Meet The Franchisees

Meet multiple franchise owner with Razzamataz Theatre Schools Marc Kelly as he celebrates five years in the network and is about to launch his second territory.

What’s your background?

I’ve been a professional performer and theatre arts teacher all my life. I initially studied for a degree in musical theatre in Carlisle and then went on to the Guildford School of Acting. I’ve worked on cruise ships all over the world and then 10 years ago I found my love of panto and have been a ‘Dame’ every year since. 

How did you hear about Razzamataz?

While I was studying in Carlisle, I saw an advert for a drama teacher in the first Razzamataz school run by the MD and Founder Denise. I applied for the job and ended up working for both the Carlisle and Penrith schools. I was actually there during the time that Denise appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den and I remember teaching a drama class when Duncan Bannatyne came to visit. 

What business experience did you have?

While I was performing, I also ran a business producing musicals in London fringe theatres but it was a very different business to what I have with Razzamataz. The one thing that links them is that I adore both sectors but the theatre business was more of a passion project whereas Razzamataz is much more financially sound. It’s a privilege to be able to work in an industry that I love so much. 

What attracted you to the franchise sector?

I had always taught children in various drama, theatre or primary schools so I had loads of experience in that area. But I was looking for something that could offer me more long-term security so initially I did start researching if I could open my own theatre school. But the more I looked into it, the more I realised how hard it would be to build a brand from scratch. I loved my time at Razzamataz and everything they stood for and once I started to research what the franchise gave you, it just made total sense to go with them. The support and all the marketing materials that we receive was something that I just couldn’t have done on my own.

What are the most rewarding aspects of being a Razzamataz Principal?

After five years of being the Principal of Razzamataz Hackney, I still get so much joy from watching the children grow and becoming these incredible people. One of the proudest days of my entire life was watching the students perform on stage at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. It is also incredibly rewarding watching the business grow and provide me with the lifestyle that I want, so much so that I’ve decided to purchase another territory and expand my business even further. From January 2020, I was able to give up my full time job and devote so much more time to Razzamataz, which has seen my student numbers shoot up. 

What are your challenges?

When I first launched Razzamataz Hackney, my personal circumstances completely changed and for the first few years, I has to combine running Razzamataz with a full-time job. Devoting enough time to the business was always an issue but I managed it and now the situation is so much better. 

What advice can you offer anyone considering a franchise? 

Don’t underestimate the time and effort it takes to be successful but if you have the commitment, it is a fantastic business. I love how flexible it is. I prefer working in the evenings, where I can sort out my social media and arranging events is something I love to do and can fit around whatever else I’m doing. I would hate the restrictions that a regular 9-5 job puts on you.

What are the benefits of being part of a franchise?

It has to be all the support and training that we get from our Head Office. I love the fact that all the marketing materials are there for you in the one place; you simply log on and download what you need. We also get lots of support from other franchisees in the network. I love being able to go to someone with a problem and equally it is great when you can help someone out. Although we have really grown in the last five years, we’ve not lost that family feel. Denise knows everyone really well individually and we all speak on a regular basis. During the pandemic, the Head Office was so diligent in helping us to move classes online and they thought of a solution for every potential problem before we launched, which was very reassuring. When we were allowed to reopen, Head Office made sure that every franchisee had everything that they needed to open in a Covid secure way. This allowed us to reassure all of our parents that all of the staff had undertaken training, we had the necessary safety equipment and their children would be safe with us. 

What’s a typical day like?

I don’t really have a typical day as I like the feeling of freedom and making choices based on what’s needed. I tend to have two to do lists on the go; one will be things that I enjoy doing and one that are jobs that are urgent. I always start each day with a fun task and then work my way through anything that is urgent. Over lockdown, I really got into walking and I now do a five mile walk every day. If I was in a 9-5 job, this isn’t something that I could just do so I really appreciate the flexibility that I have. 

How do you stay motivated? 

