Where Passion and Purpose Collide

From the treatment room to the boardroom—this week's guest Kristi Levig shares her journey from waxing specialist to multi-unit Waxing the City franchise owner. You'll hear: ✔️ How she transitioned from manager to owner ✔️ What it's like to buy an existing studio vs. open one from scratch ✔️ The power of mentorship and building future franchisees ✔️ Why franchise support gave her the confidence to keep growing ✔️ How relationships—not money—drive her success Kristi's story is packed with optimism, grit, and inspiration for any woman considering entrepreneurship.

This week, we sit down with Loana Perez, founder and CEO of TeaCupFuls, to talk about how she turned a troubled past into a purpose-driven brand.

From condo property management to poolside entrepreneur, Carrie Waltman is one of only a handful of female franchise owners in the America's Swimming Pool Company system—and her story is all about resilience, relationships, and the power of heart-led leadership.

Join Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa as they sit down with Marcieli Pastorio, a visionary entrepreneur and CEO of Maha Juice Bar, a franchise redefining the juice bar industry with a focus on quality, kindness, and purpose. From her humble beginnings in the Amazon region of Brazil to building a successful franchise in the U.S., Marcieli's journey is one of faith, resilience, and servant leadership.

In this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with the visionary entrepreneur Sophia Wastler, the founder of the Starz Program—a company dedicated to enriching children's lives through dance, sports, cheerleading, and fitness. But Sophia's mission doesn't stop there! The Starz Program also offers business ownership opportunities, empowering passionate individuals to build successful businesses while making a difference in their communities.

In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, hosts Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Danielle Wellings, the dynamic CEO of One Source Moving Solutions—a company redefining the moving experience with a compassionate, full-service approach. From growing up in a family business to building her own franchise empire, Danielle shares her incredible entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of franchising, and the deep emotional connections her company forms with the families they serve.

What would make a successful healthcare IT professional leave her career to start a concrete coatings franchise? The answer: purpose, happiness, and family. In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Krystal Greenhaw, the inspiring entrepreneur behind Wise Coatings Raleigh.

What happens when two sisters leave corporate America to start a business in a male-dominated industry? Success, resilience, and a powerful story! In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, hosts Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Brooke Yobo and Lindsay Keyser, the inspiring sister duo behind DRYmedic, a restoration franchise serving Southwest Florida.

What if a single phone call changed the course of your career? That's exactly what happened to Maddie Wofford, founder of Beheld Beauty Collective. What started as a request to assist with wedding hairstyling quickly turned into a thriving beauty business, now expanding through franchising. In this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast, Maddie and her father/mentor, David Pierce, share their journey of entrepreneurship, leadership, and empowering women in business.

Join us for an inspiring episode of The Franchise Woman podcast!

The Franchise Woman Podcast: Finding Purpose in Franchising with Indi Nandhra & Anup Wassan

Welcome to The Franchise Woman Podcast!

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Kayla Ryan, Chief Marketing Officer at Home Run Franchises, has a rich background in franchising, starting from her teenage years working in her family's franchise businesses. Her passion for entrepreneurship led her to establish and successfully grow her own company, Flick Switch Marketing, which she sold in 2023. At Home Run Franchises, Kayla now leads multiple brands within the company, focusing on empowering franchise partners through innovative, data-driven marketing strategies and personal coaching. Kayla champions the growth of family-run franchises, viewing it as a way to support generational success and avoid high student debt. In her family-focused work culture, she sees franchisees as extended family members and fosters an environment where they can rely on her team for business and personal support. This inclusive culture has become a foundation of Home Run Franchises, where franchisees are supported as they navigate business ownership, even if they are young or new to the industry. Looking ahead, Kayla's vision for Home Run includes strategic growth into multiple brands and maintaining a supportive, family-centric environment. Kayla's dedication to responsible franchising, family businesses, and personalized support underscores her commitment to building a sustainable future for both Home Run Franchises and the wider franchising community. Listen in to the full interview here.

Megan Allen is a seasoned franchising expert with nearly 20 years of experience. She is currently the Director of Real Estate and Construction at The Dog Stop, an award-winning, all-inclusive dog care facility. Her franchising journey began at the age of 17, spanning roles in funding, financing, and executive leadership. Megan's guiding principle is "service," focusing on serving franchisees first, ensuring their success. She believes if franchisees succeed, the entire system benefits. Her goal is to empower franchisees to grow, reinvest, and build legacies. Megan credits her service-oriented mindset to her upbringing, especially her mother's involvement in community service and her father's entrepreneurial spirit. She learned the importance of helping others and has applied these values to her career in franchising. At The Dog Stop, Megan is passionate about providing a well-rounded experience for pets through multiple revenue streams (e.g., grooming, daycare, boarding). She loves the impact the business has on both dogs and communities, particularly through fostering and adoption initiatives. Listen here for the full interview with Megan Allen.

