1851

As a mother and former employee of the U.S. Department of Education, Sara Qadir Yang understands the importance of a strong support system throughout a child’s K–12 experience. However, after the pandemic, she struggled to find inclusive tutoring for her own children and quickly found a substantial amount of her days committed to chauffeuring the girls from place to place as she worked to piece together well-rounded academic support.She knew it would be much easier to have all of the resources available under one roof. When her own mother asked about a Sylvan center in the community, she realized that this was just what was missing and began to pursue ownership with the franchise.1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Qadir Yang:&nbsp;I worked for the U.S. Department of Education for about a decade. I was in the Office of Postsecondary Education, and we did a lot of grants and funding for underdeveloped colleges to build and strengthen their institutions. One of the things I realized throughout my time there was just how important the K–12 years are for aspiring college students, and a lot of these communities where these colleges were pulling students from may not have had the most rigorous or supportive K–12 programs.I got married in 2011. When I had my daughter the following year, I made the decision to resign from that position in order to devote more time to her. I became a full-time mom and had my second daughter a few years later, and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.&nbsp;Now the girls are both school-aged, and I saw firsthand, especially after the pandemic, how many children have an academic gap. I’ve always had a tutor for academic support - even prior to the pandemic but no matter how many places I went, we still weren’t getting exactly what we really needed. I was spending so much time juggling academic support, not to mention their other extracurriculars. I found myself talking to my mom about how difficult this was, and she said, “Don’t you have a Sylvan?” We didn’t! The nearest one was at least an hour and a half away. That got me thinking about the model and how there really isn’t anything comparable to what Sylvan provides.&nbsp;I never saw myself as a franchisee, but I realized our community could really benefit from a Sylvan, and the rest is history.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Qadir Yang:&nbsp;I didn’t really have any perceptions. I had always wanted to have my own business, preferably something that would help children and the community.&nbsp;What I want people to know is that it&nbsp;is possible. You can do it, and the support from the franchisor plays a crucial role in making it attainable.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Qadir Yang:&nbsp;I chose Sylvan because of what they provide. It’s everything you need, A–Z, under one roof. That’s hard to find.&nbsp;The more I learned about the brand, I saw them as tech-advanced, really catering to the needs of the students. My undergraduate degree is in computer science, so it’s exciting for everything to be so efficient. All of the children are using iPads in comparison to other concepts, where they are still using paper, pencil and a timer. I like that Sylvan is up-to-date and is catering to what we need. The model is advanced enough to provide that.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Qadir Yang:&nbsp;I hope to contribute to the community by providing access to these academic support services. My hope is to have not just two centers but hopefully more in the area so we can have that outreach for every community. There’s nothing comparable in our area, and there’s so much need. I hold a masters degree in Higher Education Administration and also in Clinical Nutrition. Thus, education and science have always been my passion. I hope to bring more STEM options to the area, as well as a variety academic support options - not just to Roseville and Folsom but in the surrounding areas as well.1851:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Qadir Yang:&nbsp;What makes me unique is my experience as a mother. That has allowed me to really understand what the students are going through and where the need is.We have tried many times to sit down with our kids and help them with schoolwork. We certainly have enough know-how for a second and fifth grader, but at the end of the day, most kids do better in a different environment than home. They need to be in an environment that allows them to really focus and provides a sense of excitement.Between my personal experience as a mom, educational background and work experience, I feel like I understand the issue from all sides. It just felt like the right fit for me.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Qadir Yang:&nbsp;They should explore what being a franchisee is really about. With Sylvan, it feels more like a family than just a business or franchisor-franchisee relationship. They’re very welcoming.&nbsp;You have to find the right fit for you. Find something that inspires and motivates you, and you’ll start to feel like you’re part of that family or team. That’s what makes it the right franchise for you.ABOUT SYLVAN LEARNING:With more than 40 years of experience and more than 710 points of presence, Sylvan Learning* is the leading provider of personal learning for students in grades K-12. Sylvan is transforming how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and in life. Sylvan’s proven tutoring approach blends amazing teachers with SylvanSync™ technology on the iPad® for an engaging learning experience. Sylvan also leads the way with Sylvan EDGE — STEM and accelerated courses and Sylvan Prep — college and test prep courses. Sylvan supports families through every stage of the academic journey. Sylvan is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franchise Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRG). For more information, visit www.SylvanLearning.com.