I think it is really important that you have someone that can be part of this journey with you. It could be a partner, family member or friend but having someone to bounce ideas off is really reassuring. For me, my mum is the person that I like to share ideas with. It’s great that she can look at it with fresh eyes and a different perspective and it’s important that you communicate with someone if you are having a day when your feel disheartened. Make sure you also have passionate teachers who share your commitment to the students. 

What are the most important things that you have learnt as a business owner

Firstly, keep a written record of everything; spreadsheets are your friends! As a performer, I’m pretty good at remembering lines and lyrics and sometimes I rely on that in terms of business. However, it is important to keep a written record and stay on top of your admin. Customer service is also the single most important part of running a businesses. At the moment, parents can’t come in or really share what the children are doing in class so it is up to me to have that communication with them. Since reopening for face to face classes, I’ve had a 100% conversation rate from taster to sign up students, which I’m really proud of. 

Future plans 

I’m really excited to be launching my second territory in September. I have performed eight times at the panto in Radlett so I know the area and community well. I will run Razzamataz Radlett and Hackney with an assistant Principal and split my time between the two. I feel a bit nervous about starting from scratch again but I’ve learnt so much that I can put into action, I feel really ready. Although I’m not a new franchisee, Head Office are once again holding my hands throughout the entire process so I feel reassured that nothing will be forgotten. 

Contacts

Principal Marc: 02081772052 / 07456868266

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Web: https://hackney.razzamataz.co.uk

Meet Claire Walford, Principal Razzamataz Yeovil and find out how Razzamataz gave her an option that she never would have dreamed was possible

Why a theatre school

A theatre school specifically wasn’t actually on my radar. However, my sister was working as a dance teacher at Razzamataz when the opportunity came up to take over the school. I’ve always loved performing arts, but it would never have crossed my mind that I could run my own theatre school until I looked into Razzamataz and understood that as a franchise, they would offer you a tool box of training and support that would teach you all you needed to know.

A better work/life balance

When my children were young, it was important to only take on a job that allowed me to be in the school playground at both ends of the day.

Why Razzamataz

By choosing the franchise route, it was possible to start a business even though I didn’t have a background in it, which was very exciting. Without Razzamataz, I definitely wouldn’t have even thought this could be an option for me but by being part of the network, I have access to everything I need to know. The training continues to build at Razzamataz and it is responsive to the changing nature of business, for example pivoting online. The network is a very collaborative environment too. While we are like-minded in our belief that performing arts can teach children amazing life skills, we all bring different experience and skills to the table which we happily share to develop best practice.

Advice to others

If you have an interest in promoting children’s confidence and wellbeing and want a flexible business opportunity that is terrifically rewarding then Razzamataz is a great option.

Meet multiple franchise owner with Razzamataz Theatre Schools Zoe McKibbin from Glasgow. Zoe took over the Edinburgh school in 2016 and Glasgow South in 2018.

What’s your background?

I studied acting and performance and acting for stage and screen at college and university. My ambition was never to be a professional performer although I was in shows at the Edinburgh Fringe. My dream was that I wanted to work with children and the arts because I know how much it benefited me. I was an incredibly shy and anxious child and it was through performing arts that I found my confidence. My experience showed me how the arts could help with communication skills and general self-esteem and it was this knowledge that I wanted to pass on to children to make a real difference in their lives.

How did you hear about Razzamataz?

I had a friend who attended classes as a child so I had heard about Razzamataz but didn’t know very much about them. But through this friend, I was given some work experience which then led me to get a position as a drama teacher at Razzamataz Edinburgh.

What business experience did you have?

Absolutely none! I took over as the Principal of Edinburgh when I was just 24 and really didn’t see myself as being a business owner. However, I had taken on manager positions and I really enjoyed it so I felt that with the right training and support, this was something I could do.

What attracted you to the franchise sector?

From the very beginning at the training week, it was very clear to me that I would not be in business alone. The Head Office team were there every step of the way and I found that it was such a supportive environment and I was encouraged to feel that I could ask anything. Everyone was so kind and there was a really strong sense that we were all working towards the same goal. Being so new to business, I did worry that I would ask a silly question or just get a little confused but I quickly found that we were encouraged to ask anything and the support from the team and other franchisees was very reassuring.

