Franchising has become a key avenue for women of all backgrounds to pursue their business goals with the support of proven systems and strong networks. This combination allows them to create meaningful impacts in their communities while achieving personal and professional growth.
As we celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, 1851 Franchise spoke to three awesome women in franchising to learn more about their stories.
LynnAnn Zazzali transitioned from a successful career in public education to becoming a franchisee with The Learning Experience (TLE). After years as a dedicated public school teacher, Zazzali found herself at a crossroads when her growing family needed quality child care options. Frustrated by her experiences touring local centers, she sought a different path and, with encouragement from her family, explored franchising opportunities. She chose The Learning Experience after meeting with the corporate team in New Jersey, where she connected with their mission and found alignment with her passion for literacy and education. Since then, Zazzali has successfully built nine TLE locations.
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
LynnAnn Zazzali: Before I got into franchising with The Learning Experience, I was a public school teacher. I started my teaching career at Clifton High School, where I taught high school English. I earned my first master's in reading and became a reading specialist in Englewood, [New Jersey], working at a middle school. While pursuing my second master's in Educational Leadership, I worked in an elementary school as a reading specialist.
During my time in Englewood, I got pregnant with my first son. Then, while working at the elementary school in Pequannock, New Jersey, I got pregnant with my daughter. I noticed that my son needed to be around other children for socialization. I had someone who came to help while I was at work as a teacher, but as we started looking at child care centers, I found it very difficult. Every time I went on a tour, I would end up in tears, literally crying, thinking, “How am I going to leave my children with strangers I don't know?”
I talked to my parents and my husband, and my dad suggested, “Why don’t you open up your own child care center? You’re getting your master's in Educational Leadership to be a principal, but instead of going that route, why not do this?” At first, I thought he was insane — I loved teaching so much. I won Teacher of the Year in Pequannock and it meant so much to me. I looked forward to going to work every day. But the idea stuck in my mind, and I started thinking about it more seriously.
Initially, I thought I could open my own center without franchising, but I realized that the real estate piece would probably be the hardest part because of all the requirements. So, I started looking into different franchises and came across The Learning Experience. Their headquarters were in New Jersey, so it was easy for me to visit and meet with them in person. There was also a location in my town and, at the time, The Learning Experience was relatively new — this was back in 2006. I loved the people there and the fact that they had a reading component, which was especially important to me given my background.
After meeting with them, I thought, “Maybe I can do this.” I signed the papers in 2006, but it wasn’t until 2008 that a location became available in Waldwick, New Jersey. I was initially apprehensive because this facility was larger than usual — 15,000 square feet instead of the typical 10,000. And the other challenge was that it was ready to open in just 30 days, while I still had a 60-day contract in my teaching job. So for a month, I was working both jobs with a lot of sleepless nights, which was challenging because I had never owned a business before.
It was a big change going from being a public school teacher to being a business owner. I was used to being with children and interacting with parents, but suddenly, I had my own business to run. I quickly realized that I would also have to handle sales and marketing. Luckily, The Learning Experience has an amazing system and I learned that if I followed their system, I could make it work. And that’s what franchising is all about — having a tried-and-true system to follow.
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?
Zazzali: In the beginning, I had a different perception of franchising. I used to think it might be very cold and cookie-cutter, like a one-size-fits-all approach. But that perception has changed drastically over time. I only have experience with The Learning Experience, so I’m a bit biased, but they’re very progressive and things are constantly evolving. It’s not cookie-cutter or cold at all; it’s warm and friendly.
When I started, the company was much smaller, but now there are hundreds of centers across the country and even in the UK. Despite that growth, it still feels like a small company because the CEO is genuinely invested in his franchisees and treats it like a partnership — almost like a family. He’s accessible, whether it’s through a phone call, an email, a Zoom or a Teams meeting.