To Thomas Miskowski business is personal. He has 2 passions: hunting and making sure his franchisees are successful. Thomas Miskowski, along with a business partner Wade Nolte, acquired Kitchen Solvers in 2010; Thomas was appointed President in November 2022. With over a decade of leadership in Kitchen Solvers, Miskowski has been instrumental in driving the company's success through his commitment to franchisee satisfaction, innovation, and per-unit metrics. What a fun conversation as Tracy Kawa and Rebecca Monet and one avid hunter discuss hunting, adventure and how the skills and attributes of a good hunter transfers into a strategic and focused leader in the franchise space. Listen here to full interview.

Julie Cartwright, President for the emerging fitness juggernaut Pvolve, joins us today on this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast. Julie spent the majority of her career in product development, helping some of the world's most recognizable fitness personalities – Tracy Anderson, Jillian Michaels, and Leslie Sansone – develop America's favorite at-home workout videos. And at the top of her game, Cartwright left it all behind to take over what she's called “one of the most impactful fitness brands on the market.” What makes Julie, a self-proclaimed observer and introvert, a great leader? It's her ability to pick-up subtle cues, listen intently and put pieces together that others may not see, hear or recognize. Listen as she shares her story of being an empath a stealth like decision maker.

Mother-Daughter duo Gwynda Jones and Monica Nia Jones, franchisees with HOTWORX, join us today on this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast. We talked about their philosophy of: When the door opens walk through it and the pivotal moments in their lives that led to business ownership. Gwynda's during the pandemic, and while battling a life-threatening cancer diagnosis, she discovered the physical and mental health benefits of infrared energy, namely through working out at HOTWORX. Upon entering remission, Gwynda along with her daughter, Monica Nia, opened their HOTWORX location in Chicago's River North Neighborhood in early 2023. Monica Nia's pivotal moment was when she was fired from her first corporate job after graduating from the University of Arizona. She decided to enter the Miss Illinois Competition in 2022. Monica was crowned Miss Illinois in 2022, the first Black woman to hold the title in 20 years. She competed in the 2023 Miss America competition, where she was named “People's Choice” and finished as a top 11 finalist.  Listen in to the full interview here.   

The Eyes Have It. Dr. Heather M. Skeens, the visionary behind Bellasee™ Franchising, LLC, and Bellasee™ Education, joins us on The Franchise Woman podcast. Seems Dr. Skeens was destined to be the in the ‘eye' business. Recently her mother showed her a human eye model that Dr. Skeens played with when she was a child. Although she does not remember the toy, it clearly made a lasting impression. Dr. Heather M. Skeens is a renowned ophthalmologist and entrepreneur with over 21 years of experience, specializing in corneal transplantation, cataract surgery, and refractive procedures. Dr. Skeens shares her journey from ophthalmologist to entrepreneur to franchisor and the mentors along the way. Listen to full interview here.

Two Life Themes Intertwine to Build Avanti Body Franchise. Terri Simpson, Founder and CEO at Avanti Body, and Andrea Dobkin, President of Franchise Development, join us today on The Franchise Woman podcast. Terri talks about her life theme of paradigm shifts. She thought she wanted to be a DJ … until she did it. Her life in radio was not for naught as she went on to work with Rush Limbaugh and owning several radio stations. Andrea Dobkin's life theme comes from the book: Love Yourself as if Your Life Depended on It, by Kamal Ravikant. This concept of loving yourself was not one discussed, encouraged or modeled by her mother or other female role models. Both Terri & Andrea encountered health issues which forced them to make a paradigm shift and begin to love themselves as if their life dependent on it … because it truly did.  Listen in to this insightful interview with Terri Simpson and Andrea Dobkin.

Diana Simmons, co-founder of Simply Cabinetry, joins us today on The Franchise Woman podcast. Her biggest pet peeve is when someone says: they don't know something. As a child she was a bit reserved and awkward. In high school she was 6'3” tall. Her time was spent listening to and observing others and playing basketball. Her keen observation skills caused her to be highly empathic, capable of putting the pieces together to see the big picture and learn anything … almost through osmosis. Today, Diana enjoys translating the vision to others while pointing them in the right direction to find and implement the answers. Clearly being an empath has many benefits. Listen in to the full interview here.

