In January 2010 we were approached by a mum in North West London who had been on our website and wanted to bring the magic of Theatrebugs to North West London!
I was heavily pregnant, expecting my second child just a few months later, but we didn’t let a little thing like that hold us back!
My co-founder Paula, and I worked hard to get the Theatrebugs Franchise venture to launch in November 2010, the North West London branch was followed closely by branches in guildford, Epsom, Greenwich and Brighton.
We are so proud of the speed at which our network has grown and honoured to have so many passionate, energetic women as partners now!
Many of our franchisees are mums too and as with all mums, they need to be able to juggle! I love running my own business and can’t imagine a life without Theatrebugs; it has given me the freedom to use my creativity, earn a great salary and design my working life around my family commitments.
It’s certainly no walk in the park, as I’m sure most mums who run businesses will tell you, but I love having the freedom to work when the boys are nursery, pick them up, play with them in the afternoon and catch up on emails and admin when they are in bed in the evenings!
There are lots of challenges associated with running your own business but that’s what I love about it too!
I get such a buzz when everything comes together – it’s hard work but when I’ve worked hard marketing our workshops in every corner of South West London and then when the time comes, they are full and I know that each and every child has had a fantastic time and their confidence has grown – I am a happy lady!
I don’t think it’s possible to feel that satisfaction if you are not running your own franchise area or business!
So what advice would I give to a mum who was considering buying a franchise?
Research the market thoroughly! There are lots of franchises out there and it is very important that you believe in what you are selling or buying – it will be your business after all.
All our franchise partners said when they found Theatrebugs they just knew it was for them! When we recruit new partners to join our team; we want to be sure that they believe in our product and have the get up and go required to make it a success.
They must like the idea of leading an active, varied and fulfilling work life aha fits around their family’s commitment; they must have a sense of play and desire to rediscover their inner child through their work – what could possibly be better!
Kirsty Stanley, co-founder of Theatrebugs Ltd and mum to two boisterous boys, graduated from the professional acting course at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) in 2005 after which herself and co-graudate Paula O’ Dohohue founded Theatrebugs!