Mum of four Helen Howard-Mawer was fed up of spending hours in the office and having little time for her family. Although she really enjoyed her job as a bookkeeper, she had found herself putting in over 55 hours a week in the office and then would often have taken work home.
So, when the opportunity arose to buy a Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs franchise and become her own boss, it was too good a chance to miss.
Before taking the plunge, Helen had researched the franchise business thoroughly. She spent 12 months attending presentations and interviews and then undertaking training before finally launching her business in January 2001 at the age of 34. She was very impressed with the quality of the training and the helpful and supportive team at Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs. Rosemary herself was involved at all stages and acted as an inspiration for all new franchisees. Five years on, Helen runs 11 classes in and around York and is looking to expand further.
During those five years, in addition to running her franchise, Helen has enjoyed spending more quality time with her family - husband, Joe, and children, Isabel, 17, Charlotte, 15, Edward, 14 and Matthew, 2. They live in a super five-bedroomed house on the outskirts of York and recently added a major two-storey extension - work they felt confident enough to undertake only as a result of Helen’s success.
Helen’s daughters say they see far more of their mum than ever before and that she is much happier now she is in control of her life.
Helen says: "I am so pleased I made the change from being a salaried employee to running my own business. I have the flexibility to fit my work around my family life and after giving birth to Matthew in 2003 I was able to continue working."
Her advice to anyone looking to take up a Rosemary Conley franchise is: "If you have a supportive family, an interest in diet and fitness and want to be in control of your own life, then go for it. I love what I do."
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