How has Razzamataz helped during the COVID pandemic?

I truly believe that without the support of Head Office, when COVID-19 hit, I would have closed down because I would have just been overwhelmed with everything that we had to do. I have friends who run their own independent theatre or dance schoolS and they felt really lost during COVID. The benefits of being part of the Razzamataz franchise has really shone through during the last six months. They give you information in really simple, digestible formats and they never overwhelm you.

What are the most rewarding aspects of being a Razzamataz Principal?

I truly love the community that I have built in my schools. It’s not just a club, it is really so much more than that because of the wonderful relationships I have built with the parents and families. There is a huge commitment and dedication from everyone involved and that’s what makes it feel like a family. I also love seeing the children every week and watching their confidence grow; I get so emotional during our shows that I cry at every one of them.

What are your challenges?

Running out of time! I’m passionate about what I do and there’s always so many things you can be doing to grow your business but I’ve learned that it is just as important to have a good work/life balance too.  It’s also not always easy to be a boss and sometimes that means making tough decisions but it’s something that I’m getting better at.

What advice can you offer anyone considering a franchise?

Know what you are going in to and do your research. Growing a business takes time so you need to be patient and think about how you are going to support yourself while giving your business enough time and energy. Make sure you understand the financial side of it too and also be prepared for ups and downs.

What are the benefits of being part of a franchise?

It has to be the wonderful support that we get and the way we are encouraged to step out of our comfort zone. We have had lots of training and webinars on business growth and recently we were all encouraged to be more present on social media and get involved with Live stories. This was definitely scary for me but because the whole network was doing it, it gave me the confidence to get involved. It is also really lovely that all of our achievements are celebrated. When you are having a down day, it is so helpful to speak to your support mentor who reminds you how far you have come.

What’s a typical day like?

During one of our regional meetings, we were encouraged to start the day with our least favourite task. That’s something that I have stuck to so I can get on with the other more enjoyable elements without feeling guilty. For me, that’s checking my emails so I do that first thing and then look at different aspects of the business; anything from the marketing through to checking on the finances. Every day is a little different but to keep on top of everything, I make sure that I write detailed To Do lists. One of the most important aspects is answering any questions from customers and there’s always lots to do on social media.

What have your learnt about yourself in business?

I can get quite stressed sometimes so it is important that I can call on my support mentor regularly as well as being able to lean on my team. What has surprised me is how much work I can actually handle. I also work part time in a primary school but by being organised, it is possible to get through everything. I delegate tasks when I need to and also I have learnt that if you need help, you should ask as people are always willing to lend a hand.

How do you stay motivated?

I try and set myself a goal every day and then I can celebrate the small wins, which I think is really important to keep motivation up. During training, we were told that there would be down times but to stick with it and you will get through it. Of course, how you feel can fluctuate, there will be highs and lows but I try and breath through it and remember that tomorrow is another day. Recently, I have been having issues finding a venue after lockdown but what got me through it were all the messages of support from parents.

Future plans

My reasons for running a theatre school have never changed and now I can see just how much it means to the children. I want to continue to increase student numbers in both schools and continue to offer the fun Razzamataz experience, where children can grow in confidence and have a wonderful time in a lovely family environment.

Join our network

We are currently looking to launch more theatre schools across the UK and overseas. If you would like to find out more about our ambitious growth plans and be part of multi-award-winning Razzamataz Theatre Schools network, drop Charlotte a line from our friendly Head Office team to book on to one of our virtual Discovery Dens.

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 077821122242

Meet multiple franchise owner with Razzamataz Theatre Schools Debbie Mitchell, who is the Principal of Razzamataz Carlisle and Razzamataz Dumfries.

