Working mum supports other women working from home.
Working mum supports other women working from home and gains finalist place in the Encouraging Women into franchising award.
Mum of three and founder of The Creation Station, the UKs 1st and most successful children’s arts and crafts activity franchise, is short listed for national award for supporting women with a work life balance franchise opportunity
For many mums who are looking to return to work and who want a flexible career around the family, the choices can be very limited. There is the option of starting a business from scratch, but the risk involved is relatively high; with many small business start-up enterprises never getting off the ground. Mum to three, Sarah Cressall successfully created her own children’s arts and crafts business that did provide the work from home option and the flexibility to be family focussed with her business. Now, 10 years on. The empathy and understanding that Sarah Cressall has for mums struggling with this challenge has earned her a place in the final of the Encouraging Women into Franchising Award.
“I know for most mums having time with your own children are one of the most important things in the world. I know it is for me and with the support of my husband, I was committed to about ensuring that I was there for them.” states Cressall “Now, I am passionate about supporting other mums who want to have the opportunity to have as much fun and time with their own kids as I have with mine. Running a franchise isn’t for everyone, but when it matches the needs and values of the individual, with the right support in place, then it really is an exciting opportunity that is worth finding out more. So, for me, it’s wonderful to gain a place in the final for EWIF award”
Cathy Houston, who inspires imaginations in Preston smiled and said “I still can’t quite believe this is now my actual Job. Having had an office job before, this is just brilliant, my classes are filling and I absolutely love it”
“I believe one of the reasons for our continuing success is that The Creation Station was designed specially by a mum for a mum. The Creation Station inspires childrens imaginations and our values and activities are delivered predominantly by local female franchise owners, who share our passion and drive to inspire children’s imaginations too.” Sarah Cressall added “What works really well, is that our franchisees can take their own children to the classes and achieve a great work life balance. Plus the business hours can fit in with school runs, holidays and the all-important sports days, whilst still being able to invite friends to come and play after school.”
Many of the women who run their own Creation Station franchise had never run their own business and often have not heard of a flexible franchise before. The Creation Station Head Office team provides comprehensive training, support and confidence to help women run their own successful Creation Station business, including hand holding and all the session plans and materials".
As part of Sarah Cressall’s commitment to supporting women, The Creation Station provides the Childrens Activity Centre at the National Franchise Exhibitions, and is at Olympia Fri 16th and Saturday 17th March 2012 to encourage families to come along and find out more about franchising. The Creation Station is also sponsoring the Working Mums live Exhibition at The Business Design Centre in Islington on Tuesday 27th March.
To support the core passion of inspiring children imaginations, a new store of ideas activities and products was recently launched to share knowledge and tips www.thecreationstationstore.co.uk
For details of tickets and to discover more contact Nicki Lee on nicki@thecreationstation.co.uk or call 0844 854 9100 or visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk
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Notes for editor
Sarah Cressall is listed in the top 100 Mumpreneurs, won the ‘Best Interactive Business Award’ 2011, the Crème de la Crème business award 2012, Finalist in The Extraordinary Woman of the Year 2011 award and Business woman of the year 200 in the Leicestershire awards.
The Creation Station inspires children’s imaginations and supports families with engaging art and crafts classes and parties for children aged 3 months to 11 years. A network of over 50 female franchise owners operate across the UK.
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