More.  Alesia Visconti joins us on this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast. She talks about the ‘more'. Why money should never be our sole motivator. There must be more and for Alesia it is to advocate, edify, and empower others.  Raised by an abusive and alcoholic mother, Alesia made a conscious decision that her life would be different. She would not ‘buy into' or believe the horrible words her mother flung at her. Instead, she would live a life proving her wrong.  Alesia's conviction has led to hundreds of individuals joining the ranks of business ownership. Don't let the tough New Jersey exterior fool you. Alesia has a tender heart, especially for veterans and women. In fact, even as you read this she is penning her book: The Pink Tsunami: Women's Rise in Franchising due out later this year. Listen to the full episode here.

Angela Olea is a true pioneer in the elder care space having founded Assisted Living Locators more than 20 years ago. Her daughter Angelica was often in tow as she worked with elders and their families. As the franchise system grew the franchisees became part of Angelica's family. Angela suggests franchising is in Angelica's DNA. Angelica jokingly told us that when she was younger Assisted Living Locators was the sibling she never wanted. It was that younger brother or sister who can be annoying and distracting but you love them. She found her mom's work as a nurse and entrepreneur fascinating and filled with purpose. Today, mother and daughter work closely together. Angelica as VP of Operations and Angela as Brand President of Assisted Living Locators. In this interview, you'll see chemistry, clear boundaries, mutual respect, and love. Each brings their unique, yet complementary talents and perspective to Assisted Living Locators. Listen to the full episode of The Franchise Woman podcast here.

Alison(Ali) McElroy is a recognized franchise industry leader with demonstrated success over nearly two decades in franchise and international businesses that span more than two dozen brands, over thirty countries, and thousands of franchised units.. Ali is the founder and CEO of Kaleidoscope Growth Advisors LLC, a woman-owned, full-service franchise advisory firm. Listen in to Ali's interview here.

What an interesting team they make. Meet Casey Cooley, Director of Franchise Development of Real Estate at Jeremiah's Italian Ice and President of Pivotal Growth Partners, and Michael Keller, president and CEO of Jeremiah's Italian Ice. Casey is naturally geared to think in terms of effectiveness. His background working with emerging brands taught him the importance of a strong foundation. He believes well thought out systems and processes are literally what result-driven and sustainable franchises are built on. Michael is geared towards the people side of the business. He believes clear values and a team aligned with and committed to those values provide the framework (building blocks) of a successful business. A team with shared values is more synergistic, productive, and professionally fulfilled. Both Michael and Casey are in essence architects, visionaries, and leaders. Listen in to their full interview on The Franchise Woman podcast.  

Erin Fletter was raised by a free-spirited mother who instilled in her an insatiable curiosity about the world, food, people, and culture. They traveled the world together staying for extended periods of time to truly immerse within that culture. Naturally, food was a large part of enjoying festivals, holidays, and other culturally diverse get-togethers. Today Erin Fletter, founder of Sticky Fingers Cooking® and five-time cookbook author, has brought these same worldwide experiences to over 150,000 students. Sticky Fingers Cooking® classes combine fresh ingredients, global flavors, math, geography, nutrition, food history—and a big dash of tasty fun! Listen in to this week's episode of The Franchise Woman podcast here.

Your Next Hello Can Be Your Future When asked what advice she would give women in business or considering business ownership, Natasha Cornstein, the CEO of Blushinton, answered: Your next hello can be your future. She shares personal stories of how her open mindset, curiosity, and talent for listening led to opportunities and friendships. So how does one do just that and do so without a hidden agenda? Listen to Natasha Cornstein's interview on this week's episode of The Franchise Woman podcast where she provides leadership insights on how a harsh negative performance review in her earlier career opened her eyes to things she still needed to learn. Blushington, the luxury blowout and makeup lounge, is disrupting the beauty industry by offering the most in-demand express beauty services all under one roof including blowouts, makeup application, and skincare.

Faith and Fortune Today's special guests on The Franchise Woman podcast are life partners and kingdom workers, Todd Recknagel and Kristi Mailloux.  Todd and Kristi talk openly about their faith and how it determines what projects and investments they make. Faith impacts everything they do including their marriage and charitable endeavors.  Their company name, Three20 Capital Group, clearly demonstrates their mission: Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Todd and Kristi are the managing partners of Three20 Capital Group, a private investment firm focused on franchise, distribution and multi-unit investments. They have strong operational backgrounds and industry relationships. Three20 Capital Group excels in situations where they can partner with founders, management teams, and co-invest with other investment firms to build a platform that will scale and generate long-term value for all business stakeholders. Listen to their story here.