While there are systems in place, I still have the freedom to put as much love and care into my business as I want. I can share my vision with my teams and the individual schools I own and operate, which is really important to me.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Zazzali: I chose The Learning Experience specifically because I had the opportunity to meet the owners and the entire corporate team at their headquarters. Meeting them in person was the deciding factor for me because I could see firsthand that they genuinely believed in me and were committed to supporting me as I grew and worked towards success. Their dedication and the personal connection made all the difference in my decision.
1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?
Zazzali: Being a part of The Learning Experience isn’t just about the business aspect for me; it's also about personal growth. Owning your own business really pushes you to grow, and I quickly learned how important relationships and connecting with people are. I genuinely believe that applies to any business. There's a saying that people will forget what you did or said, but they'll never forget how you made them feel, and that’s been a key theme throughout my journey with each location I own.
After a 25-year career in corporate IT, Susan Delaney sought more purpose in her life and decided to start her own business. While exploring various franchise opportunities, she felt drawn to the mission of Seniors Helping Seniors®, an in-home senior care franchise. Inspired by her grandmother’s experience with Alzheimer's and the lack of in-home care options at the time, Delaney aims to provide meaningful support to other families.
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Susan Delaney: After spending 25 years in the corporate IT world, I realized that the part I loved most was bringing people together, uniting them behind common goals and creating a supportive environment where they could succeed. I wanted to do that but align it with a desire to make a direct impact on people’s lives so I decided to start my own business to bring these two passions together.
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?
Delaney: I knew franchising was the way to go because I was entering a completely new field and needed the support and community that franchising offers. I explored a variety of franchises, from yoga studios to drain cleaning businesses, but senior care kept coming back to me. After speaking to various brands in the home care space, Seniors Helping Seniors® really stood out.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Delaney: Everything about the brand stood out — their mission, what they do and the way everyone is committed to the mission. The idea of helping seniors stay independent in their homes by leveraging an untapped senior workforce was a win-win story for me. It also resonated deeply because of my grandmother. She was very active in the community and my hero growing up, but when she developed Alzheimer's, the only option at the time was to place her in a nursing home. I believe in-home care would have allowed her to stay with us longer, and that’s something I want to provide for other families.
1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?
Delaney: One of the things that drew me to this business is that I love hearing people’s stories, and I get to do that every day now. Seniors, whether they are caregivers or clients, have the best stories, and they love to share them.
After her overseas deployment in 2022, Navy veteran Alda Bryant decided to pursue a better work-life balance to spend more time with her two young children. This led her to franchise ownership with Pigtails & Crewcuts in Clarksville, Tennessee. Bryant plans to serve the local military community, aiming to create a welcoming space for families. Her military background, dedication to family, and commitment to community service are key to her efforts
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Alda Bryant: I’m a supply officer in the Navy, and I also work for the Department of Energy. In 2022, I was reactivated and sent to Djibouti for almost a year and a half. When I got back, I wanted a better work-life balance to spend more time with my kids, who are six and eight. That’s really what started it — finding a new direction that would let me have those moments with my family.
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?
Bryant: I’ve always wanted to own my own business. I like being able to control my own destiny and create something. I considered going back into the commercial or private sector, but I wanted a job with flexibility. I used to run a veterans program and could make my own schedule, so I wanted something that would allow me to be there for my kids’ events.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Bryant: I stumbled upon Pigtails & Crewcuts, and it struck a chord with me. I knew from personal experience how hard it is for moms to find a place to get their kids haircuts. The concept filled a void in our community, and it just felt right. That’s big for me — things need to feel right.
1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?
Bryant: This is something I’m building with my children. It’s not just for me, but for my family. They’ve been part of the whole process, visiting the salon under construction and getting excited. My daughter wants to sweep floors and learn to cut hair, and my son wants to help promote the business. It’s a family business and, one day, I’d love for them to take over.
Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
Seniors Helping Seniors®
SPONSORED
In honor of this special celebration of female entrepreneurs, 1851 Franchise spoke to franchisees from The Learning Experience, Seniors Helping Seniors and Pigtails & Crewcuts.
