Musical Minis

Exclusive Interview With Chrissie Rolls, Musical Minis Franchisee

27th March 2009

Chrissie Rolls is just one of the franchisees who has used FemaleFranchise to find a business that she can manage and run herself.

Chrissie runs the Musical Minis Franchise in Swindon with classes starting in January 2009. Musical Minis is a pre-school fun time music group for babies and toddlers. Each structured session encourages cognitive, physical and emotional development through the use of music, instruments and stories in a relaxed group atmosphere. Femalefranchise was lucky to speak to Chrissie and find out a bit more.

FF: Hi Chrissie, thanks for taking 5 minutes out to talk to us, congratulations on your franchise – which brings me to my first question, why did you choose to become a franchisee rather than start your own business?

CR: “With a franchise all of the work has been done for you, they are already established, and provide the instruments, lessons, all equipment, and support you throughout the venture. Going down the franchise route saves time, energy and you feel safe knowing you are joining a reputable brand.”

FF: So, what made you choose a Musical Minis Franchise?

CR: "Musical Minis impressed me the most they were friendly and helpful, Karen spoke to me personally and was able to answer all of my questions, you get the feeling that everyone is really proud to be part of the business and had nothing to hide. On top of that they were the most established and came across as extremely professional. Since buying into Musical Minis I have NOT been disappointed!!"

FF: Can you describe your ‘typical day’ for us?

CR: "Each day is different, but usually involves learning the lesson, songs and stories, answering people’s queries by phone and e-mail, keeping membership paper work up to date, keeping accounts records. Actually taking the classes and building up relationships with the parents and children and enjoying watching them all progress! It goes without saying that I also look after my own 2 children Logan and Millie, spend time with my husband Dave, as well as the usual housework, cooking and taking the children to various places."

FF: Has any previous training you have had, made running your business easier?

CR: “I have a music degree as well as being a classically trained singer (WCMD). I have also held a few positions including Retail Manager and Guest Relations, which have really helped me with the ins and outs of running a business. That said, Musical Minis has a comprehensive training program which taught me about how to run both the sessions and a successful business.”

FF: With the press focusing so much on the current economic uncertainty, has this affected your business, and have you adapted your franchise?

CR: “I believe that no matter how hard up people are they always want the best for their children, and as the classes are quite active, parents can keep fit whilst having fun with their children and of course they are being educated at the same time. And we are always being told to keep our children active for a healthier life style! With everyone focusing on the negative at the moment it’s been really positive to watch parents interacting with their children and enjoying themselves in my classes.”

FF: As a franchisee, what are the main services that are provided to you? Are there any particular services that are unusual, new or different to other competitors in this market?

CR: “Musical Minis hold yearly meeting where all the franchisees and support team get together and share new ideas, which have been really helpful. I find it reassuring that they are always at the end of the phone if you need help, or to answer any questions. When I was starting my franchise in Swindon head office offered to do all the advertising if I wanted, and they never make you feel silly.”

FF: So did you end up doing the marketing activities yourself?

CR: “We agreed to use local advertising and the Musical Minis website. We also agreed that it was extremely important that I built up some local brand awareness so we focused on using word of mouth by working along side the health visitors in the area. I also run trials at Nurseries and Boarders in the children’s section; the hard work is really paying off as I have grown from 7 to 35 members in just under 2 months.”

FF: How did you go about finding out information about franchising?

CR: “My days were really busy so I was finding time in the evenings by searching online. I found lots of websites which offered franchises but they either focused on management or van based franchises which I knew were not for me. I found the FemaleFranchise Website and instantly saved it in my favourites!”

FF: What did you find helpful about the FemaleFranchise Website?

CR: “I was really pleased with the case studies and news articles, which I could see were being added on a daily basis, so each time I checked the site I was able to find more information, from using the website I was able to request information which lead me to visiting some Musical Minis classes. The biggest help was the Franchise Management Centre, which helped me through the franchise process from start to finish.”

FF: Any additional comments about the FemaleFranchise Website?

CR: “It helped me to find my chosen career so thank you!”

FF: We are delighted that you found it helpful, finally any helpful tips to pass on to anyone who is looking to become part of a franchise?

CR: “I would have to say that it’s hard work, but worth it!”

If you would like to find out more about starting your own Musical Minis Franchise, click on the 'Request Information' button below.

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Further Information

Franchise Information

BFA Membership Status
Full

UK Years Established
20 years

Current UK Coverage
30%

Franchisee Support Staff
4

Personal Investment Req.
£0

Total Startup Cost
£8,000

Why Choose Us?

What Our Franchisees Say

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1st July 2010
Janie McCormick - Musical Minis Franchisee, South Lincolnshire

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12th May 2010
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Special Feature

16th August 2010
Jolly July - Update from Karen Sherr, Musical Minis Franchisor