Meet Four Franchising Entrepreneurs Bringing Business Ownership to Moms Across Canada

In celebration of Mothers’ Day, the Canadian Franchise Association connected us with four ‘mompreneurs’ who’ve discovered the secret to balancing business ownership and running a family (their secret? There’s no such thing as balance). From a mobile spray-tanning business with celebrity clients, to a paint-your-own pottery studio and a franchise built on taking the embarrassment out of dealing with head lice, these moms have grown their small businesses into award-winning franchise concepts that have expanded across the country, helping other women find autonomy and control over their own working lives.

Meet…

Dawn Mucci, CEO of LiceSquad.com
Nicole Hyatt, Founder of Tan on the Run
Annette Brennan, Founder of Crock A Doodle
Ruthie Burd, Founder of The Lunch Lady

I became an entrepreneur because…

Dawn Mucci:

I wanted to create a lifestyle for myself and family while providing opportunities for others to live the great Canadian dream of business ownership. I have a keen eye for opportunity and have always been creative and a bit of a risk taker. By walking the walk I have inspired other women and mothers to take the risk themselves and become entrepreneurs through the franchise model, which provides the support and leadership of the franchisor and the franchise system to help them succeed.

Nicole Hyatt:

I never wanted to go to work dreading the day. I love waking up with excitement as I never know what a day in the life of the mobile tanning business will bring me. Every day is different, and although I probably work double over time, it doesn’t actually feel like work as I love what I do. As a franchisor, it’s my passion to help other women/mothers start and grow a business that they never imagined possible.

Annette Brennan:

I wanted to create success on my own terms. I wanted to build a remarkable brand and bring it to life in a meaningful way.

Ruthie Burd:

I had a personal challenge that was the spark that ignited a business idea. When one of our 3 sons was diagnosed with autism 24 years ago, my need to work around his needs led me to self-employment and food service, even though I was not much of a cook at the time. It was the only thing that fit!

The most rewarding part of being a working mother is…

Dawn Mucci:

The opportunity to create my own schedule and have the freedom to put my family first. I also draw a great deal of inspiration and drive from my children knowing the hard work I do now is building a solid future for them. In the beginning I used to feel torn and guilty about having to choose time away in order to grow my businesses. I wish someone had told me back then there is no use in feeling this way. As long as you are having quality time together and are present when they need you, they totally understand and love you no matter what.

Nicole Hyatt:

Having my son be proud of me. He actually gets involved when I talk business, he gives me his opinion and creative thoughts. I can see a mini entrepreneur in the making. He’s 12 and just finished his first business plan!

Annette Brennan:

Showing your kids what is possible when you follow your heart and commit to making things happen.

Ruthie Burd:

That I have been able to grow personally while raising our family. My father taught me that caring for the well-being of the greater community is one of the best legacies we can leave our children and I sincerely believe this. I have been so fortunate to be a wife and mom, to have helped others to build viable businesses through franchising  and to have created a valuable service that helps other busy working moms. 
 
 

 
I balance work life with family life by…

Dawn Mucci:

Giving up the dream of trying to balance either. I used to think there was such a thing, but the longer I am in business the more I realize its not about balance, it is about self awareness and self care. Knowing when your getting close to being overwhelmed. Making sure you are not overloaded, saying no, delegating more and taking good care of your personal health in all areas is critical to having the ability to pivot and navigate change. Each day is a new adventure and you simply must put one foot in front of the other to get to the destination. My good friend once said it this way. “Life is a a series of adjustments.” Learn to be flexible.

Nicole Hyatt:

Making sure I have family time, whether it’s vacation, sports or just hanging out watching a movie. In busy season if there isn’t much extra time I bring the family to work! 

Annette Brennan:

Involving my kids in my business so they appreciate the value of what I do. I’m still working on the balance part. 

Ruthie Burd:

Not keeping a balance sheet. Working and playing is all living to me. I simply do my best and accept that everyone will not be satisfied with my choices each day…. and I extend the same courtesy to my family. A good dose of laughter, a shared kind word, this seems to balance the scales for me, no matter what else is going on…. and chocolate.

Do you know a successful female entrepreneur who deserves recognition? Nominate her for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards!