Photography Franchise for Women UK Little Angels UK Ltd Zoe Roberts Cheshire

"Sometimes I still can't quite believe that I am running my own business.."

Zoe Roberts, explains what it is like being a Little Angels Franchisee..

Zoe, tell us a bit about you…

I am 37 years old and have 2 children, Nathan who is 11 and Sam who is 7. I live in Pickmere, Cheshire with my husband, Dave. We have just bought a house in the Lake District which we are in the process of renovating, but given the fact that we have such busy lives during the week and 2 lots of football at weekends, this may take longer than anticipated! Before having children I worked for a high street bank and didn't really want to go back to the high pressure of selling pensions etc for very little money.

Why did you choose Franchising?

Before finding out about little Angels, I hadn't even considered looking into franchising. I knew that it was time to start thinking about what I might be able to do jobwise/careerwise as my children were getting older (then 10 & 6) & there's only so much housework you can do! However, I also knew that I didn't want to rely on childcare for holidays etc. I half-heartedly applied to M&S, but knew deep down that it wasn't really what I wanted to do. I also toyed with going to college - but to do what?

What made you choose a Little Angels Franchise?

One day my husband was looking through the franchise section of the Daily Express & pointed out the Little Angels advert. To say that I was intrigued was an understatement. Here was something that would fit around the children (& their hectic social lives!) and something that was a challenge but also something that I knew I could do. Also, running my own business was much more appealing than working for somebody else. When I met Keith at Little Angels HO, I knew straight away that this was something that I could do & do well. Furthermore the products are much more appealing than the 'usual' school photographs - which, lets face it, we all buy anyway (no matter how bad they are!)

What is an average day like for you?

An average day for me has changed since I first started running my business. At first it is a matter of knocking on as many doors as possible. This isn't as scary as it sounds as the ladies (& gentlemen!) in the nurseries are so friendly that it doesn't feel as if you are selling at all. It has been a lot easier than I thought it would be to secure bookings and I have found that even if this doesn't happen straight away there is always a chance that a nursery that I have visited in the past will phone me at some point to arrange a booking. This has been sometimes due to word of mouth or photographers retiring etc.

So my motto is never give up! Now, 12 months on I have a good client base (about 50-60 clients so far) and I am spending most of the time running up to Christmas & running up to the summer term taking photographs. In between I re-visit Nurseries (old & new) and collect & bank payments for exisiting clients.

On a photo shoot, I (& hopefully the children!) have so much fun that it doesn't feel like work at all. One of the most rewarding things for me is when I get the 'perfect' shot, especially from a child who in the past hasn't been very co-operative! Also, when I speak to the nurseries & parents after the photos have been delivered there is nothing better than getting praise about how good their little ones look!

What are the benefits of Franchising?

Sometimes I still can't quite believe that I am running my own business. Franchising gives you the opportunity to do this without too much risk. I love the fact that I am my own boss and can make decisions by myself. But whenever you need any kind of support it is always there on the other end of the phone at HO.

Moneywise, after just over 12 months of trading I have broken even & am looking forward to making lots more money! It feels so good to be earning again (I left the bank when my youngest son was born) and knowing that I am the one in control. It was my husband's 40th this October and for the first time in 7 years I have been able to buy his present with my own money - in fact not just any present, but a trip to New York!

What are your plans for the future?

As for the future, I see myself steadily building my client base and developing a good working relationship with my existing clients. The opportunities really are endless. With more experience I now feel confident to approach schools in addition to nurseries (& who knows who else) - so watch this space!

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