As part of Franchise Business Review’s annual Top Franchises for Women research, FBR surveyed over 8,000 female franchise owners to get their perspective on owning a franchise business in 2021. The past year has been difficult for many business owners yet women franchise owners have demonstrated their resilience and commitment to their local communities.
While franchising has historically been a male-dominated industry, women business owners have made significant strides in the past decade. Today, women are opening 1 out of every 3 new franchise businesses and female franchise ownership has increased significantly.
We are honored to have one of TSS Photography Franchisees, Rachel Sherman, among the 27 women selected for this list.
In an interview with Rachel read what she had to say about her experience as a franchise owner.
After graduating high school, Rachel Sherman moved to Florida to continue her education at the Art Institute for Photography. Never one for idleness, she began simultaneously working at the local TSS Photography.
“The more I worked for TSS, the more I realized opportunities to expand,” she says.
In 2002, Rachel’s vision and efforts landed her the opportunity to become partner of the company. Flash forward 15 years to 2017 and she was appointed the sole owner of the company. Under Rachel’s leadership, the business has grown in its sports and school photography offerings — two distinct areas with differing skill set and clientele.
“The biggest thing in business ownership is that you need a support group,” Rachel says.“Whether it’s your family or friends, or a franchise.”
She’s lucky enough to have both. Her dad, who was involved in franchises her whole life, instilled in Rachel a solid work ethic she carries to this day. “At 13, I started working for my dad,” she says. “My friends were out riding bikes and going to games, and I was earning money. I liked that. I like to be independent.”
Rachel is quick to note the camaraderie amongst her franchise network too. Other nearby TSS owners share backdrops and lights for photoshoots, supporting one another in their individual projects and unique business plans. “It’s like a family dynamic,” says Rachel. “You’re doing what you want to do, and you have a strong support group.”
TSS Photography marketing director, Alison Counts, had the following to say about TSS Photography’s appeal specifically to women interested in a business opportunity. “TSS occupies a unique space in business opportunities and franchising in that an owner can work as much or as little as they want. There are also different types of work that TSS owners can choose to focus on that occur at different times such as week days, weekends or evenings. This flexibility combined with a work-from-home model can help owners achieve the work-life balance that so many women are hoping to achieve.”
Congratulations, Rachel!
Click here to read all of the stories from The Powerful Women in Franchising