Meet our fantastic team of franchise owners who took control of their careers.

Find out how mum of two, Cathy Huston, changed career and now runs her own fun children’s art & crafts franchise, The Creation Station in Preston.

Cathy, Why did you start looking to run your own business?

“Five years ago, I worked in financial services and want more flexibility around my family. I felt like work was controlling me, I wasn’t in control of my time and wasn’t bringing my children up. I also wanted to do something rewarding and fun!”

You’ve been running your Creation Station for 5 years now, have you achieved what you hoped?

“Running my own Creation Station franchise has given me the freedom I wanted. I’ve been there for my boys, Ben is now 13 years old and Alex is now 10 years old, and I’m so pleased I haven’t missed out.

I love being my own boss and have developed my own personal skills, learnt many new ones and focused on setting and achieving goals.

What sort of activities do you do?

My week involves a wide range of activities, from marketing and meeting with local businesses to running the fun and educationally based arts and crafts sessions, parties and events for children aged 6 months  to 11 years.  Being part of a national brand that’s passionate about inspiring imaginations, means there’s lots of support. All the session plans, products, marketing materials, website support plus tops tips on how to grow your business are all available. There are over 100 of us across the UK now and it’s a great network.”

What have been some of your challenges and highlights over the past 5 years?

“In corporate life I could leave work and switch off, but when you run your own business you’re responsible for the marketing, meetings and making it happen! It takes time to learn how to manage your time effectively.

However, it’s been such an exciting journey!

I hadn’t worked with children before and I love the differences I make. I’ve met so many amazing children and people.

My highlights include the wonderful feedback I’ve received. You don’t always realise the positive impact and the difference you make, this is a huge driver for me”.

Looking back over the past 5 years is there anything you would do differently?

“No – other than I should have invested in The Creation Station franchise sooner and not stayed in my previous career as long. At the time, it felt like a big step, so I guess I should have been braver sooner!”

W hat would you say to someone reading this and who feels they might like to change their career or run their own rewarding and flexible business?

“When you run your own business, you need to be prepared to put the hard work in, because you get out of it want you put it. If you are prepared to do that you can definitely gain lots of fun and freedom.”

Thank you Cathy for sharing your Creation Station experience with us.