Working Mums Franchise

Working Mum Franchise

Ali Webb - Somerset

Creation Station franchisee since September 2008

Mother of two, Ali Webb, had been surfing the internet looking for a business idea that would fit around family life. When her search led her to the Creation Station - the UK's leading children's art and craft activity franchise, she knew immediately that it was exactly what she was looking for.

Ali explained: "I had started thinking about flexible work opportunities at the beginning of 2008. I wanted something that would bring in a good income and give me the flexibility to spend more time with my husband and children.  When I saw the Creation Station listed on a business for sale website I wanted to find out more. I hadn't even considered the idea of a franchise but this seemed to tick all the boxes for me. I love creative activities and wanted to work in something that was child orientated. Also, being part of a successful brand, with guaranteed support, would mean I could hit the ground running!" 

With a university degree in sculptural ceramics and a wealth of experience in the retail industry Ali had a range of creative and business skills to bring to her new venture. She completed the Creation Station business plan template and presented it to her bank. The loan she needed to buy her franchise and get started was agreed in just two days. That was in September 2008 and Ali hasn't looked back since. Following an induction and training course with Creation Station founder and MD Sarah Cressall, Ali began establishing the award winning Exploration sessions and Arty Parties in the Taunton area. To kick-start the business she activated the marketing plan she had developed with Sarah. This included visiting pre-schools in the area to introduce the Creation Station concept to local mums and carers.

"I found my feet by running just a few local sessions in the first few months," said Ali. "Once I had built my confidence I felt ready to approach other organisations and offer to provide creative sessions for them. "As well as keeping the children engaged an d inspiring their imaginations, the programme we provide  is inline with the Early years Foundation Statge ( E.Y.F.S.) so it is a provides a real benefit  to a wide range of child care settings".
 "The last nine months have been incredible," exclaimed Ali. "I have gone from no-one knowing who I am to building partnerships with the local council, nurseries, Sure Start and some of the major attractions in the area. I have also teamed up with local shows and festivals. The Creation Station website has really opened doors for me. People can see the scale of the company and that you are part of a successful and credible business.  The support from head office is great and Sarah is there if I need advice.

"My business is snowballing now and the revenue is looking good. Originally I was aiming for a profit of between £400 and £500 per month by the end of my first year and I have already passed that target. I have new partnership sessions starting in September and my Saturday Club is really popular so the future is looking great."

Ali's enthusiasm and hard work are driving her business forward and she is always quick to seize opportunities to promote the benefits of the Exploration sessions. She recently circulated a Creation Station article, that the head office published in the Pre School Learning Alliance Under 5's magazine, to 100 pre-schools in her area. She has also been running Creation Station activities at local fetes and summer fairs as it's a great way of promoting the business and creating goodwill in the community, and The Creation Station is also Part Of the Daily Mail Summer Events promotion

"I am working hard through the summer and planning for my new sessions in September," she added. "Life is pretty hectic anyway with two small children but it's great that I can concentrate on working and promoting the business at weekends when my husband can spend time with the girls. He believes in what I am doing and is 100% behind me.  I've got plans to develop even more local partnerships with nurseries and other family organisations and I am even thinking about taking on a second franchise.
"My dream was to have a work life that could fit around my family and I've found that with the Creation Station."

 

 

 

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