Local Mother Signs to Bring Sylvan Learning to Roseville and Fulsom After Experiencing the Need Firsthand

1851 Franchise

Sara Qadir Yang realized her community was lacking resources as she worked to find academic support for her two daughters. Now, she has signed for two Sylvan locations with plans for additional growth.

local-mother-signs-to-bring-sylvan-learning-to-roseville-and-fulsom-after-experiencing-the-need-firsthand

The Growth Coach

Building a Business and a Life With The Growth Coach

building-a-business-and-a-life-with-the-growth-coach

Dillas Quesadillas

The Top 7 Reasons To Buy a Dillas Primo Quesadillas Franchise

the-top-7-reasons-to-buy-a-dillas-primo-quesadillas-franchise

KLA Schools

A Day in the Life of KLA Schools Franchisee Sital Patel

a-day-in-the-life-of-a-kla-schools-franchisee

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

image of keke's breakfast cafe franchise Jon Ahrendt and John Ehrhard

Jon Ahrendt and John Ehrhard To Share Insights on Franchise Growth and Work-Life Balance With Keke’s Breakfast Cafe in Upcoming Webinar

kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-ahrendt-ehrhard-webinar

Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press franchise owners Karen Fraielli and Valerie Chanoux with their 25-year Award.

Minuteman Press Franchisees Celebrate 25+ Years in Warwick, RI

minuteman-press-franchisees-celebrate-25-years-in-warwick-ri

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

How a Steady Economy Could Help Franchisors Plan Their Next Move

how-a-steady-economy-could-help-franchisors-plan-their-next-move

Bed Bath & Beyond - Franchise Expansion - Retail Strategy - 1851 Franchise

Bed Bath & Beyond Launches Franchise Model as Part of Comeback Strategy

bed-bath-beyond-franchise-expansion-retail-strategy

Senior Entrepreneurship - Franchising - 1851 Franchise

Senior Entrepreneurship Is Rising — And Franchising Is a Key Outlet

senior-entrepreneurship-franchising-silver-startups

U.S. Government Shutdown - Impact on Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Government Shutdown Stalls SBA Loans: How the Shutdown Could Impact Franchises

government-shutdown-impacts-sba-loans-tourism-franchises

Subway Franchisees Resist Expensive Remodel Directives

subway-franchisees-resist-expensive-remodel-directives

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Barb Volk and KidStrong logo

Why This Orangetheory Fitness Franchise Owner Is Developing KidStrong Franchises

kidstrong-franchise-owner-barb-volk-2025

1851 Franchisee Spotlight with photo of Mike Rippey and Sola Salons logo

How This Former Franchisor Is Using His Industry Experience To Help Beauty Pros Thrive With Sola Salons Franchise

mike-rippey-sola-salons-franchisee

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Robby, Miilie Adams & family, USA Ninja Challenge

Family-Owned and Community-Driven: Robby and Millie Adams Open USA Ninja Challenge Gym in Carrollton, Georgia

usa-ninja-challenge-robby-millie-adams-carrollton-franchise

photo-of-laynes-chicken-fingers-dalton-dennis-southern-oregon

23-Year-Old Entrepreneur Brings Soon to Be Famous Chicken™ to Southern Oregon With 3-Unit Layne’s Chicken Fingers Franchise Signing

laynes-chicken-fingers-dalton-dennis-southern-oregon

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

Top Early Childhood Education and Child Care Franchises for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Early Childhood Education and Child Care Franchises for 2025

early-childhood-education-child-care-franchises

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

Top Education Franchises To Consider for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Education Franchises To Consider Investing In for 2025

top-education-franchises-investment-opportunities

image of franchise deep dive from 1851 franchise on doody calls franchise authority brands

DoodyCalls Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

doodycalls-franchise-deep-dive

Local Mother Signs to Bring Sylvan Learning to Roseville and Fulsom After Experiencing the Need Firsthand

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS