Tag: featured

From Corporate Life to Family Franchise: Lisa Borja’s Inspiring Journey

In the latest episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with Lisa Borja—a remarkable woman whose journey from the corporate world to co-owning a successful family franchise is nothing short of inspiring. Lisa’s story is one of resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to living a life filled with purpose. As a breast cancer survivor, Lisa’s perspective on business, family, and community has been shaped by her experiences, and her story serves as a powerful reminder that challenges can lead to growth and fulfillment.

Leaving Corporate Life Behind

Lisa started her career in the corporate world, where she gained valuable skills and experiences. However, the desire to create something meaningful for her family drove her to take a leap of faith and join forces with her husband to build their own business. Together, they co-own a thriving Budget Blinds franchise—a journey that was far from easy but ultimately rewarding.

In the podcast, Lisa shares how leaving the corporate environment was both a risk and an opportunity. It was a chance to align her work with her values, spend more time with her family, and build a business that allowed her to make a positive impact on her community. For Lisa, the decision to transition into entrepreneurship was not just about financial independence but also about creating a legacy that her family could be proud of.

Facing Challenges with Resilience

One of the most powerful aspects of Lisa’s story is her resilience in the face of adversity. As a breast cancer survivor, Lisa has faced challenges that tested her strength and determination. In the interview, she opens up about her journey through cancer treatment and how it changed her perspective on life and business. Instead of allowing these challenges to hold her back, Lisa used them as fuel to push forward, grow, and thrive.

She emphasizes the importance of resilience—not just in overcoming health challenges, but also in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Lisa’s ability to face obstacles head-on and maintain a positive outlook has been instrumental in her success, both personally and professionally. Her story is a testament to the idea that tough times can be transformative, giving us the strength and clarity needed to pursue our true purpose.

Building a Family Business with Purpose

For Lisa, building a family business was about more than just financial success. It was about creating a space where her family could work together, support each other, and grow as a unit. In the podcast, she talks about the joys and challenges of working with her husband and daughters, and how their shared vision has helped them build a thriving business that they can all be proud of.

Lisa also highlights the importance of staying true to what matters most—whether it’s family, community, or personal well-being. She believes that success is not just measured by profits but by the positive impact you make on the people around you. This commitment to living a life of purpose is evident in every aspect of her business, from the way she treats her employees to the relationships she builds with her customers.

A Story of Inspiration and Motivation

Lisa Borja’s journey is a powerful reminder that no matter the challenges we face, we have the ability to create a life filled with purpose, resilience, and joy. Her story is one of transformation—from a corporate professional to a successful entrepreneur and a role model for her family and community. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, family business, or simply need a dose of motivation, Lisa’s insights are sure to inspire you to face challenges head-on and stay true to your purpose.

#FranchiseWoman #LisaBorja #Entrepreneurship #BudgetBlinds #FamilyBusiness #WomenInBusiness #Inspiration #BreastCancerSurvivor #Podcast

Learn more about Lisa Borja

Learn more about Budget Blinds

Building a Legacy Together: The Journey of Meera and Tejal Patel

In the latest episode of the Franchise Woman Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the dynamic aunt-and-niece duo, Meera and Tejal Patel. As the owners of Waxxpot in Dallas and Fort Worth, Meera and Tejal have created a thriving franchise, blending their skills, family values, and cultural heritage into a unique and inspiring journey of entrepreneurship.

The story of Meera and Tejal is one of unity and vision. With Meera’s background in finance and Tejal’s extensive experience in hospitality, their partnership was always more of a “when” rather than an “if.” Their journey into the franchise world started with a shared dream of working together and building something meaningful for their family and community.

From Corporate Careers to Franchise Owners

Both Meera and Tejal come from successful corporate careers—Meera from finance and Tejal from the hospitality industry. However, the desire to create something of their own brought them together as business partners. In this episode, they discuss what motivated them to leave the security of their corporate jobs and take the leap into franchising.

Meera explains how her years in finance equipped her with an analytical perspective that has been vital to managing the business, while Tejal’s hospitality background helped create a welcoming environment for their customers. Together, they have built Waxxpot into a successful brand, known for its high-quality services and customer-centric approach.

The Power of Family and Loyalty

One of the key themes that emerged from the conversation was the role of family and loyalty in their journey. Meera and Tejal talked about how their close-knit relationship has been a significant factor in their success. They both agreed that the trust and loyalty they have for one another made them stronger as business partners. There was never a question of whether they would work well together—it was always about making it happen.