About Razzamataz

Prior to the pandemic, we ran performing arts classes on a Tuesday evening and all day Saturday. We have students ranging in age from two to 18 and as well as the high level of training they receive in dance, drama and singing, we also offer lots of different opportunities, which are unique to Razzamataz. These include guest workshops and masterclasses with industry experts, opportunities to perform on a West End musical theatre stage and lots of really fun social events such as balls and countless opportunities to perform to their local communities. My office days were Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday  and Friday from roughly the hours of 10am-4pm where I would split my time between lesson planning, supporting teachers, advertising and marketing, speaking with parents and students and project planning. We also get a lot of different opportunities that come via our Head Office so organising the diary with exciting opportunities for the students is a huge part of the business.

Becoming a new mum in the pandemic

2020 presented very different challenges for my business and for me personally. I had my baby boy Alfie in June so that was another reason for me to really think about how efficiently I was working and what I could do to improve it. When we went into the first lockdown, I used it as an opportunity to reflect on the ways we were working and adapt to do things differently. We very quickly pivoted our model to take the classes online but it wasn’t just the Zoom classes, we had a number of additional activities that would keep families engaged. During the last 12 months, I’ve definitely realised that there are smarter ways of working by utilising technology and being better at time management and delegating more where I need to. By taking the business online, it has allowed me to really look at what traditionally has been working and what needs improvement for when we do return to face to face teaching. I’ve got a lot of fresh ideas about driving the business forwards and how we can grow stronger than ever before.

The benefits of being part of a franchise

Obviously everyone has taken a financial hit during the pandemic but in terms of comradery, support and people coming together, it has never been better. The lockdowns and the challenges that they caused have shown us the strength in the franchise network and how our Head Office really stepped up and supported us from day one. Although this was an overhaul that none of us expected, I believe that many in our franchise network will come out of it in a better position than before because of the new and innovative ways that we have been shown to work.

How to adapt to changing needs

We were in a fortunate position in that we were able to take our classes online but we also looked at other ways that we could utilise technology. Many of these processes have been much more efficient for us and our customers. We’ve been able to communicate with customers in a more efficient manner and streamline our recruitment and enrolment process by going almost entirely paperless. All enrolment is via the website and once children become our students we can share online resources via dropbox, which has eliminated the need for paper handouts. On a personal level, by hiring an assistant Principal, I’ve been able to continue to manage the business and be a new mum. In fact, I’m about to take over another territory at Dumfries, which is not something I could have done without this support.

What support should you expect from your franchisor?

There was a lot in terms of training, online sessions with coaches and experts and one to one support but the most valuable was the way they kept on top of the regulations and all the government guidelines. When these changed all the time and when the legislation was a little hazy in terms of what we could and could not do, it was very reassuring to know that they were supporting us to not fall into any of the gaps. This in turn made us confident that we were operating in a Covid-secure way and we could communicate that message positively to our customers.

A network of like-minded individuals

Over the last six months, our MD Denise launched the Mastermind Group for those in the network committed to moving their business forwards. We look at new initiatives that we can use for the entire network and how they can benefit individual franchisees and the franchise business as a whole. Being in this group has allowed me to communicate and liaise regularly with top performers and like-minded people in the network who want to innovate and progress at the same rate. It is lovely to speak to other franchisees, learn from them and just bounce ideas around. We keep pushing each other out of our comfort zones and explore ways to take Razzamataz to the next level providing even more great opportunities for Principals, staff and students.

The home/life work juggle

It’s always been a juggle running your own business and trying to keep work and home life separated but now pretty much everyone understands because most people are working from home. Now more than ever before, my partner sees now how much I’m trying to juggle as he’s also working from home. He fully supports me in pushing the business forward, which has enabled me to take over my second franchise territory.

The importance of time management

The last 12 months have made it very clear how important time management and structuring your working week is. Before having my baby and the challenges that have come from the pandemic, I could pick and choose what I wanted to focus on in my business and work however many hours I wanted to. I now set my hours and max out the time I have by working on the most important tasks first and then delegating where I need to.

Adapting with technology

There are quite a few elements of this new way of working that we will retain because it saves both us and the customer time. We will keep all the video tours online rather than spending time on a Saturday walking people around the school, which takes me away from other important jobs. We have also decided to keep one of our classes going online, which makes sense financially and practically for all involved. We shall also keep having our parent meetings via Zoom rather than trying to bring everyone together, which in the past has been difficult to organise. I’m also finding that the communication between our staff members is so much better. It is much easier to jump onto a Zoom call rather than sending dozens of emails so this is something that we shall be continuing in the future.

