Proving that age is really just a number, Pam Dixon, grandmother of five is showing no signs of slowing down. Pam has been a franchise business owner since 2008 and has a real passion and drive to continue to grow her business.
Pam is the franchisee of Razzamataz Dumfries, a part-time theatre school that is part of a successful network of theatre schools, all promoting the positive effects of performing arts.
Although Pam does not have a performing arts background, she watched her daughter Charlotte Young perform as a professional dancer and singer and set up her own Razzamataz franchise.
“Initially I really just helped Charlotte with her business and absolutely loved it,” says Pam. “I mentioned to the MD and Founder Denise Hutton-Gosney that I would really love my own theatre school and she said, why not, go for it. I was initially skeptical that this was something that I could do but both Denise and Charlotte encouraged me and with their support I took over Razzamataz Dumfries from Charlotte and have never looked back.”
Today, Pam has surpassed all expectations and has a busy, thriving school with more than 100 students, a very impressive number for a mid-week school. The school is very much a family affair with Pam and Charlotte helping each other in both schools and Pam’s husband Ken is a real support and regular helps out at shows and even dressing up as the school’s mascot Razz Ted!
“I am very proud of myself with what I’ve achieved and I am still loving every minute of it,” says Pam. “I recently moved venue to the gorgeous Theatre Royal in Dumfries, Scotland’s oldest working theatre, which has given the business a new lease of life and has reinvigorated my commitment to growing the school. If you asked me a few years ago if I could reach 100 students, I probably would have said no but now the sky is the limit.”
Before Razzamataz, Pam was a hairdresser for years and ended her hairdressing life by being a receptionist in a busy hair salon. “It was 10 years ago that I left and for anyone thinking that it is too late to change their careers I would say step out of your comfort zone and just do it,” says Pam. “I never thought I would be able to and it’s the best thing I have done and wished I’d done it years ago!”
As well as running Razzamataz Dumfries, Pam is still a very active granny and looks after her grandchildren a couple of times a week. “My eldest two grandchildren call me Mama Pam, and the youngest three call me granny,” explains Pam. “I love being able to help my children and spend time with my grandchildren. Being a Razzamataz Principal allows me to do a job I love but it also really suits my lifestyle.”
In terms of the future, Pam has firmly got her sights set on further growth and most importantly to continue to offer amazing opportunities for her students.
“We are just finishing our rehearsals for our gala show in Her Majesty’s Theatre in London and next year we will be taking a group of students to perform in Disneyland Paris,” explains Pam. “Whilst I am fit and well I will carry on being the Principal of Razzamataz Dumfries because I enjoy it so very much. Many of my students are now training to be professional performers and it is a real joy to watch their progress and see where the Razzamataz journey takes them. Ultimately, to be able to offer the youngsters of Dumfries a place where they can learn theatre skills, make new friends and keep fit and healthy is a real privilege.”
To join Razzamataz Dumfries, contact Pam on E: [email protected]
T: 01228 631 844 or visit: http://dumfries.razzamataz.co.uk
Razzamataz Theatre Schools is a franchise part-time theatre school business with schools up and down the UK. MD and Founder, Denise Hutton-Gosney appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2007 and after a tough grilling from the Dragons, gained investment from Duncan Bannatyne.
If you would like to find out how you can join the franchise network, Razzamataz is actively looking to open further schools across the UK and in particular Aberdeen and Cardiff. The team will be holding regular Discovery Den days, which give people the opportunity to meet the Head Office team and find out more about this franchise opportunity.
If you want to find out more about becoming a franchisee of your own part-time Razzamataz Theatre School, make an appointment to come along to one of the regular but informal Discovery Den days in London, Glasgow or Sheffield to find out more about this exciting and flexible business opportunity.
The final two Discovery Den are coming up for 2016 where you can meet the Head Office team and find out a little more about becoming a Principal. Book your place in London on Saturday November 19th or in Glasgow on December 14th.
To book a place contact Head of Franchisee Recruitment Suzie McCafferty on [email protected] or call Suzie on 07793 054 233
About Razzamataz
Razzamataz Theatre Schools has been trading since 2000 with a strong, robust and proven franchise system for the last ten years. Razzamataz remains one of the top four classic entrepreneurs from Dragons’ Den. Since the appearance on the BBC show in 2007, the company has forged strong partnerships with First Choice, Disney, The Stage, a leading Talent Agency, Her Majesty’s Theatre and new for 2017 Eurocamp.
Franchisees come from a range of backgrounds and are able to work flexibly around their lifestyles. Through a wide range of additional revenue streams, franchisees have been able to achieve a six-figure turnover. Razzamataz is delighted to be working with a new Business Management System for 2017.
