When Josephine Aprilia embarked on her journey as a master franchisee with MindChamps, she was driven by a desire to reclaim her weekends and spend more quality time with her children.
Having a background in retail management, she had become accustomed to the relentless pace of work, but as her children started to get older, she began to regret not having a better work-life balance. This thought became a catalyst for her to begin a new career path, turning her passion for working with children into a business.
While MindChamps was not yet established in Western Australia, the brand possesses a quarter of a century of proven experience in early education, global recognition and research-backed credibility convinced her that it was worthwhile investigating a franchise opportunity with the brand. Josephine was also drawn to the brand’s international presence, particularly in Singapore, a place she frequented due to her Indonesian heritage.
The values upheld by MindChamps, centred around a genuine commitment to nurturing children’s potential, immediately struck a chord with Josephine. It was more than just a business opportunity; it was a chance to make a meaningful impact on young lives.
“The global presence and credibility was what drew me to MindChamps as a potential franchise partner. It just clicked with me as a person right away. It’s all about people. It’s all about the heart for children. That’s it. As simple as that,” said Josephine.
MindChamps has a unique ‘3-Mind’ approach to early learning that is designed to equip the children of today with the foundations of future success. Prioritising the development of learning for children under the age of six, MindChamps students develop the Champion, Learning and Creative Minds through its curriculum.
From her first interaction with the brand, Josephine connected with the team and found that their passion mirrored her own. This personal connection instilled her with confidence and excitement about becoming a “Champ”.
After signing her franchise contract, Josephine was quick to secure her centre. Her dedication and enthusiasm for the brand were soon recognised, leading to an extraordinary opportunity to become the master franchisee for the state – an honour she gratefully accepted.
Transitioning from a regular franchisee to a master franchisee brought forth a new set of responsibilities, with Josephine required to wear two hats. Expanding on her role as a Centre Owner, Josephine found herself immersed in the broader spectrum of the brand’s operations. As a master franchisee, Josephine is not only tasked with representing the brand but also with expanding its footprint in WA.
Her approach prioritises finding franchisees who share MindChamps’ core values and exhibit a genuine passion for children’s education. To Josephine, success is not solely measured by financial metrics but by the positive impact made on a child’s life.
“What motivates me is finding the right people. It’s about the journey of connecting with like-minded individuals with the right heart and the right passion for children and education,” she said.
Despite her enthusiasm, Josephine admits she was apprehensive about starting her own business. Concerns about maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially with the demands of childcare, weighed heavily on her mind.
“Opening up my own childcare centre is not a small thing, it’s a big thing. I was worried about how it was going to fit in with the family routine or if it was going to change the family dynamic, but I’m backed up with everyone in the family supporting me, so I’m not doing this alone. And besides, I’m always up for a challenge,” said Josephine.
Reflecting on her journey, Josephine emphasises the importance of alignment and connection when selecting franchisees. She seeks individuals who embody the spirit of the brand: compassion, dedication, and a genuine investment in children’s well-being. For Josephine, the success of a franchise hinges not only on financial resources but on shared values and a commitment to making a difference in children’s lives.
In navigating the challenges of being a female master franchisee, Josephine has encountered firsthand the occasional scepticism towards her age and gender from external parties. However, having the backing of a well known and respected brand, coupled with her authenticity and unwavering commitment to her passion for childcare have served as powerful tools in overcoming this.
For those contemplating franchise ownership, Josephine suggests the following:
- Embrace the Support: The backing of a franchise system is invaluable, especially in highly regulated sectors like childcare. From operational guidance to marketing support, franchisors provide a comprehensive framework for success.
- Leverage Brand Recognition: Aligning with an established brand not only enhances credibility but also opens doors to prime locations and resources otherwise inaccessible to independent operators.
- Prioritise Quality: The operational standards of any franchise are the cornerstone of its success. Investing in a franchise ensures access to meticulously-crafted programs and operational procedures backed by research and expertise.
- Embrace Networking Opportunities: Engaging with fellow franchisees and industry experts offers invaluable insights and support. Building a community of like-minded individuals fosters growth and resilience in the face of challenges.
- Stay True to Your Values: Success in franchising isn’t solely measured by financial gains but by the alignment of personal values with the brand’s ethos. Pursue a franchise opportunity that resonates with your passion and principles.
Josephine’s franchising journey has been nothing short of transformative. From reclaiming her weekends with her children to spearheading a franchise expansion as a master franchisee, every step has been guided by a shared vision of nurturing young minds and making a positive impact in the lives of children and families across Western Australia.
With each new franchisee she appoints, Josephine sees not only a business opportunity but a chance to nurture a community dedicated to excellence in early childhood education.