Franchisee Sarah Botting talks about her Children's Franchise

Hear from mum and musician Sarah Botting who runs and delivers Lucy Sparkles & Friends classes in Brockley, Forest Hill & Sydenham. 

Sarah is passionate about the role played by the arts in the development of children as individuals and in group situations. Having played the piano since she was 4 and the violin since she was 5, Sarah grew up with music all around her and has had music in her life ever since. With Grade 8 Distinctions in both instruments, Sarah has also added the guitar and the ukulele to her repertoire!

After graduating from Oxford University, Sarah worked for children’s charities, in fields such as literacy and widening access to education. Since having her own children, Sarah has focused on working with children in their early years and loves working directly with young children to give them an opportunity to experience and take part in live music, drama and dance. Sarah is studying for a Masters in Education (Early Years) and is enjoying bringing her research into the class environment.

Here, Sarah talks about how she has found setting up her own children's franchise business. 

1. How does the job fit around family life and/or work as a performer?

The great thing about being a franchisee with Lucy Sparkles & Friends is that you can create your own timetable to fit around your other commitments. As a mum of two small children, I've arranged my schedule so that I'm able to do nursery/school pick-ups whilst still having a rewarding and stimulating job during the day!

2. What is the best thing about being a Sparkles Business Owner?

Being a Sparkles Business Owner is a great way of running your own business with a safety net! Owning a business can sometimes feel quite lonely, but knowing that you are part of the Sparkles family gives a brilliant support network of other franchisees to call upon. We all bring different areas of expertise to the brand - whether that's a strong theoretical understanding of how children learn, amazing performance experience or strong instrumental skills - and we work together to share those to everyone's benefit.

3. Which areas of training and support do you value most?

We're really lucky to have a great online resources area, which is very helpful as a franchisee and makes training new teachers and entertainers so much easier. The resources area covers pretty much everything you need to deliver great classes and parties, and is easy to access on the go.

Also, if you need help or advice on any aspect of your business, the Lucy Sparkles HQ team and network of other franchisees are super friendly and approachable. 

4. What are the downsides to the job?

As a business owner, you are responsible for everything that happens. Sometimes that means changing your plans to look after a client, because ultimately, if you let the children down it's your reputation on the line. Of course, the upside to that is that because you're in charge you have the flexibility to design your business in the way that suits you best, and then reap the rewards! 

5. Any highlights?

I love that at the core of Lucy Sparkles & Friends is the commitment to bringing children the very best in early years arts education. Whilst of course we all need to make sure our businesses are viable, we are in it for the children; to give them an amazing window into the transformative effects that access to the arts can have. I love that we never compromise on the quality of experience the children have, and that they are first and foremost at the heart of everything we do.

Interested? 

Find out more about running your own Children's Franchise with Lucy Sparkles & Friends by clicking below now!