Why join Razzamataz Theatre Schools

I believe that with everything that happened in the last year, if I’d not been part of the Razzamataz franchise network, my business wouldn’t have survived. Having a baby and with all the changes and uncertainty, I think I would have been forced to look for another career because it would have been too overwhelming for me to have coped with it on my own. Having the franchisor and the other franchisees living and breathing the same thing as you day in and day out has been invaluable.

Join our network

We are currently looking to launch more theatre schools across the UK and overseas. If you would like to find out more about our ambitious growth plans and be part of multi-award-winning Razzamataz Theatre Schools network, drop Charlotte a line from our friendly Head Office team to book on to one of our virtual Discovery Dens.

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 07821122242

Meet Chloe Lee, franchisee of Razzamataz Chester. Chloe is currently on maternity leave and is looking forward to returning to her business that she can work flexible around her family

About Razzamataz

Razzamataz Chester is part of multi-award winning, Dragons’ Den backed Razzamataz Theatre Schools, established in 2000. Razzamataz Chester is a franchise run by Chloe Lee who celebrates five years of business and is about to renew her franchise agreement. The part-time theatre school offers excellent training in dance, drama and singing, preparing students for professional college and performance as well as giving them a huge range of life skills. Chloe relaunched the Chester school in 2016 when she was just 24, supported by a team of teachers who work professionally on the stage as well as in junior and senior schools.

What inspired you to set your business up?

I completed my professional dance and musical theatre training at the Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre, Liverpool and then worked for Razzamataz Overseas and as a teacher for three years at the Chester school.

I loved teaching but wanted a bigger challenge so when the opportunity came to take over the Chester school, I jumped at it.

Razzamataz has given me the balance of work and home life that I wanted. It’s given me financial security, I was profitable within the first month, and the chance to really make a positive impact on the lives of the young people in our area.

What would you say is unique about your business?

• As well as offering excellent training in the performing arts, we are a real community school.
• We make sure that we are fully inclusive and can give equal opportunities to all. Many other local theatre schools audition students to be in the show but we believe that every child should have the chance to shine.
• We make a huge effort to know our students and families at a personal level, which has been lovely over lockdown. I’m now pregnant and so many of our families are checking in with me to see how I’m doing.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

• We managed to pivot the business to teaching online very quickly and successfully.
• However, it did have its challenges. One of our students really struggled with the dance online and found the co-ordination difficult and began to lose confidence and wanted to quit. I gave her virtual one to one sessions to support her and over time her self-belief grew. Her mum recently sent me a video of her nailing the dance and doing full online routines. The whole experience was very powerful in demonstrating resilience.
• Over lockdown, we did many fundraisers, including for Chester Zoo, which found itself really struggling due to the pandemic. The students dressed up for the day on zoom in animal costumes, many of which they had made themselves. It was lovely to see their creativity and we ended up with enough money raised that we could adopt an animal. Chester Zoo is a real pillar of our community so now we can say that we played a part in ensuring its survival.
• We stayed connected with our families that didn’t take part in the online classes by posting lots of dance challenges on social media, the T-shirt challenge and lots of free fun activities.
• Before lockdown, our greatest achievement was being part of the cast at the Razzamataz gala West End performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre. It was such a huge deal for our families and inspiring to be part of.

Do you have any plans for your business for the next 5 years?

• We loved making a difference to Chester Zoo so we will be looking at getting involved in more charities when we are able to.
• We have the venue that will allow us to continue to grow and we already have plans to expand our Minis and Junior classes.
• We know children have found lockdown very challenging so we are really excited to be able to offer the Life Skills Programme. Participation in the performing arts can improve a child’s prospects for whatever they want to do and we will be working on all of these important life skills in the next few months.

