Living with complex epilepsy had often left Meadow lacking confidence and feeling different from other children, but from the moment she walked through the doors of Razzamataz Thurrock, everything changed. The team immediately made her feel like any other child, included, supported and celebrated for who she was.
That acceptance transformed Meadow’s confidence and allowed her to flourish.
Today, at just 18 years old, Meadow and her mum Louise are embarking on an exciting new chapter as the joint franchisees of new school Razzamataz Epping Forest. For Louise, seeing the impact that performing arts had on her daughter inspired a life-changing decision and for Meadow, she wants to make sure other young people can benefit in the same way she did. This their story.
Where it all began
Meadow first joined Razzamataz at 14, attending classes at both the Brentwood and Thurrock schools, quickly discovering a place where she truly belonged. From the moment she joined, she loved every second. Her passion for performing arts only continued to grow, leading her to study Performing Arts at college. “I think performing arts is in my blood, it’s just something that I’ve always loved,” says Meadow.
For Louise, the love of performing arts also started young. With a background as a vocal coach and more recently working as an English teacher in schools, supporting young people has always been central to her career. “I’ve always loved working with children and I’m passionate about giving them all a safe space to truly find their confidence,” explains Louise.
From mum and student to school owners
Although Meadow’s health complications as a child were severe, Louise explains that those challenges have not completely disappeared. As Meadow got older, finding something that offered flexibility, independence and genuine enjoyment became increasingly important.
Learning more about Razzamataz and discovering that Meadow could create her own timetable, continue doing something she genuinely loved and build a business that worked around their lives felt like the perfect opportunity. The mother and daughter duo attended a Discovery Den to explore whether franchising was the right fit for them.
“After that, it was really a no-brainer,” says Louise. “I don’t think we would have done this for any other franchise but Razzamataz is special to us and we know it will be to others.”
For Meadow, many of the skills that gave her the confidence to take on this exciting new venture were developed during her years at Razzamataz through teamwork, performances and stepping outside of her comfort zone.
“Participating in big events like the performances in the West End with Razzamataz opened my eyes to careers in the performing arts,” says Meadow. “It also helped with my anxiety and built my confidence when I realised that I could work with people that I hadn’t met before. I really can’t put into words how much Razzamataz changed my confidence, it made me believe I was capable of anything.”
The route to becoming a franchisee
During the Discovery Den, Louise and Meadow had the opportunity to meet many members of the Razzamataz team, including Denise, the Founder and Managing Director, a meeting that would ultimately confirm they were making the right decision.
“Meeting Denise really did seal the deal for us,” says Louise. “She’s just so lovely and hearing her talk about why she created Razzamataz, the challenges she’s faced raising a son with a hidden disability and balancing motherhood alongside running a business really resonated with us. “There was an instant connection because she understood so much of what we had experienced. It didn’t feel like joining a franchise, it felt like joining a family as corny as I know that sounds.”
Working together
The duo have recently completed their franchise training, which they both describe as fantastic, offering exceptionally high standards and covering every element of running a performing arts business.
Naturally, they will lean towards their individual strengths within the business, with Louise taking on more of the safeguarding, operational and administrative responsibilities, while Meadow focuses on the creative direction and delivery.
“We will probably blend a little, but it makes sense to focus on the things where our strengths lie,” says Meadow. “Our relationship is pretty unique because of my epilepsy, we are exceptionally close and our lives are very intertwined. I know my mum is my biggest cheerleader, so it’s really special to be doing this together.”
Building a business with purpose
Although they will be working across different areas of the business, Louise and Meadow are united in their vision for what Razzamataz Epping Forest should represent. Both are clear that the ethos must centre on creating a truly safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where every child can unlock their potential while receiving a consistently high standard of performing arts education.
“We want every student to be excited for when Saturday rolls around because it is a Razzamataz day,” says Meadow. “That’s the feeling I had growing up, and it’s what we want to give to every child who walks through the door.”
A place for every child
When reflecting on what others can gain from being part of Razzamataz, both Meadow and Louise are clear in their message: it is about opportunity, confidence and unlocking potential in every child, regardless of their starting point.
“When I first joined, my dream was to be on stage but I’m now exploring becoming a stage manager alongside my role as a Principal,” says Meadow. “The life skills I gained were amazing and it’s given me so much confidence. I also volunteer as an usher at a local theatre, which I love, so I’m really keen to show families that with the right support, nothing will hold your children back.”
Louise echoes this sentiment, emphasising the importance of inclusion and individuality within their approach.
“There is not a single child in this world that wouldn’t be welcomed by us,” she says. “Every child is an individual, so we know we need to communicate with them in different ways, constantly make adjustments and work with them to give them the best experience possible.”
What would you tell your younger self?
Looking back on their journey, both Meadow and Louise reflect on the challenges they’ve faced and what they would say to their younger selves if they had the chance.
Meadow says: “It’s going to be rocky, but enjoy the highs and remember the challenges won’t last forever. Don’t ever give up because great things are coming.”
Louise adds: “There have been some very low moments, but I would tell myself that it will be okay. Even on those horrible, dark days, try to find small moments of joy where you can. Searching for this joy is what led us to Razzamataz.”
Discover your Razzamataz Franchise Opportunity
Enquire early to secure your place at our next training week and see what makes the Razzamataz network so special. Book your free place on our next Discovery Den: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/discovery-dens/