The duo also shared how their cultural values have influenced the way they run their business. Family, honesty, and respect are at the core of their brand, and these values are reflected in the way they treat their customers and employees. They have cultivated an environment where everyone—from their staff to their clients—feels respected and appreciated.

Navigating Challenges with Resilience

Like any entrepreneurs, Meera and Tejal have faced their fair share of challenges. In the interview, they talk candidly about the obstacles they encountered, from learning the ins and outs of the beauty industry to handling the demands of running multiple locations. Their approach to challenges is one of resilience and a willingness to adapt and grow.

They emphasized the importance of not being afraid to ask for help and learning from others in the industry. Their openness to new ideas and their dedication to improving their business have been key to overcoming obstacles and continuing their growth journey.

Inspiring Future Generations

Beyond business, Meera and Tejal are passionate about inspiring future generations of women entrepreneurs. They understand the importance of representation and being role models for young women, especially those from similar cultural backgrounds. Their message is clear: with hard work, unity, and a strong support system, anything is possible.

Listen In and Be Inspired

If you’re looking for a story of family, resilience, and the power of partnership, the journey of Meera and Tejal Patel is a must-listen. Their shared passion, commitment to their values, and drive to build something lasting make their story both inspiring and motivating for anyone in the world of business or aspiring to be there.

Don’t miss this powerful conversation with Meera and Tejal on the Franchise Woman Podcast. Tune in to hear about their journey and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

#FranchiseWoman #Waxxpot #FamilyBusiness #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BeautyIndustry #Inspiration #Podcast

Learn more about Waxxpot

Kayla Ryan, Chief Marketing Officer at Home Run Franchises, has a rich background in franchising, starting from her teenage years working in her family’s franchise businesses. Her passion for entrepreneurship led her to establish and successfully grow her own company, Flick Switch Marketing, which she sold in 2023. At Home Run Franchises, Kayla now leads multiple brands within the company, focusing on empowering franchise partners through innovative, data-driven marketing strategies and personal coaching.

Kayla champions the growth of family-run franchises, viewing it as a way to support generational success and avoid high student debt. In her family-focused work culture, she sees franchisees as extended family members and fosters an environment where they can rely on her team for business and personal support. This inclusive culture has become a foundation of Home Run Franchises, where franchisees are supported as they navigate business ownership, even if they are young or new to the industry.

Looking ahead, Kayla’s vision for Home Run includes strategic growth into multiple brands and maintaining a supportive, family-centric environment. Kayla’s dedication to responsible franchising, family businesses, and personalized support underscores her commitment to building a sustainable future for both Home Run Franchises and the wider franchising community. Listen in to the full interview here.

Meet Kayla Ryan

As the Chief Marketing Officer at Home Run Franchises, Kayla is passionate about scaling brands, crafting impactful strategies, and empowering franchise partners to achieve their goals through innovative marketing and personalized business and sales coaching. With a focus on delivering results, Kayla leverages cutting-edge, data-driven marketing and sales solutions.

Previously, Kayla founded Flick Switch Marketing, a company that pioneered conversational marketing through social media advertising and developed sales solutions tailored for busy business owners. After successfully growing the business, Kayla sold it in 2023. Throughout their career, Kayla has played a pivotal role in expanding franchises to over 150 locations, providing strategic marketing leadership and coaching franchise owners on best practices in both marketing and operations. Additionally, Kayla has worked with prominent brands such as SONIC, Wienerschnitzel, Charleys, and Belfor Brands, contributing to their significant growth through targeted franchise development initiatives.

Learn more about Kayla Ryan

Learn more about Home Run Franchises

Megan Allen is a seasoned franchising expert with nearly 20 years of experience. She is currently the Director of Real Estate and Construction at The Dog Stop, an award-winning, all-inclusive dog care facility. Her franchising journey began at the age of 17, spanning roles in funding, financing, and executive leadership.

Megan’s guiding principle is “service,” focusing on serving franchisees first, ensuring their success. She believes if franchisees succeed, the entire system benefits. Her goal is to empower franchisees to grow, reinvest, and build legacies.

Megan credits her service-oriented mindset to her upbringing, especially her mother’s involvement in community service and her father’s entrepreneurial spirit. She learned the importance of helping others and has applied these values to her career in franchising.

At The Dog Stop, Megan is passionate about providing a well-rounded experience for pets through multiple revenue streams (e.g., grooming, daycare, boarding). She loves the impact the business has on both dogs and communities, particularly through fostering and adoption initiatives.

Listen here for the full interview with Megan Allen.