How to deal with challenges

• Personally, this year has been challenging for me. I’ve had to cancel my wedding twice and being pregnant in lockdown comes with a number of additional worries.
• Throughout this year, I have learnt that you have to take every day as it comes; you can have a down day but the next day you must pick yourself up and look at ways to drive your business forwards.
• I was very young when I took on the business and although I’ve learnt so much, it is important to never stop learning.
• Having a brand such as Razzamataz behind me has given me the confidence and opportunities to keep learning, keep providing wonderful opportunities for my students and keep the faith when challenges come my way.

Join our network

We are currently looking to launch more theatre schools across the UK and overseas. If you would like to find out more about our ambitious growth plans and be part of multi-award-winning Razzamataz Theatre Schools network, drop Charlotte a line from our friendly Head Office team to book on to one of our virtual Discovery Dens.

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 07821122242

Helen Bell, 30, lives in Sheffield. A Young entrepreneur who launched Razzamataz Sheffield in 2012. 

Q. How did you hear about Razzamataz?

Helen: I first heard of Razzamataz though a friend who had completed the TUI (First Choice) contract on 2008. He mentioned that some of the schools in Cumbria were looking for a singing teacher so I emailed Denise and was lucky enough to get the job. Throughout my degree I worked in Dumfries, Whitehaven, Penrith, Durham & Carlisle and upon graduating got a job at Head Office. I have been with Razzamataz for 10 years now.

Q. What is your background in performing arts?

Helen: I always wanted to be a professional performer but in my second year of University I started to teach at Razzamataz and just feel in love with teaching. I decided that I didn’t want to move to London and audition and because I loved working with children, I toyed with the idea of becoming a primary teacher or setting up my own Theatre In Education group but neither option really excited me that much. Initially I didn’t want to open my own theatre school because it seemed like too much of an obvious choice but when it came down to it, it was really the only thing I felt passionate about.  

Q. What have the challenges been for you?

Helen: I combined launching Razzamataz Sheffield with continuing to teach for another Razzamataz school and working in Head Office. It was very challenging initially having to teach, drive back at night to Sheffield to market the school and then return to Carlisle to work at Head Office. I pretty much worked flat out for two years but it allowed me to see incredible growth in my school. I opened in September 2012 and currently have over 400 students. 

Q. What have the benefits been for you as a Franchisee?

Helen: I’ve now got Razzamataz Sheffield to a place where I can take time off and still be financially OK. I became a mum  18 months ago and I knew that I could take off a full term and then return to work on a part-time basis. The business allows me to support myself as well as a large team including an assistant Principal. It is amazing to know that I never have to work a full week again if I don’t want to. I love my job but have learnt that it is also important to delegate and I’m excited to combine being a parent with running my own business. It’s all about creating the right balance and Razzamataz has allowed me to do that. 

Q. Can you tell us some ‘pinch me’ moments of being a Principal?

Helen: I remember watching our guest workshop with Ashley Banjo from street dance crew Diversity and being a little blown away. It was an incredible moment and I loved watching how the students responded to him. We also have the amazing opportunity to perform at Disneyland Paris again soon and I know that is going to be incredibly special. As well as these high-profile opportunities, I’m also very proud when I see our students perform locally in Sheffield. They recently did a parade in the town centre, it was raining and a bit cold but that didn’t put them off. It’s the little and big moments that are equally wonderful. 

Q. What are your proudest moments?

Helen: Every year there has been something amazing. In the early days, it was when we reached a milestone in our student numbers. We were on 50 students on day one and then 100 by the end of the first year, which was just incredible. I had to keep readjusting my goals because we kept smashing them earlier than I thought possible. I’m very proud to have been awarded the Most Outstanding School in our annual Conference for three consecutive years but it is probably on show day when I feel the most satisfaction. The annual shows take a lot of organising and planning for our whole team, but when you watch the children on stage and see how happy the parents and family are in the audience, you really feel like you have created something very special.

