Stellarossa: Director Stellarossa Parkside
Plaza and Caneland Central

Mel Fowler

Are women paving the way for other women in franchising? Yes, I do think this is true, however the women that are in franchising are certainly proving to the world that women are more than capable and can have as much, if not more, power in business than men. Now we just need the male race to accept this and give women in business equal opportunities in the corporate world.

When you reflect on your journey so far, what highlight stands out?

My journey has been up and down like any person in business, but I believe it’s the hard time that make[s] you stronger and better at what you do. My highlights really have been teaching and watching my team grow and become stronger minded business people themselves.

I love rewarding my staff for their efforts and seeing how happy this makes them. It’s also a highlight to me personally on the respect and commitment I get from my management team and how willing they are to learn and take on board everything that I teach them. I love the fact that I’m personally creating amazing people that can take their skill future, this gives me satisfaction in knowing I’m
creating opportunities for others.

Does Stellarossa breed openness and mentorship for women (if, so how)?

Yes definitely, they don’t treat any of us differently no matter what gender we are. I believe Stellarossa Head office is more female dominated with training & office staff. Stellarossa employ and recruit Franchisees on their own merits. Not if they are Female or Male. We all receive the same training and the same respect.

What are the benefits of a Stellarossa franchise, compared to a ‘conventional’ corporate job?

Having a conventional job is nothing like owning your own business. Stellarossa offer opportunity for you to be your own boss with all the tools and training supplied to you; to help you be successful in starting your Stellarossa Business.

What additions would you like to see to the franchise industry to support women?

I believe that men need to be the ones that receive more training around our country in accepting the fact that women can do the same role as they do and some women can do it better. I find a lot of men (not all men) in business speak down to women as they think they are better than us. It’s what’s been bred into men over the years and this needs to change. Men need to start respecting women as another business operator not just as another woman. My Motto is “you don’t demand respect, you earn it” no matter who you are male or female. I believe in this Motto and think it needs to be tough across the board.

COO at Retail Zoo: Boost Juice Bars, Salsas & CIBO

Espresso, Retail Zoo,

Olivia Elsley

Are women paving the way for other women in franchising?

I think I might have a unique perspective – I’ve worked at the business for 10 years with the leaders and executives – more than
50% are females. I come from one of the biggest powerhouses and leading females in the sector, the mentor, founder and dayto-day business owner – Janine – is so prominent in my space and in my world of females within Retail Zoo. My perspective is diferent, it is female inspired and supported.

When you reflect on your journey so far, what highlight stands out?

Generally, I have been in international for a very large portion of that, with experiences in countries where oftentimes the same level of respect and recognition as a female is not there. We are a female involved business; with absolutely, unwavering support. I’ve had AMAZING experiences, even with cultural sensitivities and challenges that I have had to overcome in business.Te experiences are countless.

Does Boost breed openness and mentorship for women (if, so how)?

Not just for women, it breeds it in general. In the mentor program, my direct reports and their teams under them have mentors within the business and we encourage catch-up once a month. [We look at] Personal brand, goals, how they conduct themselves – these perspectives offer growth. Sometimes it is about listening as well. Janine has several mentees within the business, it’s a key focus for her department heads as well one of the avenues we feel strongly about.

What are the benefits of a Boost franchise, compared to a ‘conventional’ corporate job?

From my point of view, there are two ways to look at it; as a franchisee and work-life balance. For me, on the ‘conventional’ side I have always worked in a franchise of some sort. I don’t know if I’ve ever had a ‘conventional job’ so to speak. When you are standing still, you will become irrelevant.Te Pioneers at BOOST are ahead of the market and comfortable moving forward. Some people prefer structure and a more black-and-white culture. For me, I feel like I am at my best when I am supported not just in work, but in personal life. Work is allowing me to be who I am.

What additions would you like to see to the franchise industry to support women?

I feel like the change is on its way – the barriers are there if you allow them to be. [With] Franchising in general; if you want to be a business owner, achieve work-life balance, or you’re a mum going back to work – it gives a level of ownership. It’s a level of security, a proven model with a safety net. In Australia we are lucky, we are ahead of the game in terms of a recognised franchise model