An Immigrant Achieves Entrepreneurial Dreams with FranNet in Hawaii

Originally from Eastern Europe, Anastassia Hale moved to Hawaii two decades ago and began her career with a variety of challenging jobs from which she drew valuable lessons. Her career path evolved through various roles in retail, sales and leadership at a Fortune 50 company, where she honed her skills and built a strong professional foundation. 

After experiencing layoffs and reflecting on her unfulfilled entrepreneurial aspirations, Hale decided to pursue her dream of owning a business. Her meticulous research and alignment with FranNet’s progressive, technology-driven culture led her to choose the franchise consulting firm, where she found the supportive environment and personal connection she was seeking. Now, she operates Hawaii’s first FranNet, turning her entrepreneurial aspirations into reality.

Hale took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what she had to say.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Anastassia Hale: Over 20 years ago, I made the bold move to Hawaii, motivated by a strong curiosity and a desire to pursue new experiences. My mom always recognized my adventurous spirit, so it wasn’t surprising when I enrolled in a student exchange program to see more of the world beyond my hometown. Upon arriving in the U.S., I juggled two jobs: one at an amusement park and the other as a motel housekeeper on the East Coast. The housekeeping job was especially challenging—it was physically demanding and, frankly, I wasn’t very good at it. After a couple of weeks, I was let go.

Being fired was a humbling experience, but it fueled my determination. As an immigrant, I faced unique challenges, but I learned early on that life is full of opportunities. I knew I needed to lean on my strengths to build the life I envisioned for myself and my family. My friend and I had always been drawn to Hawaii, and in 2000, we made the move. I’ve never left; Hawaii is now my home where my son was born and where my heart will always be.

While in college, I worked as a technical translator for a pharmaceutical company. Upon moving to the U.S., I started in retail and found it unexpectedly fulfilling. In that role, I took pride in building connections and uplifting others through my interactions.  My strong performance led to quick promotions and required me to learn leadership skills. I continued to build my career, eventually holding a leadership position at a Fortune 50 company. This experience was invaluable, enhancing my agility and leadership skills while providing deep insights into corporate dynamics and change management. The opportunity to cultivate these critical competencies in such a high-caliber environment has been truly transformative

After experiencing layoffs in the corporate world, I felt a deep yearning to pursue entrepreneurship. Although my husband, a small business owner himself, encouraged me to seek stability in traditional employment, I realized that this was my moment to take the leap. Like many, I had fears of failure, self-doubt, and the unknown; however, the fear of regretting not giving myself that opportunity was far greater.

1851: What made you choose this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Hale: As an analytical individual, I meticulously researched various options to find the right fit, and purchasing a franchise emerged as a top contender. However, like many, I initially lacked a clear approach to navigating this opportunity.

I discovered that FranNet is widely regarded as the “gold standard” in the franchising industry for its exceptional consulting services. While I had insightful conversations with other respected franchising companies, FranNet stood out due to its progressive, agile and technologically savvy culture. This was crucial for me, as I wanted to partner with an organization that had mastered technological systems and processes to drive success.

Meeting Jania [Bailey], the CEO, was a pivotal moment. Her warmth and familial affection immediately put me at ease. Her genuine and transparent approach was one of the key factors in my decision to choose FranNet. Despite her busy life as the company's CEO, she remains present and supportive, building a culture of trust and collaboration at FranNet.

1851: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Hale: Entrepreneurship requires careful planning and preparation. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Consider how your personal goals align with the demands of owning a business. What lifestyle changes are you willing to make to achieve success? Start by having a solid business plan and choosing the right timing that aligns with your personal circumstances. Family support is crucial, so be upfront about the support you’ll need from your loved ones, especially during the challenging first year.

There are many free resources available through local and national organizations to help guide you. Buying into a franchise can be an excellent entry point, as it offers valuable structure, support and the power of an established brand, reducing the risk compared to starting an independent business from scratch. Franchises have a higher success rate and are often favored by lenders, making them a viable option for transitioning out of traditional employment.

The franchise sector has shown impressive growth, exceeding projections despite economic uncertainty. With the right mindset, support system and guidance, entrepreneurship can be incredibly rewarding. If you’re considering taking the leap, I’d love to hear about your ambitions. Reach out to me on LinkedIn — I’m excited to help you find the perfect franchise fit and offer insights from my own journey. Sometimes, all it takes is that initial spark of courage to set you on the path to becoming your own boss.

ABOUT FRANNET:

FranNet is North America’s most respected leader in matching individuals with franchise ownership opportunities. Founded in 1987, FranNet has more than 70 experienced consultants across the United States, Canada and Germany. FranNet uses a proprietary profiling and consultative process to determine a business model unique to each client’s goals, skill sets and interests, and has matched thousands of prospective business owners to rewarding small business franchise opportunities. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, FranNet is the most experienced and trusted franchise consulting firm in the industry.