Work and life balance that will be music to your ears
AMY THATCHER found it hard combining motherhood with her career in fashion retail. ‘I took my two boys to Monkey Music classes and realised that I could run a Monkey Music business instead,’ says Amy, 39.
Now a Monkey Music franchisee in North London, she says: ‘It’s a full-time business, but because the hours are flexible, I can take William, who’s six, to school and Tom, four, to nursery, and still fit in teaching classes three days a week, leaving two days for administration.’
Amy also employs two part-time teachers to conduct the classes, which combine hands-on music for children with simple music theory.
‘It’s rewarding to see the children have fun learning about music and, after two years, my business is growing nicely,’ says Amy.
‘I have a better work-life balance, and the help from head office made it much easier to set up the business than doing it alone.’
Monkey Music founder Angie coates says: ‘It is a full-time business, but it’s also flexible, and we provide training, lesson plans and equipment. The Monkey Music book and CD, launching in July, will let parents take Monkey Music home with them and will help franchisees market their classes.’
Monkey Music franchisees need not be music teachers because training is provided, but they must love music, have a good singing voice and be business- minded. The investment is £12,975.
emma Theunissen, 36, runs The creation Station children’s craft activities franchise in Whitwell, Isle of Wight. emma says: ‘I run it around caring for my own children, Kai, six, Zac, four, and Mae, five months.
‘ It’s rewarding seeing children enjoying creativity, but if you want to take on a children’s services franchise, be realistic about how much time you can give it.’
The creation Station founder Sarah cressall says: ‘We are one of three finalists in the Virgin Media Business VOOM competition Impact Awards. All our franchisees will benefit from our raised profile, and it will help put creativity on the map.’ Investment starts at £5,500.