Meet Megan Allen

Megan Allen is a passionate advocate of the franchise model, having entered the industry at just seventeen while still in high school. Early in her career, Megan owned and operated a successful financial equipment brokerage firm. This led to a flourishing role with American Express, where Megan funded remodeling projects for major brands like Holiday Inn, McDonald’s, and Dairy Queen.

In 2005, Megan became a founding member of Camp Bow Wow, helping to open over 150 locations. After Camp Bow Wow was sold at a record valuation to VCA, Megan transitioned to a role as a fractional C-Level Executive for various franchisors from 2014 until September of last year.

Recently, Megan returned to the dog care industry, continuing to build her legacy. Megan takes immense pride in knowing she has positively impacted countless lives, particularly through saving numerous dogs from shelters across the country.

Learn more about Megan Allen

Learn more about The Dog Stop

To Thomas Miskowski business is personal. He has 2 passions: hunting and making sure his franchisees are successful.

Thomas Miskowski, along with a business partner Wade Nolte, acquired Kitchen Solvers in 2010; Thomas was appointed President in November 2022. With over a decade of leadership in Kitchen Solvers, Miskowski has been instrumental in driving the company’s success through his commitment to franchisee satisfaction, innovation, and per-unit metrics.

What a fun conversation as Tracy Kawa and Rebecca Monet and one avid hunter discuss hunting, adventure and how the skills and attributes of a good hunter transfers into a strategic and focused leader in the franchise space. Listen here to full interview.

Meet Thomas Miskowski

Thomas Miskowski, together with Wade Nolte, acquired Kitchen Solvers in 2010. In November 2022, Tom was appointed President of the company. Prior to this role, he dedicated over 12 years to advancing the brand through enhanced franchisee support and development. Now, as President, Tom is focused on driving the company’s success through three core pillars: franchisee satisfaction, innovation, and optimizing per-unit performance. His leadership philosophy is rooted in understanding the expectations, needs, and wants of franchisees, drawing on his own perspective of what he would look for if he were to open a franchise.

Tom’s extensive career and educational background have equipped him to effectively mentor the home office team and guide Kitchen Solvers toward continued growth. He previously served as President of Century Foods International and Chief Operating Officer of Cytosport/Muscle Milk. With a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Accounting, as well as an MBA, Tom combines his deep financial and operational expertise with a passion for strategic growth, financial security, and operational efficiencies.

Outside of work, Tom enjoys spending quality time with his wife and three children. He is an avid hunter, fisherman, and furniture maker. Tom is also deeply committed to his community, having served on the boards of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Foundation, Aquinas Catholic Schools Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Club of Sparta.

Learn more about Thomas Miskowski

Learn more about Kitchen Solvers

Julie Cartwright, President for the emerging fitness juggernaut Pvolve, joins us today on this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast.

Julie spent the majority of her career in product development, helping some of the world’s most recognizable fitness personalities – Tracy Anderson, Jillian Michaels, and Leslie Sansone – develop America’s favorite at-home workout videos. And at the top of her game, Cartwright left it all behind to take over what she’s called “one of the most impactful fitness brands on the market.”

What makes Julie, a self-proclaimed observer and introvert, a great leader? It’s her ability to pick-up subtle cues, listen intently and put pieces together that others may not see, hear or recognize.

Listen as she shares her story of being an empath a stealth like decision maker.

Meet Julie Cartwright

Julie Cartwright has spent the majority of her career in product development, collaborating with some of the most iconic names in fitness—Tracy Anderson, Jillian Michaels, and Leslie Sansone—to create some of America’s most popular at-home workout videos. She later transitioned into the franchise space to spearhead the launch of the pioneering Pvolve brand.

As President from the company’s inception, Julie has been instrumental in shaping Pvolve’s success, transforming it from a small startup into a global, female-led fitness powerhouse. Under her leadership, Pvolve has expanded its footprint through live virtual classes, extensive on-demand programming, patented equipment, and a growing network of studio locations.

Learn more about Julie Cartwright

Learn more about Pvolve

Mother-Daughter duo Gwynda Jones and Monica Nia Jones, franchisees with HOTWORX, join us today on this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast.

We talked about their philosophy of: When the door opens walk through it and the pivotal moments in their lives that led to business ownership.

Gwynda’s during the pandemic, and while battling a life-threatening cancer diagnosis, she discovered the physical and mental health benefits of infrared energy, namely through working out at HOTWORX. Upon entering remission, Gwynda along with her daughter, Monica Nia, opened their HOTWORX location in Chicago’s River North Neighborhood in early 2023.