Q. What would your top tips be for anyone wishing to buy a Razzamataz Franchise?

Helen: I love running my own Razzamataz school and enjoy the lifestyle that it has given me. I would say to others to not underestimate the time and effort you have to put in to be successful, especially in the early days. I did two years of consistent work and marketing until I was in the position to be able to afford to outsource some of the work. Although hard work is important, it is also imperative that you take some time out to recharge and come back with more energy and enthusiasm. Even today, I will take every opportunity that is available to me and my students to grow my business and create the best theatre school for my students and team.  

Hear from Helen here!

Hayley Limpkin, age 29, lives in Chatham, Kent. Hayley has been the Principal of Razzamataz Medway since September 2010. Razz Medway is one of our flagship schools.

Q. How did you hear about Razzamataz?

Hayley: I found Razzamataz through a franchise website and after research I remembered them from Dragons’ Den.

Q. What’s your background?

Hayley: I was a professional dancer traveling around the world on cruise ships as well as performing at Disney. After an injury I started studying at an open university while on a cruise ship. I then went of to study for a Masters in Business, which led to securing a position with a global blue chip marketing company. It was a fantastic role working with the likes of Virgin Atlantic and Sky but incredibly long hours with lots of traveling.

Q. Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Hayley: I’ve always had a dream of running my own theatre school. I initially thought about doing it on my own but if I’m completely honest, I knew I would financially need to be at break even point straight away and with a trusted model like a Razzamataz franchise I thought I had a better chance of doing just that. I also really loved what Razzamataz stands for and what it can offer students.

Q. How did you finance your business?

Hayley: Savings

Q. What are the best things about being a Razzamataz Principal?

Hayley: Being part of something that is really great with all the great opportunities that are on offer. We are offering students once in a lifetime experiences such as taking them to the West End to perform. There is also a fantastic network of other Razzamataz Principals that are so friendly and helpful and we can draw from one another’s expertise. For example, one of the Principals is really experienced in putting on big productions whereas I can offer help in terms of marketing

Q. What are the most difficult aspects of running your own business?

Hayley: The work home life balance can be difficult to get right. It can be all consuming so I have had to be really strict and set myself boundaries because I’m so passionate about my schools. Although I love it, I have to remind myself that it is a business and I have to make sure I get the cash flow right to pay my staff and myself!

Q. What advice can you offer other people going into business?

Hayley: Focus on the things that matter most and don’t get bogged down by small things. Be aware of the competition but don’t loose the momentum of your own business by wasting two much time on what other people are doing. Don’t be frightened to be ambitious and go for what you want and make sure you shout about the success that you’ve achieved.

Q. What’s a typical day like?

Hayley: I’m in my home office by 9am to listen to voicemails and answer emails and to book potential students into taster sessions. I quite often have meetings with local press and advertising as well as meetings with my teachers. I have a brilliant team but I make sure that communication is key and at least once a week I speak with my team. I also have staff meetings and one to ones where we discuss how to Win, Learn and Change, which is basically a review of where we are and how we can improve. I try to take Mondays off and dedicate a half a day each week to plan what’s next for Razz Medway in terms of what opportunities are on offer and what we would like to achieve.

Razzamataz Medway

Principal: Hayley Limpkin
Email: [email protected]
Call: 07888 855 422

Michael French, 31, lives in Watford, Hertfordshire. Michael is the Principal of Razzamataz Barnet, which opened in 2012.

Q. How did you hear about Razzamataz?

Michael: It after watching the television show Dragons’ Den in 2007 where Founder Denise Hutton-Gosney appeared and won the backing of Duncan Bannatyne. What really impressed me was the performance of the children and vitality of the pitch. It was really exciting to watch and always stuck in my brain and even back then it was something I thought looked inspiring to be a part of.

Q. What’s your background?

Michael: I started dancing when I was seven because it was something that my mum and sister did. When I was 16 I went to Performers College, where I got a lot of professional experience working with the likes of Goria Gaynor. I’ve been very fortunate and had a really successful career working in musicals such as 42nd Street, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Singin’ in the Rain as well as performing with Elton John, George Michael, Geri Halliwell and Michael Buble.

