Brazilian-born Cafe2U franchisee Helen Black opted for franchising for the lifestyle benefits, and it is this very factor that has seen her stick with the brand for 13 years and counting.  

“What brought me to franchising and what has kept me here is how well the business matched my lifestyle,” she says.

“The flexible hours and the ability to choose when I wanted to work, I’m able to be my own boss and I get to interact with people from all walks of life.”

Helen enjoys the social aspect of her job, and explains she has formed some great friendships during her time as a franchisee. “I met my best friend through my franchise.

“It is part of the job, you have your regulars and over time, they become friends. I love being out and about and talking to new people every day,” she adds.

She loves the mobile nature of the business – it means her view is constantly changing. “Often I’ll go to the beach and serve up coffee. It’s great because my workplace is wherever I choose for it to be.”

Before she joined the world of franchising Helen, who services Sydney’s northern beaches region, worked in advertising.  

“I was an advertising producer for Saatchi & Saatchi. I’ve also worked for Toyota, Johnson & Johnson and Havianas.

“My hometown is Mato Grosso [in Brazil], but I can hardly complain about living in Australia. It’s wonderful.”

Franchising even allows Helen to fit in volunteer work at the Avalon Surf Lifesavers Club, where her daughter is a Nipper.

“For me, it’s all about the lifestyle that franchising provides. I love it,” she says.