Karen Matthews was named Telstra Business Woman of the Year NSW in 2004; awarded PwC’s & Franchise Council of Australia Franchising Woman of the Year Award NSW in 2005; is one of Australia’s youngest female CEOs and is the mother of two children.

Since joining Australian skincare company Ella Baché in 1999, Karen has been responsible for developing and guiding Ella Baché through its hugely successful transition into Australia’s first skincare franchise by implementing a unique franchise model that nurtures and supports its business owners.

“We offer one franchise fee, which is rare to the world of franchising. Our support of is phenomenal and we’ve perfected fulfilling the dreams of people who only once dreamt of running their own business,” said Karen.

Taking two years to develop, the Ella Baché franchise model is a distinctive system moving business from a traditional distribution set-up where salons purchased the product from the wholesaler, to a model enabling Salons already buying and selling Ella Baché products to move to the franchise system and take new retailers on as franchisees.

“At Ella Baché, we are committed to our franchisees' business and we work hard at building co-operative relationships. If a franchisee's business is doing well and they are selling more to customers, they buy more products from us. A fees-only arrangement encourages growth, which represents a constant drain on the business.” said Karen.

In January 2007, BRW named Ella Baché among its fastest growing franchises of the year.

We Can attitude provides a way for women in franchising

With more than 50 years combined experience in the healthcare industry business partners Judith Monteath and Liz Offer are proof of the potential for success of women in franchising.

The two allied health professionals from Western Australia head the unique franchising concept We Can Respite Services, which provides temporary and ongoing care to individuals who are intellectually disadvantaged.

The pair recognised Australia’s burgeoning healthcare crisis and boldly stepped out earlier this year to cure the problem with a franchising concept that will provide relief for thousands of families across the country.

Liz says: “Franchising is a great way to reduce the risk of owning your own business as essentially you are in business for yourself but not by yourself. The added benefit is the flexibility to work around your family and other important activities in your daily or weekly routine.

We Can franchises are ideal for people who are ready for the rewarding challenge of becoming a care service provider and are looking to fulfil an essential need in the community, but who also want to share in the profits of a solid business opportunity.”

Judith adds: “Like many in the healthcare industry, I started out in a ‘hands on’ role as a carer and soon worked my way up to day supervisor where I managed staff and the day-to-day operations of a hostel. Although this was a rewarding experience which gave me numerous qualifications in social work and allied health, I always dreamed of owning my own business in which I could marry commercial viability with my desire to help others.

“By franchising the concept Liz and I are hoping to fulfil similar business dreams for carers across the country.”

Women in Clark Rubber

Clark Rubber is a fun and bright icon retailer with an offer that is focused on delivering a lifestyle of products for its customers – it is also a retailer that provides outstanding business opportunities for all Australians.

According to Clark Rubber General Manager Corina Vucic, women in the Clark Rubber business are not the silent partners.

Corina said that Clark Rubber stores are driven by women who have chosen to own and operate a small business.

“Their decision making has been influenced by wanting to invest in a business that allows them to lead a team of passionate people wanting to find a solution for their valued customer. These women have chosen to build their wealth and contribute to the family finances,” Corina said.

“The modern small business owner is a risk taker. They are driven by an appetite to lead a fulfilling life which includes owning and operating a small business and living their life to the fullest.

“Women in franchising have found a tried and tested business model which enables them to lead profitable businesses in conjunction with their fulfilling lives and their responsibilities.

 “The expectations from Women in Franchising is to belong to a brand which has vision and direction at board room level, is a socially responsible brand, a brand that is engaged in today’s social issues, gives to the broader community and encourages the modern woman to build a profitable businesses.

At Clark Rubber, women are not the silent partners"

Women and Franchising – A successful combination!

 
Much more than just a store, Samsara is a lifestyle philosophy that embraces furniture, culture, art and music from around the globe allowing consumers to create their own unique sanctuary.

A determined and charismatic Giovanna Aryafara who started this successful business in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast 15 years ago says her forward plan is to open 10 franchises each year for the next three years!

The female domination of Samsara’s strong management team plays a key role in driving the Samsara brand forward into successful franchising:

-  Giovanna Aryafara, founder of Samsara and Managing Director – the ultimate leader of the team.  A visionary and pursuer of beauty!  She leads like she lives - “passionate and true”.

-  Gail Donald, National Franchising Manager –  a strong background in  real estate, marketing and administration provides skills in the role of site selection, legal compliance, and ongoing relationship management of the  franchisees

-   Julianne Keegan, Merchandising Manager – a master of product placement creating the total “Samsara Experience”, a wealth of talent and experience in merchandising, interior design and store layouts.

-  Jayne Bullock, Product Co-ordinator – a flair and gift for furniture and homewares, her past corporate experience and ongoing passion keeps Samsara ahead of the pack in direction and trends.

Diane Finke, Marketing Manager – leader of the young (female) graphic design team, her visualisation of Samsara’s branding and marketing is of world class standards – bringing Giovanna’s clever photography into a realm of its own.

After only 12 months of launching the first franchised store, Samsara’s success has been remarkable with the seventh new licensed store opening in Port Macquarie, NSW, in October.  This all adds up to one conclusion …

women and franchising do make a successful combination!