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The Role of Female Entrepreneurs in Franchising
Franchising offers first-time business owners a proven system, brand recognition, and built-in support, making it an ideal path for female entrepreneurs. Over the past decade, the number of female franchise owners has steadily increased, with women now owning approximately 35% of all franchise businesses in the United States. Studies show that women-led businesses have a higher success rate, with female-owned franchises growing at a rate 1.5 times faster than male-owned franchises. Female entrepreneurs bring unique strengths, perspectives, and approaches to franchise ownership, not only driving business success but also reshaping the industry by creating more inclusive and diverse environments.
In honor of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, we are celebrating some of our exceptional franchisees.
Kayla Opperman: Sharing STEM with the Community
Kayla Opperman, a Snapology and Class 101 owner, discovered a passion for entrepreneurship after a career in electrical engineering. "I wanted to own a business but didn’t have an idea of my own," she says. Her love for STEM and desire to share it with children in her community made Snapology a natural choice. Later, she expanded her impact through Class 101 to support older students.
Reflecting on her journey, Opperman credits the women in her life for inspiring her to pursue her passions. Her grandmother, who launched a multimillion-dollar business after retirement, exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit in her family. Opperman hopes to inspire young girls to follow their passions and believes in the importance of diversity in leadership, stating, “It’s important for kids to look up to leaders they can relate to or see themselves being someday.” She is truly a role model for the next generation.
Ronda Swanigan: Breaking Barriers and Building Community
Ronda Swanigan, a Class 101 franchisee, wanted to challenge the stereotypes and biases faced by women of color in business. A former school counselor, she found inspiration in Class 101’s mission.
Despite her qualifications, Swanigan often felt she had to work twice as hard to prove herself. “To overcome this, I’ve focused on building a successful business and cultivating a strong network of mentors, peers, and fellow women entrepreneurs,” she shares. She draws inspiration from Roland Parrish, the largest African American owner of McDonald’s franchises in the U.S., whose resilience and community service motivate her to give back. Swanigan supports nonprofit organizations and at-risk youth through college planning resources, embodying the spirit of selfless entrepreneurship.
Karen Lane DeRosa: Inspiring the Next Generation
Karen Lane DeRosa is both a dedicated mother and an exemplary business owner. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to Class 101, where she saw value in the brand’s recognition and methods. With experience teaching at the college level, DeRosa recognized the need for student preparation services and seized the opportunity to make a difference.
One of her biggest obstacles was self-doubt, but she found comfort in the stability of the franchising system and persevered. Her center has already outgrown two offices, steadily growing each year. She is actively expanding her business to help more students. Inspired by her journey, DeRosa’s daughter, a business student at Texas Christian University, hopes to follow in her footsteps. DeRosa predicts, “You will see more women entering franchising, especially in business ownership.”
Rashmi Sharma: Expanding Educational Support in Texas
Rashmi Sharma, a seasoned mechanical engineer with an MBA and 14 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, recently acquired ownership of six Sylvan Learning centers in Texas. Inspired by the positive impact Sylvan has had on her friends and family, Sharma aims to create a welcoming, family-oriented environment at each center, broadening access to quality educational support for families in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. Her acquisition came at a crucial time, as demand for educational resources has surged due to pandemic-related learning gaps. Sylvan’s leadership has full confidence in Sharma’s ability to guide these centers effectively, helping students overcome academic challenges and reach their full potential.
When asked about her advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs, Sharma says, "I would rather try something then never try and never know if it would have worked. It's more important for female entrepreneurs to follow their aspirations. Your kids are watching you and are seeing your accomplishments." Her words underscore her belief in inspiring the next generation through her own achievements and leadership.
These stories showcase the resilience, passion, and determination of female entrepreneurs in franchising. Their journeys are powerful reminders of the impact women can have on business, communities, and future generations. By supporting and celebrating female entrepreneurship, we foster a diverse and inclusive franchise industry that inspires success for all.
A Little More About Us…
The Unleashed Brands platform includes Urban Air Adventure Park, Snapology, The Little Gym, XP League, Class 101, Premier Martial Arts, and Sylvan Learning Centers – all youth enrichment franchises. As the parent company, Unleashed Brands was founded to curate and grow the most innovative and profitable business opportunities that help kids learn, play and grow. Over the last 10 years, the team at Unleashed Brands has built a proven platform and know-how for scaling businesses that focus on serving families. All have become first-in-category brands by providing fun, engaging, and inspiring experiences that help kids with their No. 1 development goal – to become who they were destined to be. To speak with one of our franchise experts and learn more about our children’s business opportunities, simply fill out this form and an Unleashed Brands representative will be in touch shortly.