To celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, we’ve asked some of our franchisees what
it means to them, to be an entrepreneur and business owner.
Each of the following people have taken the big step to back themselves, to build something for their future.
Starting a business is easy. The hard part is making that business successful, that’s where a solid foundation, proven formula, vision, passion, determination and resilience come in.
So have a read through the inspirational leaders below, find out what drives them, and whatit means to be a (successful) business owner, celebrating Women’s Entrepreneurship Day.
Franchising gave me the bridge between who I was and who I wanted to become. When I became a mother, life slowed down, but my purpose grew louder. I didn’t just want a career; I wanted a legacy my son could walk besides, not behind. Through franchising, I found belief, freedom, and guidance all at once. That’s how A&A Legacy Travel was born, a dream built by two names, one story, and the comfort of never walking this path alone.
– Elena, A & A Legacy Travel
I would say franchising is perfect for women entrepreneurs, because it gives us the freedom to balance working life around family life. My two sons have a very full programme, with swimming and football, so my working situation allows me to support them. I can choose my own working hours (sometimes working late at night or super early as this suits our routine!) It’s great being my own boss!
– Francesca, Amida Travel
Gosh, where to start with what franchises for women entrepreneurs offers and opens up.
The journey that I have been on for the last 5 years has been incredible and I am thankful that it was down to a franchise opportunity in travel, that gave me access to the world I’m in and to elevate being a woman entrepreneur.
Owning and building my own franchise has allowed me to expand my entrepreneurial skills and curate my own path, journey and brand. Having Cochoa Travel as my own business, but with a wide platform within Holiday Franchise Team that I can access for support and networking and building relationships with likeminded others means I can run it the way I want it to. Be my own boss and navigate my own journey which is the best feeling in the world. 🌍
I feel empowered every day and feel a very positive role model especially to my daughters. Having complete ownership of my business, means building a successful career, whilst raising my girls and spending precious time with my family guilt free.
Not missing anything – being the cheerleader at sports day and being on the sidelines at their competitions and Saturday morning riding lesson along with creating the most incredible adventures for my customers and my family along with learning something new every day is like winning the lottery
I want to empower my daughters to be whatever they want to be and it’s showing other women that they can have a career whilst raising a family and striking that balance
The sky really is the limit for women entrepreneurs in the franchise world and I really would encourage others to do it
– Suzie, Cochoa Travel
Why is franchising perfect for women? Well, of course I can’t answer for ALL women, but I can answer for me! As a single Mum, juggling work and childcare has always been difficult, so being my own boss and working from home in an industry that I love has given me the flexibility I needed to get the right balance. I love the fact I can travel the globe from my kitchen by working on various quotes for my clients, do the school run, walk the dog and still do a day’s work! If you’re looking for that perfect mix of working and home life, becoming a franchisee is the perfect solution. Having a support team and fellow franchisees also means that you have a network when you need it.Working on your own terms is an absolute bonus. Go for it!
– Andrea, Colubris Travel
Franchising just fits us.
We get to step into a business that already has a solid foundation, so we can focus on growing it with our own vision and strengths
There’s a real sense of confidence in knowing we’re not doing it alone — there’s a whole support system behind us
And the flexibility? That’s a game-changer!
We can build something meaningful without sacrificing everything else that matters to us.
– Ana & Carole, Eldorado Escapes
Franchising gave me the tools and support I needed to succeed because I knew I couldn’t do it all on my own. It’s allowed me to build a network of inspiring women — including two incredible agents who are both busy mums managing family life and other businesses. I started this new venture from a passion for travel and a genuine love of building friendships. I know firsthand how hard it can be to make new friends as an adult, especially after moving several times before settling down. Girl Boss Travel was created to change that – to build a community where women can join in the fun without pressure, feel seen, and be truly accepted. Motherhood shouldn’t hold you back from chasing your goals, and I want to show other women that with flexibility, passion, and the right support, you really can do it all.
– Emily, Girl Boss Travel
I think franchising is perfect for me as a woman entrepreneur ..
The built in support, technology and booking tools has made it easy for me to launch my business. This also takes the pressure off when I’m balancing work and home life responsibilities.
The flexible work option was the reason I could go ahead with this. I can work from anywhere and with a schedule I can control. At the end of the day I will always be a mum first.
The scalable business model also means that I could start solo but am now building a team. I love that Make Holiday Memories is expanding and allowing other women to grow with me at our own pace and in a way that fits with our goals
– Siân, Make Holiday Memories
Franchising in the travel industry is perfect for women entrepreneurs because it combines flexibility with a proven business model. It allows women to run their own business, often from home, while benefiting from established brand credibility, support, training, and supplier relationships. With good systems, easy and cost effective payment methods and growing demand for personalised travel experiences, it’s an ideal way for women to turn their passion for travel into a profitable and empowering career.
– Kate & Sarah, Mirador Escapes
Franchising has given me the freedom to build a business that’s truly my own, while still having the reassurance of a trusted support network behind me. It’s allowed me to take my love of travel and turn it into something meaningful, creating tailor-made experiences for my clients, in a way that reflects my own values and personality. For women in business, that blend of independence, flexibility, and community is incredibly empowering.
– Natalie. Sandalwood Escapes
There is no better feeling than running your own business. You work for yourself, not someone else, and you have the freedom and flexibility to manage your time in a way that works for you and your family. I love that I no longer feel guilty about missing a class assembly or a school sports day; I am in control of my own time. If you can combine this freedom and independence with the support of a dedicated and talented franchisor, then this really is a winning combination.
– Helen, Wine Travel Experts
For me, franchising offers the best of both worlds: the independence to build a business around my own strengths and values, with the reassurance of a proven framework behind me. As a woman running a travel agency, it’s given me the freedom to create a brand that reflects who I am and what I care about, while having the support and community that makes growth feel achievable, not overwhelming.
– Bridget, World Class Adventures
If you’ve got the feeling inside that you’d like to build a future for yourself with your own travel agency, remember buying into franchise model doesn’t guarantee success.
Investing in a franchise (a proven one anyway) gives you a great start, but success will only follow if you put the work in.
If you know you’re a hard worker, and you’d like to discuss the idea of starting your own travel agency, start by watching our Pathway to Partnership’ video series to understand everything The Holiday Franchise Company has to offer, as well as what you’ll need to bring.
