14th June 2012

A few of our franchisees have just passed their one year anniversary with Pyjama Drama so we thought it'd be interesting to ask them what it's like to run a franchise and what they've learnt over the last 12 months.

So here it is, in their own words…

Tracey Wright, franchise manager for Telford & Bridgnorth

Here are some of the things I have learnt:

  • Other Franchise Managers and their experiences are invaluable when it comes to problem-solving
  • You just never know what doors will open if you knock loud enough
  • Children need encouragement but so do parents.
  • The immense pleasure children get from ‘pretending’ is unlike the enjoyment they get from any fancy toy.
  • The sense of pride and achievement and the satisfaction you get from running your own business is far greater than being an employee.The potential of the Pyjama Drama business has far exceeded my initial expectations.

Jane Cole, franchise manager for Ipswich, Felixstowe and Woodbridge

  • I can’t believe after all these years I’ve finally found a career (not just a job).I have always been employed by someone else and had had a yearning for quite a while to be my own boss but I still wanted to feel part of a team, a franchise was the perfect answer and I have absolutely no regrets, well just one, I wish I’d taken the plunge earlier.  That’s not to say it’s not been without its challenges but every challenge is one worth working hard for because the reward at the end of the day is all mine.
  • The reward I get from seeing the development of the children over a period of time coming to a class far outweighs any of the challenges from running a business. It’s the magical element of the sessions that brings me so much joy especially in the Let’s Pretend section when they totally believe in the scene that has been set.  And it never ceases to amaze me the imaginations that the children have.
  • I may deliver up to 17 sessions a week but every single one is different because the children make it so.  No day or week is ever the same & I love the creativity that comes with the future planning and marketing of my business.
  • And finally the biggest thing I’ve learnt is that it is true ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’, building up a business does take time but by the same token, it's important not to be afraid to just go for it.  Every day I’m still learning and that’s why for me this has been the best career move ever.

Julieanne Carter, franchise manager for Mid-Cheshire

  • It has been hard work but extremely rewarding.  For me, seeing how the children develop is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
  • Seeing your business grow is so exciting, I consider myself very lucky to have a career that I love.  

If you'd like to find out more about becoming a Pyjama Drama franchisee, give us a call on 01938 871855.