“As any founder knows, your brand is your baby,” says Genevieve Custer Weeks, Founder of Tutu School, which teaches preschool-age children the basics of ballet. It can feel scary to leave your brand in the hands of other people if you pursue a franchise model for expansion. For this reason, Genevieve says it’s important to be constantly evolving as a brand so that you are both supporting all of your franchisees, while also maintaining a unified set of standards. 

According to Genevieve, starting your business as if you have the intention to scale is the best thing any new entrepreneur can do. If you as an entrepreneur are looking to own a franchise first ask yourself: is this something I can do on my own? You have to say YES to this question. Yes, BUT you would like for the community and support a franchise supports.

Genevieve's history and passion for ballet runs deep and her goal was to instill the practice and principals in small children who were being underserved by larger studios. The strength and singularity of this mission caught on like wildfire with a community as dedicated to upholding her vision as she is. Now, Tutu School has more than 70 locations across the U.S. and Canada, with the intention of reaching as many tiny ballerinas as possible.

Quotes

• “I think there’s a perception out there about franchising that it’s some passive income you’re going to set up—you create the package, you sell it, and people give you royalties. But in reality, you have to really make sure that you’re constantly evolving, in both the support you’re providing, and the ways you’re layering in checks and balances to make sure there’s real brand consistency and quality control.” (15:39-16:06 | Genevieve)

• “My number one piece of advice for any business owner, as there is literally no downside to it, is to set up your business from the beginning like you want to scale it.” (19:50-19:59 | Genevieve)

• “If you’re looking at a franchise you should ask yourself, ‘Do I feel like I could do this on my own?’ The answer should be one hundred percent yes.” (39:15-39:28 | Genevieve)

Connect with Genevieve Custer Weeks:

Tutu School Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/tutuschool

Genevieve’a Instagram |   http://www.instagram.com/tutugenevieve

Website |  We're always looking for new potential Tutu School owners! https://www.tutuschool.com/franchise

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe to Dear FoundHer on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

You can now work with Lindsay 1:1 to build the community for your personal brand or company through the same method she used to grow and scale her business. Fill out the form here and set up a FREE 30-minute consultation.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY WEEK about founding, growing, scaling and even selling your business.  Check out Lindsay's newsletter here.  

Follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk

Use code FoundHer for 50% off your first month with both HiveCast and Fireside

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.