What's it like owning a children's franchise business?

Welcome to our latest blog featuring case studies of our franchisees, so you can find out what it's like owning a Children's franchise business like Tappy Toes. This week's interviewee is Lucy Butler, one of our newest franchisees.  Here is what Lucy had to say about owning and running her Tappy Toes children's dance franchise.

Name: Lucy Butler
Location: Rutland, Stamford and Melton Mowbray
Family: Husband, 5 year old and 18 month old

How often do you work?

I have classes 4 mornings a week and I do a little bit of admin a few times a week.

How does the job fit around your family life?

Tappy Toes fits around my family life however I want it to. I have been up and running for less than a year and as you can imagine, any new business takes time to begin with. It's my choice when I hold my classes and how many classes I want to run. I also chose when I complete the behind the scenes stuff, which is usually when my youngest naps and my eldest is at school, so I don’t loose any time with them.

How much time do you commit?

I am at classes 7 hours a week and I spend anywhere between 3 – 10 hours a week doing the other work – speaking to customers, marketing, accounts etc.

Where do you carry out your work?

Wherever I want. I choose my class location and I can do the rest anywhere, at home, a coffee shop – as long as there is internet, I can work!

Do you need a car?

Yes. You have a lot of props and stuff to carry around!

Do you advertise?

Yes, mostly Social Media, but also leaflets and posters!

Do you get support/training?

Yes, Claire (The franchisor) has been so much more supportive than I could have ever imagined. Starting an in-person business during a pandemic was always going to be challenging, but Claire has always been there to advise or just let you air your stresses!

Are there any downsides to the role?

I honestly haven’t found one yet, Tappy Toes has given me the lifestyle and time I want for me and my family.

Why would you recommend this opportunity to other mums?

Being a part of Tappy Toes has been wonderful for our family. My youngest can attend classes with me and my eldest has come to parties I have held in the school holidays. It has significantly improved my mood, from working in a call centre, with no flexibility or fun! If you have a sense of rhythm and a desire to work for yourself, then Tappy Toes is the way forward. It has given me a sense of purpose besides being a mum again!

Describe your typical day as a Tappy Toes franchisee

I start the day like most parents – children running around like lunatics whilst I have my morning coffee. Get the children to school and nursery and head to my first class. I organise the props for my classes and start dancing. After my sessions, I pick my baby up from nursery and head home for us to have lunch together and then she naps.

I then deal with the customer side of the admin: answering enquires, invoicing and completing follow up calls. If I have time, I will then complete the non customer admin tasks like social media planning. We then pick my eldest up and come home, cook tea together and complete the bedtime routine. Once the kids are in bed, I answer any enquiries I have had that day and complete any other tasks (if any) or doing something for myself – exercise class, bath or veg on the sofa with my Husband!

 Anything else you’d like to add?

If you can, do it. It has been the best decision I have ever made. You get what you put in, no more lack of recognition for your work, you can applaud yourself every day!

Click to book Lucy's dance classes