Monica Nia’s pivotal moment was when she was fired from her first corporate job after graduating from the University of Arizona. She decided to enter the Miss Illinois Competition in 2022. Monica was crowned Miss Illinois in 2022, the first Black woman to hold the title in 20 years. She competed in the 2023 Miss America competition, where she was named “People’s Choice” and finished as a top 11 finalist.

Listen in to the full interview here.

Meet Gwynda Jones

Gwynda Jones earned her B.A. in Business Administration and Economics from Illinois State University, launching her career in Business Information Systems and Technology with GTE Data Services. Over an impressive 8-year tenure, she quickly climbed the ranks, culminating in the honor of being the Keynote Speaker at the Unitech, Inc. User Conference. There, her expertise caught the attention of the Quaker Oats Company, now PepsiCo, Inc., where she was recruited to implement a mainframe audit and control balance system into Quaker’s Master Service Agreement AR, AP, and GL systems.

This opportunity paved the way for a remarkable 30-year career with PepsiCo, Inc., during which Gwynda earned numerous accolades and certifications. Unfortunately, a debilitating medical condition prompted her to step back and focus on her health. After a long period of recovery, Gwynda eventually retired and began exploring new avenues, including franchising.

During the pandemic, while courageously battling a life-threatening cancer diagnosis, she discovered the transformative physical and mental benefits of infrared energy, particularly through HOTWORX workouts. After achieving remission, Gwynda, alongside her daughter Monica Nia, pursued a new chapter in franchising with HOTWORX, opening their River North location in Chicago in early 2023.

Learn more about Gwynda Jones

Learn more about HOTWORX

Meet Monica Nia Jones

Monica Nia Jones is an accomplished entrepreneur and Managing Partner of HOTWORX in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, working alongside her mother, Gwynda. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Special Events Management from Arizona State University. After a stint in the corporate world, Monica set her sights on the Miss Illinois Competition in 2022, seeking a scholarship to further her education. Her determination paid off when she was crowned Miss Illinois, becoming the first Black woman to hold the title in 20 years.

Monica went on to compete in the 2023 Miss America competition, where she earned the “People’s Choice” award and placed in the top 11 finalists. Today, she continues to lead and grow the HOTWORX franchise, overseeing day-to-day operations that have grown their membership to over 400 active members. In addition to her business ventures, Monica is pursuing a Master’s degree in Communication to deepen her expertise in public relations, events, and marketing.

Learn more about Monica Nia Jones

Learn more about HOTWORX

The Eyes Have It.

Dr. Heather M. Skeens, the visionary behind Bellasee™ Franchising, LLC, and Bellasee™ Education, joins us on The Franchise Woman podcast.

Seems Dr. Skeens was destined to be the in the ‘eye’ business. Recently her mother showed her a human eye model that Dr. Skeens played with when she was a child. Although she does not remember the toy, it clearly made a lasting impression.

Dr. Heather M. Skeens is a renowned ophthalmologist and entrepreneur with
over 21 years of experience, specializing in corneal transplantation, cataract
surgery, and refractive procedures.

Dr. Skeens shares her journey from ophthalmologist to entrepreneur to franchisor and the mentors along the way. Listen to full interview here.

Meet Dr. Heather M. Skeens, MD, CFMP

Dr. Heather M. Skeens is a renowned ophthalmologist and entrepreneur with over 21 years of experience, specializing in corneal transplantation, cataract surgery, and refractive procedures. As the founder of the West Virginia Cornea and Cataract Center of Excellence, Dr. Skeens has advanced surgical techniques, including partial and full-thickness corneal transplants and laser cataract surgery. Her expertise extends to treating complex cases and performing anterior segment reconstruction, corneal cross-linking, and bladeless LASIK.

Dr. Skeens is also the visionary behind Bellasee™ Franchising, LLC, and Bellasee™ Education, where she merges luxury with medical precision to create transformative eye care experiences. At Bellasee™, she empowers ophthalmologists through innovative surgical training and business courses, aiming to enhance both patient care and physician well-being.

A dedicated advocate for physician entrepreneurship, Dr. Skeens founded Bellasee™ Franchising to inspire and support ophthalmologists in achieving a sustainable work-life balance. Her commitment to continuous learning, strategic technology application, and holistic well-being sets a new standard in private ophthalmology practices across the nation.

Dr. Skeens is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a Certified Functional Medicine Provider. Her work and research in ocular surface disease have earned her invitations to lecture at prestigious conferences, and she continues to contribute to leading medical journals.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Skeens enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, hiking, and advancing her skills in Taekwondo.

