Facing redundancy – Michelle Collins
Michelle saw Pink Spaghetti as a good way of stepping out of the public sector into a new venture and a more flexible way of living. She liked the idea that the ‘package’ was already branded and ready to market and she wanted to be part of a virtual team for support rather than working alone.
She liked the autonomy that such a franchise would bring. She believed that she would enhance her skills and productivity quicker than working alone, gaining knowledge about the tools that have been tried and tested already within the business through the start up training. She was also reassured to know that there was an option to get advice and cover for emergencies.
Michelle says:
Since starting my Pink Spaghetti franchise my life has changed somewhat. Obviously as my children have got older they need taxi services more frequently! The flexibility that I have means that I don’t have to miss athletics morning or taking them to a show, dentist appointments etc, I have that flexibility. Of course sometimes I use it to pop to the gym myself! Having a Pink Spaghetti franchise has enabled me to organise myself in a better way. My husband has a very busy job, he works late and long hours: I’m not saying I don’t work the hours myself, but it has enabled us to have flexibility and run things the way we want to.”
Solo Virtual Assistant wanting to expand – Nicola Case
Nicola really enjoyed working virtually and with lots of different clients; however, she decided a franchise would give her the backing of a proven business model, established branding and procedures and the support of an experienced team within areas she needed to address. When she realised that Pink Spaghetti was keen on developing their franchisees and understood how important family is she felt as though she had found what she was searching for.
Nicola says:
My quality of life is far better. I have a great support network who can help with guidance or picking up the extra work I may have, I have ongoing training and a development plan in place to ensure I am able to grow my business, I get to spend quality time with my family and I absolutely love everything I do.”
A flexible challenge after a career break – Kelly Walsh
After raising 5 children, and being out of the workplace for over 15 years, Kelly was eager to use the skills she had developed - organising events, running her own charity and volunteering on PTAs - to help her carve out a new career. She knew her background in marketing and event planning would be beneficial and she wanted something that was flexible to fit in with a busy family life.
Kelly says:
I knew I wanted a ‘business in a box’ - something that was set up and ready to go. A Pink Spaghetti franchise provides all the necessary training to make sure you have the skills to gain clients but it does not stop there. They provide ongoing support and, with the wide network of Pink Spaghetti franchise owners,
there is always someone who can answer a question which means you
never have to say no to a client."
High flyer wanting a change in direction – Abbie Akinfenwa
Abbie had a very senior role within IT in London which involved extensive travel abroad. When her youngest daughter was about to start university Abbie felt it was time for her life to take another direction. She had thought about being a virtual PA as a concept that she could do herself and then decided to see who was doing it already. She found Pink Spaghetti and thought we seemed approachable and priced at the right level.
Abbie has seen many positive changes to her life since owning her own Pink Spaghetti franchise – she says these are:
Flexibility – I love being able to work wherever I am. I have more control over what I do, I have more variety and exposure to different businesses. I love the support I get from the franchisors and the wider franchise group, meeting so many lovely ladies and having them as sounding boards. I can go for afternoon tea anytime I want, I don’t have to request a day off, my time is mine to manage as I deem fit. I also have some nice clients who send me flowers!”
Flexibility to suit family life – Penny Millar
Penny started her franchise in early 2019 – she had been employed but was keen to work for herself and wanted to have the flexibility to work hours which suited her family, and alongside other people who understood the constraints this can bring. This would be a refreshing change from her former position.
Penny liked the idea of a franchise as, not only would she be following a proven business model, but she would be provided with a great support network. She saw that having other franchisees, along with the Pink Spaghetti head office team, available to turn to when she had questions or required a second opinion would be invaluable. She saw Pink Spaghetti promoting the working mother – understanding the drive to make a business work whilst being able to work flexibly and having a good work/life balance.
Penny Says:
I think my life owning a Pink Spaghetti franchise will change only for the better. My work/life balance is better, I am able to spend more time with my family and friends and doing all the things I want to do when previously work has got in the way. That’s not to say that I don’t want to be working 40 hours a week! The point is that those 40 hours a week work around me rather than me working around them.”
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