People from all different walks of life can find themselves in franchising and for some who really embrace the concept, it can lead to an exciting career that leads to many wonderful opportunities. Charlotte Young, the Principal of Razzamataz West Cumbria first became a franchisee in October 2006. Before opening her Razzamataz Theatre School, Charlotte was a professional dancer and singer. Charlotte has twice renewed her franchise agreement and has big expansion plans in place. Unusually, Charlotte’s mum Pam runs her own Razzamataz school in Dumfries and the pair regularly work together leading to them both having very successful businesses.
“I honestly don’t know where the time has gone,” says Charlotte. “I have had my ups and downs over the years but I honestly can’t imagine ever doing anything else, Razz becomes part of you. First and foremost, I believe that Razzamataz brings such a positive impact to our students’ lives. Out ethos, format and curriculum is so exciting that I’ve seen time and again the results in the children we teach.”
Charlotte re-launched her Razzamataz school last year from a mid-week school to a Saturday with the help and support from the team at Head Office. “The business continues to evolve and develop to be the very best it can be,” says Charlotte. “When I started, Razzamataz was only really known about in Cumbria and the North but now there are schools all over the UK. To see the success that has been achieved and all the incredible partnerships we have with the likes of The Stage, First Choice and Universal Studios is really amazing and this in turn gives the best experience for our students.”
Charlotte now has a young son but the flexibility of being a Razzamataz franchisee means that she has been able to continue to grow and develop not only her business, but her own training as well. “A few years back I became an accredited street dance teacher and at this year’s Move It I was able to represent Razzamataz by teaching some street dance workshops, which was incredible. The training, support and amazing people I have met along my journey so far, plus being able to work around my little boy and family commitments has been such a bonus.”
Charlotte now has a young son but the flexibility of being a Razzamataz franchisee means that she has been able to continue to grow and develop not only her business, but her own training as well. “A few years back I became an accredited street dance teacher and at this year’s Move It I was able to represent Razzamataz by teaching some street dance workshops, which was incredible. The training, support and amazing people I have met along my journey so far, plus being able to work around my little boy and family commitments has been such a bonus.”
Working flexible hours and being able to use her passion as her livelihood are the reasons for Charlotte’s continued enthusiasm and she would certainly recommend the franchise route to others providing you have enough passion. “Don’t think that being a franchisee will allow you to sit back and do no work, it is essential to follow guidelines, training provided and take ownership over your franchise,” says Charlotte. “Keep a positive mindset and you can create your own destiny!”
As well as the successful re-launch of her own school, Charlotte has been instrumental in shaping a new product. Razzamataz After School Clubs has been successfully piloted in primary schools in Cumbria and is now rolling out to schools across the country. The sessions are run by qualified Razzamataz staff and will cover different elements of the performing arts including musical theatre, commercial pop and street dance. The lessons have been created inline with the National Curriculum and EYFS Guidelines for reception children. “Being part of Razzamataz has given me so many opportunities, including arranging workshops with street dance crew Diversity,” adds Charlotte. “I’m very interested in social media and I’m lucky to also work with Head Office to create some really great videos showing our schools and students in action.”
Razzamataz is actively looking to open further schools across the UK and in particular Aberdeen and Cardiff, where the team will be holding 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. To book a place contact Head of Franchisee Recruitment Suzie McCafferty on suzie@razzamataz.co.uk or call Suzie on 07793 054 233. For more details visit: www.razzamataztheatreschools.co.uk
