Hollie was ready for a change of career from finance and moved into teaching which she enjoyed. However, after eleven years, Hollie was looking to achieve her goal of running her own positive business, making a difference and gaining more satisfaction from her work.
Hollie now runs award-winning classes, clubs, parties and events in Market Harborough and the LE16 area, including Foxton and Lubenham and also nearby Kibworth and Lutterworth.
Not only has Hollie taken the steps to invest in her own Creation Station franchise. Hollie has also gone on to win the prestigious ‘Mega-Marketing’ award.
We ask Hollie the following questions to understand how she decided to run her own business and how it feels to be achieving the goals she set out for herself.
What is your background?
I have been teaching Psychology and Science in Secondary Education for the last 11 years, both in the UK and internationally. I have always enjoyed being in front of a class and working with a variety of people. Before teaching, I worked in finance but found I could not sit still long enough! I definitely enjoy having an active job and working with children.
Why did you want to work for yourself?
To be able to spend more quality time with my children and to be able to offer a different service to my local community. I crave the sense of achievement that comes from working for yourself and seeing your own business grow and flourish.
My husband Greg has been very supportive and has taken a lot of interest in my new venture. Megan (aged 6) is very excited as she loves anything creative, while Artie (age 3) is mostly happy that I will be able to take him to school every day.
Hollie and her family
Why did you decide to buy a franchised business?
For the support of other franchisees and guidance on how to run a business, which The Creation Station has been fantastic for.
What attracted you to The Creation Station?
The excellent track record, awards and supportive atmosphere. Everyone I have spoken to has been so invested in and enthusiastic about The Creation Station.
How did you finance your business?
With savings and the help of family.
Hollie enjoying time with her two young children.
What were the barriers you had to overcome before you made the decision to invest?
I thought teaching was my career for life, so it has been difficult to leave and to say goodbye to my colleagues and students. We had a lot of family discussions about how running a franchise will mean a tighter budget but that the extra time I will get to spend with the children will make it all worth it.
My school term times did not tie in with our children so this way I will get to spend more time with them, and I will get to do the school pick up and drop off. I know running my own business will be hard work and I also know there is a lot of support available to help me with all aspects of running my business – which is really important to me.
What were your feelings when you attended the online Discovery Event?
There was such positive energy from the team. Ruth and Emma ran the event online and were both very passionate about The Creation Station. It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm. They were excellent at answering any questions and helped me understand what was involved.
What did you think about the training and what do you think about the support?
There is a lot to do on the training, especially when I am still working but it is very comprehensive and it has been a great way to get started with The Creation Station. The support has been fantastic! If I have any questions they are answered quickly and in a friendly way.
Hollie Rees runs her own Creation Station in Market Harborough and the LE16 area, including Foxton and Lubenham
Can you share a specific story about why you think creativity is important?
Creativity is about thinking outside of the box, being imaginative and following your own path. I feel a lot of creativity is being taken out of the school curriculum, which is a shame. I love nothing more than getting out the craft box with my own children and seeing what we can make. We have had a robot made from recycling on top of our fridge for a year now! My biggest inspiration for starting a Creation Station in the area is my daughter, Megan. She is the most creative person I know and is always making something wonderful. It’s so important that children have access to creative activities as it develops so many skills for life.
What do you love about running your own Creation Station?
I love bringing something creative and exciting to my local area. The activities are accessible for all generations and abilities so everyone can get involved and have some fun.
It will also be great to have the chance to take our lovely dog Lola for a walk every day! Being able to have control of how I spend my working hours and family time is priceless to me. I really value the flexibility and positive impact I gain with my own Creation Station. I’m proud and pleased I made the decision to run my own rewarding business and thrilled to have been recognised for the work I am doing in my local community.
As you can see, Hollie is an amazing and inspirational person who is passionate about offering a range of creative opportunities to children and their families.
We know that Hollie will continue to inspire many families within her local area.
Contact Hollie for details of local classes, parties, clubs and classes.
Contact Hollie for classes, clubs and parties in Market Harborough and surrounding areas
If we don’t have a Creation Station in your area, find out about running your own flexible fun and rewarding creative business with full training and ongoing support.
Find Out More About Running Your Own Creation Station Franchise
