Returning to the workforce or studying can be a daunting thought for many parents, but for mother of four turned Ella Baché franchisee, Karla Pritchard, it was an opportunity to follow her passion.
With the support of her family and friends, the budding beauty therapist made the move from student at Ella Baché college to franchise owner of Ella Baché Coorparoo.
Karla had previously studied before leaving to pursue sales roles and have children. A brief foray back into the health and beauty industry reignited her passion, prompting the busy mum to make a meaningful change.
“A couple of years ago, I came back into the industry working for companies like Lancôme and Chanel and realised my passion for the beauty service side of things was re-ignited,” Karla said.
“The decision of starting a business with a much-loved company that I have known and trusted for a long time came quickly.”
Pritchard believes that having not only the support of her family but also of the wider Ella Baché community has helped her transition greatly.
“So many people know and trust the Ella Baché name and products, and building a strong client base quickly was definitely an advantage,” Karla said.
“From a business point of view, it is very comforting to know that I am able to talk to another salon owner within the network, or a member of the Ella Baché head office team/support..”
Karla’s story is hardly unique for the heritage Australian brand. Ella Baché is the largest premium salon network in Australia with over 120 salons nation-wide.
An emphasis on providing career progression has featured heavily since the brand’s inception, with Ella Baché committed to creating a pathway for all passionate entrepreneurs.
It’s an ethos that Karla expects to continue, particularly as demand for high quality skin-care and beauty treatments increases.
“The beauty service industry is an industry that will continue to grow, so to have the skills and passion for it is something that you will have forever,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter if you choose to work in a salon, have a home salon or open your own salon, if you have that passion, the sky is the limit. There are not too many careers that can give you that,” Karla said.
The Brisbane franchisee believes that her experience not just as a beauty therapist but also as a mother has provided her a specific set of skills that are helping her to bolster business.
“There are a lot of mums working in salons and I think it gives us a certain empathy and skill to deal with our clients and give them the up most in service and care while allowing us to work in a place that can offer real work, life balance,” she said.
If like Karla, you are passionate about the health and beauty industry, Ella Baché is passionate about making your entrepreneurial dreams come true. Visit franchisebusiness.com.au/brands/ella-bache/ and enquire with the Australian heritage brand.