Learn more about Dr. Heather Skeens

Learn more about Bellasee  

Two Life Themes Intertwine to Build Avanti Body Franchise.

Terri Simpson, Founder and CEO at Avanti Body, and Andrea Dobkin, President of Franchise Development, join us today on The Franchise Woman podcast.

Terri talks about her life theme of paradigm shifts. She thought she wanted to be a DJ … until she did it. Her life in radio was not for naught as she went on to work with Rush Limbaugh and owning several radio stations.

Andrea Dobkin’s life theme comes from the book: Love Yourself as if Your Life Depended on It, by Kamal Ravikant. This concept of loving yourself was not one discussed, encouraged or modeled by her mother or other female role models.

Both Terri & Andrea encountered health issues which forced them to make a paradigm shift and begin to love themselves as if their life dependent on it … because it truly did. 

Listen in to this insightful interview with Terri Simpson and Andrea Dobkin.

Meet Andrea Dobkin

Andrea Dobkin is a distinguished business leader and the President of Franchise Development and Support at Avanti Body, a boutique wellness franchise specializing in red light therapy. With an extensive background in business development and a deep-rooted passion for health and wellness, Andrea has been pivotal in driving Avanti Body’s growth and expansion.

Andrea’s dedication to enhancing the customer experience and fostering strong relationships with both clients and franchisees is evident in her strategic leadership. She has spearheaded innovative initiatives that have significantly boosted customer retention and engagement. Her approach includes developing comprehensive training programs, optimizing operational efficiencies, and empowering franchisees to deliver exceptional service.

Andrea’s journey with Avanti Body is deeply personal. The regenerative health benefits she has experienced reinforce her belief in the transformative power of wellness, fueling her commitment to the company’s mission. Under her leadership, Avanti Body continues to make a profound impact, helping others achieve optimal health and well-being.

Learn more about Andrea Dobkin

Learn more about Avanti Body

Meet Terri Simpson

Terri Simpson is a visionary leader and the founder of Avanti Body, a trailblazing wellness company specializing in advanced red light therapy and holistic wellness solutions. With an unwavering commitment to transforming lives, Terri has positioned Avanti Body as a leader in scientific innovation and comprehensive health, setting new benchmarks in body rejuvenation and overall well-being.

Her leadership is defined by a relentless dedication to empowering clients through cutting-edge technology and personalized care, ensuring that regenerative therapies are accessible and affordable for all. Terri’s passion for wellness extends beyond her company; she recently authored Regenerative Aging: A Beginner’s Guide for Those Over 50, an insightful guide that reflects her deep expertise and passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of aging with confidence and vitality.

Learn more about Terri Simpson

Learn more about Avanti Body

Diana Simmons, co-founder of Simply Cabinetry, joins us today on The Franchise Woman podcast. Her biggest pet peeve is when someone says: they don’t know something.

As a child she was a bit reserved and awkward. In high school she was 6’3” tall. Her time was spent listening to and observing others and playing basketball. Her keen observation skills caused her to be highly empathic, capable of putting the pieces together to see the big picture and learn anything … almost through osmosis.

Today, Diana enjoys translating the vision to others while pointing them in the right direction to find and implement the answers. Clearly being an empath has many benefits. Listen in to the full interview here.

Meet Diana Simmons

Diana Simmons is the co-founder and CEO of Simply Cabinetry, a brand she launched with her husband in 2010. Starting from their garage in 2007, they have grown the company to redefine the cabinetry experience in their Showroom and Design Studios through streamlined planning and purchasing of factory-direct quality cabinetry. They provide simple, premium, and luxury cabinetry to industry professionals – contractors, builders, developers, interior designers, and real estate investors – as well as DIY homeowners alike! A licensed Realtor and Certified Franchise Executive, Diana leverages her deep understanding of real estate and franchising to elevate Simply Cabinetry to the next level!

As a mother of three boys, Diana infuses her work with the same energy and dedication she brings to her family life. She blends her passion for design, inherited from her mother, with sales strategies learned from her father, to lead the company’s vision of making high-quality cabinetry accessible and simple for every client. Her personal motto, “Work is what you make it, let’s make it awesome!” reflects her commitment to enhancing both homes and careers.

A former basketball team captain, she values teamwork and aims to empower others to succeed in business and life, just as she has. Upholding Simply Cabinetry’s core values of “Own it, Love it, Grow it,” Diana’s leadership is not only about achieving business goals but also about inspiring her team, franchisees, and clients to embrace their passions and innovate together.

Learn more about Diana Simmons

Learn more about Simply Cabinetry