Whether you are looking to scale back and enjoy more time with family or aiming to grow after years of caregiving, franchising provides the perfect opportunity to build a business that aligns with your aspirations. At Stagecoach Performing Arts, we are proud to have many franchisees who have taken advantage of this flexibility, shaped their futures and balanced their careers with their personal lives.
Here, CEO Andy Knights speaks with Sarah Brindley, a Principal who has harnessed the power of franchising to create a fulfilling balance between her career and family life.
Sarah’s journey with Stagecoach began in 2017 when she took the reins at Stagecoach Bracknell. With her background in teaching and drama, she swiftly established herself as a successful business owner. However, after seven years of growth and achievement at Bracknell, Sarah reached a pivotal moment in her career.
“I loved my time at Bracknell, but the commute was becoming difficult,” said Sarah. “When Stagecoach Chiswick became available, I saw it as the perfect opportunity – not just because it was closer to home, but because it offered the chance to take on a bigger school and a new challenge.”
As a busy mum of four, Sarah is well-versed in juggling family life with running a business. “My husband and I are both self-employed, so the flexibility of running my own business means I can be there for my kids while building something I’m passionate about,” explained Sarah. “Now that my kids are older, I have the time to focus on growing a bigger school. It’s all about finding that balance – even if some days feel more chaotic than others!”
For Sarah, what makes Stagecoach’s flexible model so great is how it supports both her personal growth and career development. “It’s amazing to see our students’ confidence grow, but for me, it’s also about knowing that I’ve created a business that aligns with both my family life and my personal goals,” shared Sarah. “Stagecoach has given me the opportunity to merge my passion with practicality – helping me grow as both a businesswoman and a mum.”
Sarah credits the backing from Stagecoach Head Office and the wider network for helping her along the way. “I have some really good friends who are also Principals, and we work together, meeting up regularly for working days. It stops us from feeling isolated. When you’re on your own, thoughts can just go round and round in your head, but discussing things with others helps put them into perspective. It also helps us prioritise – deciding what’s important but not urgent, what can wait, and what needs attention now.”
“We remind each other to take breaks too – sometimes you have to tell yourself, ‘It’s half-term, take a day off, spend time with your kids.’ A good work-life balance is achievable if you manage yourself well.”
Looking ahead, Sarah’s plans for Stagecoach Chiswick are exciting. “It’s amazing to see that level of talent emerging from our school. I also want to increase Stagecoach Chiswick’s presence in the local community by running workshops in schools and making sure more families know we’re here. My goal is for Stagecoach Chiswick to be the go-to performing arts school in the area.”
Her advice to those thinking of launching a franchise with Stagecoach? “Just do it! Of course, you need to do your research – check your cash flow, understand the commitment – but Stagecoach is a supportive, friendly, and fun environment. It’s a business where you can earn money while doing something that makes you happy. It’s rewarding for both your pockets and your soul.”
For our COO, Lisa Stead, Sarah’s story reflects the importance of supporting women in franchising: “At Stagecoach, we are committed to providing opportunities for women to flourish, both as business owners and as part of a supportive community. The flexibility of franchising allows women like Sarah to not only succeed in business but to create the life they want for themselves and their families.”
Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder of what makes Stagecoach truly unique. It is not just about building a business – it is about becoming part of a community that is committed to your growth, both professionally and personally. We believe in offering a platform where franchisees like Sarah can create a meaningful career that aligns with their passions and values, proving that success does not have to come at the cost of what matters most.