Q. Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Michael: I don’t have a business background so after deciding to retire it was the memories of Razzamataz on Dragons’ Den that set the wheels in motion. I was really inspired by the brand and the business model and because it is a franchise business we receive a lot of help and support from Head Office as well as on-going training so I can make Razzamataz Barnet the success that I believe it can be.

Q. How did you finance your business?

Michael: I lived and worked in Germany for four years where the system is to pay money into a state insurance policy. Being a foreigner, after a certain amount of years you can claim the money back and when I received my lump sum is was the right amount to cover the Razzamataz franchise fee.

Q. What are the best things about being a Razzamataz Principal?

Michael: After one term I can happily say it was seeing the end of term presentation. The work and effort that the students and teachers put into it and seeing the dedication from all involved made me feel incredibly proud

Q. What are the most difficult aspects of running your own business?

Michael: Being your own boss is great because you get to choose the hours you work but you do have to motivate yourself. Like any job, sometimes I don’t want to get out of bed and although I don’t have a boss to answer to you only have yourself to blame if the business doesn’t work. Fortunately I love what I do so most of the time I can’t wait to get started.

Q. What advice can you offer other people going into business?

Michael: You need to be prepared for the hard work, dedication and time it takes to get up and running. I’m not sure I realized how much time it would take to get set up as it literally took over 24/7 at the beginning. Although the initial frenzy has settled down now, I have a never-ending amount of jobs on my to do list because I’m committed to making the school the best that it can be.

Q. What’s a typical day like?

Michael: There is always so much to do each day that I can really loose all track of time! There are always a lot of admin tasks, calls to make and emails to send but there are also some really creative sides to the business including dreaming up exciting workshops to undertake and show cases for the students to perform in.

Razzamataz Barnet

Principal: Michael French
Email: [email protected]
Call: 07788592171

Amanda Birnie age 30 lives in Glasgow and has one child. Amanda has been the Principal of Razzamataz Paisley since August 2013.

Q. How did you hear about Razzamataz?

Amanda: I started working as a dance teacher for Razzamataz at the Paisley, Balfron and Bearsden schools.

Q. What’s your background?

Amanda: I trained in musical theatre with Robert Hamilton at the Dancepoint Musical Theatre School where I completed an intensive four-year course, learning various styles of dance, drama and singing. During my time here I was asked to teach at the junior school where I really developed my love of choreography. Although I moved to London to audition, I realized that what I really had a passion for was choreography, teaching and working with young people.

Q. Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Amanda: My first dreams were to be a performer and it was only when I started teaching at Razzamataz and learning about the business set up that I discovered that running my own theatre school was something that I could do. I have worked at Razzamataz for five years and during this time I’ve learnt so much about what it takes to succeed in business.

Q. How did you finance your business?

Amanda: A loan

Q. What are the best things about being a Razzamataz Principal?

Amanda: I really enjoy seeing how much fun my students are having through performing arts and knowing that I’m responsible for that. Although I haven’t had the school for long, it is almost at full capacity and I can see how financially this is going to be a real success for me. Buying a Razzamataz franchise was the best move I’ve ever made for my career and my lifestyle in general. Learning about business is so exciting and I feel really ready to take on this new chapter and learn more each day.

Q. What are the most difficult aspects of running your own business?

Amanda: I’m a mum of a young son so life is a bit of a juggling act. I sometimes work late at night as it can be hard to just switch off and because it’s my business, I want to know that it is being really looked after. But having said that, I thrive off the buzz of being busy and having so many exciting opportunities that I wouldn’t change a thing.

Q. What advice can you offer other people going into business?

Amanda: I always put myself in other people’s shoes and ask myself what would they really want out of a situation. Whether it’s speaking to the parents of your students or dealing with the local press, I always consider how best I can help and deliver them a service that they are very happy with.

Q. What’s a typical day like?

Amanda: I work in a very flexible way, which is ideal with a young child. I make To Do lists every week and priorities the jobs which have a deadline first, and then methodically work my way to the end of the list each week. I really enjoy the various different elements of being a Razzamataz Principal, from the creative process and working with the children to the marketing and promotion of my business.

Razzamataz Paisley

Principal: Amanda Birnie
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 07554451308