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How one young mum is juicing her way to business success

Sarah Stowe

Inside Franchise Business: Jenna Elkordi owns two Top Juice storesFrom juice lover to employee and now owner, mother of two Jenna Elkordi, explains how she juggles ownership of not just one, but two Top Juice stores in Westfield Miranda, NSW.   

Elkordi is no newcomer to the Top Juice family: she worked for the company as an employee for over two years and in the process gained insights into what ownership of a Top Juice store might be like.

“I loved the company from the beginning” she explains. “The support you get from head office makes everything possible. Top Juice supports their team and allows me to balance my family life while owning my own business.”  

After opening the first Top Juice store, the expansion of the Miranda Westfield’s centre gave her the opportunity to expand her entrepreneurial portfolio and invest in the second store.  

“With the first store being successful and profitable, I thought what better time to take my career to the next level as a franchisee.”

In terms of the challenges Elkordi admits motivating the teams is an ongoing learning curve, however she manages to operate the stores as one – with the help of a full-time manager.

“For me, it’s seamless to run two stores. I’m able to alternate staff, lead both teams and physically run between both stores daily.”

She cites the support from head office as one of the benefits of being a franchisee.

“I don’t need to be running around sourcing my own stock,” she says, “the warehouse does a daily delivery of stock so the staff can start setting up early.”

Team effort

“I’d say the most important thing for me would be getting the right staff and having them trained up correctly so the pressure isn’t all on me to be at the shops at all times.”

Elkordi works about 30-35 hours each week, often more in summer, the busier time of year.

“I have a strong team of staff which set up the shops and close at end of day. I’m usually working from 9-3, school hours, so I can drop and pick up kids from school.

“Having my own business works well for me with two children aged six and seven. I can work hours that fit in with the family schedule.”

Elkordi would encourage anyone who’s ever thought about franchisee ownership to give it a go.

“I’m a mum of two and I’ve made it work for my lifestyle. If I can do it, anyone can.”