When it comes to celebrating women in franchising, we had plenty of inspiring stories to choose from. But for this piece, we wanted to highlight two industries that showcase the breadth and diversity of female entrepreneurship. One that has long been associated with strong women (early childhood education) and another that may not be the first type of business that comes to mind when we think about female franchise owners (fast-casual restaurants).
Why? Because women are succeeding in every corner of franchising, whether they’re shaping young minds or serving up bold flavors. As National Women’s Month shines a spotlight on female entrepreneurs, two franchises, Kiddie Academy® Educational Child Care and Hot Head Burritos, are proving just how impactful women are in business ownership. These brands are celebrating their female franchisees and showing how franchising provides women with the freedom, fulfillment, and financial success they seek.
Kiddie Academy®: Empowering Women Through Business Ownership
A recent Kiddie Academy® Educational Child Care survey revealed a striking trend: women who own their own businesses report significantly higher fulfillment than those working traditional jobs. In fact, 91% of female business owners surveyed said they feel fulfilled professionally, compared to just 55% of women still in 9-to-5 jobs. Additionally, 87% of these entrepreneurs feel personally fulfilled, proving that business ownership positively impacts all aspects of life.
Kiddie Academy® has built a franchise model that particularly supports female owner-operators, with the majority of its 347 franchise locations owned by at least one woman. CEO Casey Miller explains why franchising is a game-changer for women:
“We’ve seen firsthand how much satisfaction entrepreneurs can find in opening a franchise that aligns with their values and provides freedom and flexibility,” said Miller. “Franchising is special in that it allows you to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself.”
The survey also highlighted the driving forces behind women choosing to start their own businesses:
- 62% wanted more freedom in their lives
- 64% wanted to be their own boss
- 38% sought a more flexible schedule
- 35% aimed for better work-life balance
- 30% wanted to leave a legacy for their children
For Hajira Khan, a multi-unit Kiddie Academy franchisee in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the ability to integrate work and family life was key.
“Owning a Kiddie Academy franchise provides a seamless integration of work and life, allowing me to balance my professional passions with my family responsibilities,” she shared.
Perhaps most importantly, 90% of survey respondents believe it’s essential for the next generation of children to see female business owners in their communities. By stepping into leadership roles, these women are paving the way for future entrepreneurs.
Hot Head Burritos: Women Thriving in the Restaurant Industry
Over at Hot Head Burritos, women franchise owners are proving that passion and perseverance are the key ingredients to success in the fast-casual dining space. From first-time owners to seasoned entrepreneurs, these women have transformed their love for food and business into thriving enterprises.
Among them is Heather Pennington, whose journey into franchising began with a simple visit to a Hot Head Burritos location. Inspired by the brand’s bold flavors and business model, she took a leap into ownership. A leap that that has since grown into multiple successful locations.
Another standout story is Beth Miller, who started her career at Hot Head Burritos as a 17-year-old crew member. Through dedication and hard work, she climbed the ranks, becoming the youngest female General Manager before eventually co-owning the Youngstown State University location. Her story is a testament to the growth opportunities available to women in franchising.
Hot Head Burritos also celebrates other incredible female franchisees, including:
- Tammy Paris
- Robyn Biery
- Jackie Ridgeway
- Pam Sommers
Each of these women has leveraged their entrepreneurial spirit to build successful businesses, showing that franchising can be a powerful vehicle for women looking to take control of their careers.
Women in Franchising: A Growing Movement
Both Kiddie Academy® Educational Child Care and Hot Head Burritos illustrate a broader trend in franchising: women are seizing the opportunity to own businesses, gain financial independence, and create meaningful impact in their communities. The structured support of a franchise, combined with the ability to be their own boss, makes this industry an ideal fit for females and all types of entrepreneurs.
As National Women’s Month continues, these brands are proving that when women have the opportunity to lead, they thrive and so do the businesses they build.