Franchising has become a key avenue for women of all backgrounds to pursue their business goals with the support of proven systems and strong networks. This combination allows them to create meaningful impacts in their communities while achieving personal and professional growth.
As we celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, 1851 Franchise spoke to three awesome women in franchising to learn more about their stories.
LynnAnn Zazzali transitioned from a successful career in public education to becoming a franchisee with The Learning Experience (TLE). After years as a dedicated public school teacher, Zazzali found herself at a crossroads when her growing family needed quality child care options. Frustrated by her experiences touring local centers, she sought a different path and, with encouragement from her family, explored franchising opportunities. She chose The Learning Experience after meeting with the corporate team in New Jersey, where she connected with their mission and found alignment with her passion for literacy and education. Since then, Zazzali has successfully built nine TLE locations.
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
LynnAnn Zazzali: Before I got into franchising with The Learning Experience, I was a public school teacher. I started my teaching career at Clifton High School, where I taught high school English. I earned my first master's in reading and became a reading specialist in Englewood, [New Jersey], working at a middle school. While pursuing my second master's in Educational Leadership, I worked in an elementary school as a reading specialist.
During my time in Englewood, I got pregnant with my first son. Then, while working at the elementary school in Pequannock, New Jersey, I got pregnant with my daughter. I noticed that my son needed to be around other children for socialization. I had someone who came to help while I was at work as a teacher, but as we started looking at child care centers, I found it very difficult. Every time I went on a tour, I would end up in tears, literally crying, thinking, “How am I going to leave my children with strangers I don't know?”
I talked to my parents and my husband, and my dad suggested, “Why don’t you open up your own child care center? You’re getting your master's in Educational Leadership to be a principal, but instead of going that route, why not do this?” At first, I thought he was insane — I loved teaching so much. I won Teacher of the Year in Pequannock and it meant so much to me. I looked forward to going to work every day. But the idea stuck in my mind, and I started thinking about it more seriously.
Initially, I thought I could open my own center without franchising, but I realized that the real estate piece would probably be the hardest part because of all the requirements. So, I started looking into different franchises and came across The Learning Experience. Their headquarters were in New Jersey, so it was easy for me to visit and meet with them in person. There was also a location in my town and, at the time, The Learning Experience was relatively new — this was back in 2006. I loved the people there and the fact that they had a reading component, which was especially important to me given my background.
After meeting with them, I thought, “Maybe I can do this.” I signed the papers in 2006, but it wasn’t until 2008 that a location became available in Waldwick, New Jersey. I was initially apprehensive because this facility was larger than usual — 15,000 square feet instead of the typical 10,000. And the other challenge was that it was ready to open in just 30 days, while I still had a 60-day contract in my teaching job. So for a month, I was working both jobs with a lot of sleepless nights, which was challenging because I had never owned a business before.
It was a big change going from being a public school teacher to being a business owner. I was used to being with children and interacting with parents, but suddenly, I had my own business to run. I quickly realized that I would also have to handle sales and marketing. Luckily, The Learning Experience has an amazing system and I learned that if I followed their system, I could make it work. And that’s what franchising is all about — having a tried-and-true system to follow.
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?
Zazzali: In the beginning, I had a different perception of franchising. I used to think it might be very cold and cookie-cutter, like a one-size-fits-all approach. But that perception has changed drastically over time. I only have experience with The Learning Experience, so I’m a bit biased, but they’re very progressive and things are constantly evolving. It’s not cookie-cutter or cold at all; it’s warm and friendly.
When I started, the company was much smaller, but now there are hundreds of centers across the country and even in the UK. Despite that growth, it still feels like a small company because the CEO is genuinely invested in his franchisees and treats it like a partnership — almost like a family. He’s accessible, whether it’s through a phone call, an email, a Zoom or a Teams meeting.
