you don’t understand – ask. Have a mentor. Be proud of what you are doing – in a few years you could have a very successful business. Be realistic with yourself about the amount of time you will have to give to your nursery, especially in the first couple of years. There will be times when you are exhausted, and someone will say ‘but its only playing with children – that’s what mums do’. Unless you come from an early years background yourself, you are not an expert but you can become an expert in providing early years education. To begin with you may need to cook, clean and just about everything else, but recognise the point at which it is better to employ someone to do these jobs – you, your time and expertise is worth more than £9.50 an hour! As a franchisee you have a team you can ask and get help from when needed – ENJOY it and LAUGH – even if it is at yourself.