How did you hear about Jigsaw Performing Arts?
Back in 2013, I worked as a teacher for several Jigsaw Schools back in 2013, after I saw an
ad in ‘The Stage’ newspaper. It was my first-time teaching and I absolutely loved the
company. They were so supportive, and I learnt so much from that job and it really helped
me to figure out my strengths and where I wanted to go in life. One of my colleagues ended
up going on to open several schools of her own and that’s when I reached back out to find
out more about franchising.
Jigsaw is such a down-to-earth company. My experience with them as a teacher was so
positive that I knew if I wanted my own school, they were the company to go with. They had
a good number of schools, but not too many that I would be forgotten about. I knew this was
going to be a challenge and I wanted to make sure I would be as supported as possible. I
also have always appreciated Jigsaw’s ethos as a company. They work to make every child
feel welcomed and special, and I loved that.
I originally trained in Musical Theatre and then acting at drama school. Growing up I was a
member of a dance school, the local amateur dramatics and the pantomime society, so I
have lots of performing arts experience. However, when I moved into the professional world
it didn’t bring me the same joy, and I found myself to be much more suited to sharing and
teaching.
Had you ever run your own business before?
I had worked as a self-employed teacher for several years but that wasn’t quite the same as
running a complete business. This felt brand new in so many ways.
When did you launch?
I launched January 18th 2020
Do you receive Training / Support at Jigsaw?
I have received a huge amount of both training and continued support from Jigsaw. The
original training was thorough and really helpful. But it is actually the continued regular
meetings and site visits that have been so essential to the growth of Jigsaw Oxford. I am
someone that loves to communicate and that has always been available to me and so
appreciated.
How does your business fit around your current lifestyle? What does a normal week
look like?
My business fits in with all the other self-employed work that I do during the week. I usually
spend a couple of mornings a week doing administrative work for my business. I also work
as a self-employed yoga teacher and teach in-person and online sessions during the
evenings. I even have other work as a tour guide which is very fun and helps to add to my
finances and support everything I do. It all fits neatly together. This summer I was able to
spend August abroad studying, which was amazing and I was so grateful for the flexibility
this work offers me.
What advice would you offer to anyone thinking about taking on a franchise?
I would say that if you want to be a business owner, but to have some support and be part of
something wonderful, then taking on a franchise is for you. It isn’t easy, but the work to build
something is really worth it. Some of the other yoga events I run are just me and that can be
really tough and lonely. Having a franchise support manager to run things by, gain inspiration
or even just offload a little to is brilliant.