While there are systems in place, I still have the freedom to put as much love and care into my business as I want. I can share my vision with my teams and the individual schools I own and operate, which is really important to me.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Zazzali: I chose The Learning Experience specifically because I had the opportunity to meet the owners and the entire corporate team at their headquarters. Meeting them in person was the deciding factor for me because I could see firsthand that they genuinely believed in me and were committed to supporting me as I grew and worked towards success. Their dedication and the personal connection made all the difference in my decision.
1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?
Zazzali: Being a part of The Learning Experience isn’t just about the business aspect for me; it's also about personal growth. Owning your own business really pushes you to grow, and I quickly learned how important relationships and connecting with people are. I genuinely believe that applies to any business. There's a saying that people will forget what you did or said, but they'll never forget how you made them feel, and that’s been a key theme throughout my journey with each location I own.
After a 25-year career in corporate IT, Susan Delaney sought more purpose in her life and decided to start her own business. While exploring various franchise opportunities, she felt drawn to the mission of Seniors Helping Seniors®, an in-home senior care franchise. Inspired by her grandmother’s experience with Alzheimer's and the lack of in-home care options at the time, Delaney aims to provide meaningful support to other families.
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Susan Delaney: After spending 25 years in the corporate IT world, I realized that the part I loved most was bringing people together, uniting them behind common goals and creating a supportive environment where they could succeed. I wanted to do that but align it with a desire to make a direct impact on people’s lives so I decided to start my own business to bring these two passions together.
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?
Delaney: I knew franchising was the way to go because I was entering a completely new field and needed the support and community that franchising offers. I explored a variety of franchises, from yoga studios to drain cleaning businesses, but senior care kept coming back to me. After speaking to various brands in the home care space, Seniors Helping Seniors® really stood out.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Delaney: Everything about the brand stood out — their mission, what they do and the way everyone is committed to the mission. The idea of helping seniors stay independent in their homes by leveraging an untapped senior workforce was a win-win story for me. It also resonated deeply because of my grandmother. She was very active in the community and my hero growing up, but when she developed Alzheimer's, the only option at the time was to place her in a nursing home. I believe in-home care would have allowed her to stay with us longer, and that’s something I want to provide for other families.
1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?
Delaney: One of the things that drew me to this business is that I love hearing people’s stories, and I get to do that every day now. Seniors, whether they are caregivers or clients, have the best stories, and they love to share them.
After her overseas deployment in 2022, Navy veteran Alda Bryant decided to pursue a better work-life balance to spend more time with her two young children. This led her to franchise ownership with Pigtails & Crewcuts in Clarksville, Tennessee. Bryant plans to serve the local military community, aiming to create a welcoming space for families. Her military background, dedication to family, and commitment to community service are key to her efforts
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Alda Bryant: I’m a supply officer in the Navy, and I also work for the Department of Energy. In 2022, I was reactivated and sent to Djibouti for almost a year and a half. When I got back, I wanted a better work-life balance to spend more time with my kids, who are six and eight. That’s really what started it — finding a new direction that would let me have those moments with my family.
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?
Bryant: I’ve always wanted to own my own business. I like being able to control my own destiny and create something. I considered going back into the commercial or private sector, but I wanted a job with flexibility. I used to run a veterans program and could make my own schedule, so I wanted something that would allow me to be there for my kids’ events.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Bryant: I stumbled upon Pigtails & Crewcuts, and it struck a chord with me. I knew from personal experience how hard it is for moms to find a place to get their kids haircuts. The concept filled a void in our community, and it just felt right. That’s big for me — things need to feel right.
1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?
Bryant: This is something I’m building with my children. It’s not just for me, but for my family. They’ve been part of the whole process, visiting the salon under construction and getting excited. My daughter wants to sweep floors and learn to cut hair, and my son wants to help promote the business. It’s a family business and, one day, I’d love for them to take over.
Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
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