Bridging the gap between franchise brokers and franchisors  Today's episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast highlights Ari O'Brien and Jason O'Brien. Husband and wife team Ari O'Brien and Jason O'Brien specialize in bridging gaps and building relationships. Jason has experience as a franchise broker and franchisor and Ari is a whizbang sales professional.  Together they founded Red Rock Franchise Ventures LLC where they specialize in working with franchise consultants and Emerging Franchise Brands to grow/scale with right-fit franchisees. There are several takeaways in this interview many dealing with the importance of authentic, win-win business relationships. Listen in.

Spencer Sabatasso, the dynamic VP of Franchise Development at The Red Chickz, joins us today on The Franchise Woman podcast. It's a lively, laughter-filled conversation about growing up in Newport Beach, California in the limelight of Sabatasso Pizzeria founded by his family. Spencer's journey began in culinary arts, owning and operating successful restaurants since the mid-1990s, and holding key roles such as VP of Operations, President, and CEO. His deep industry knowledge, combined with hands-on experience as both a franchisee and franchisor, provides him with a unique perspective on what it takes to build and sustain a thriving franchise.  Spencer shares the story of losing everything due to addiction and rebuilding his life through recovery. Today he shares his life and business lessons with others, and he has truly become a thought leader in the fast-casual restaurant industry. Listen to his fascinating story here.

I want to be like Doug when I grow up. Esther Cromwell, Founder and CEO of Avendelle Assisted Living joins us on this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast.  Esther Cromwell's life started in Sri Leone, Africa where she attended a catholic boarding school. It was a cultural shock when her family moved to New York City where she attended public school. When she met and married her husband Doug, she was in for some valuable life lessons including how to budget and plan for the future. Although complete opposites personality wise, they shared core values and found they complemented each other in many ways. Their mutual admiration and love became the foundation where Esther knew together they could accomplish anything. When they moved to Maryland, Esther befriended an elderly, widowed neighbor. Esther's kindhearted nature immediately jumped in to help her neighbor and it wasn't long before Esther knew she had found her calling! Listen in to the whole story and how Esther now mentors others to grow their businesses.

Tamara Galinsky, the visionary behind JETSET Pilates, a revolutionary Reformer Pilates experience based in Miami, joins us today on The Franchise Woman Podcast. Tamara left the former Soviet Union at age 15 and moved to New York with her family. She talks about the cultural differences, the importance of adaptability, and the courage and strength of her family. Her parents were successful engineers in the Soviet Union but had to take any job they could get and accept state assistance once the family moved to the United States. An embarrassing experience in high school proved a pivotal moment where Tamara decided poverty was not for her. She wanted to be successful and set a plan into motion to do just that. Tamara went on to go to a prestigious college and build a franchise concept from the ground up. Learn more about Tamara's life and JETSET Pilates.

From Princeton Graduate to BEERpreneur. Roman Maliszewski's story is much more than just opening a bar. It's a leap from Princeton grad to advertising exec to world traveler to BEERpreneur. His unique journey, combined with his industry knowledge, has positioned Tapster at the forefront of a self-serve transformation within the bar industry! Roman Maliszewski, founder of Tapster joins us on The Franchise Woman podcast. Listen in to hear his story and catch his contagious enthusiasm.

Alicia Miller, author of Big Money in Franchising: Scaling Your Enterprise in the Era of Private Equity, joins us for the 2nd part of her interview on The Franchise Woman podcast. Check out this conversation between a franchise attorney, a behavioral scientist with expertise in franchisee performance, and a private equity advisor. As expected it can go deep strategically as well as psychologically. Alicia talks about keeping the end in mind early on as a concept originator/franchisor. And how to position the company for private equity and prepare mentally for each transition. She addresses the changes and challenges a franchise concept and its franchisees will experience in systems, culture and initiatives. Join Alicia Miller, Rebecca Monet, CEO & Chief Scientist at Zorakle Profiles, and Bruce McFarlane, franchise attorney, franchisee and investor in this lively and insightful conversation.

Welcome to The Franchise Woman Podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide, profits are made and relationships forged. I'm Rebecca Monet, CEO and Chief Scientist at Zorakle Profiles. Zorakle provides profiling tools to franchisors and franchise brokers to facilitate a right-fit between a prospective franchisee and a franchise concept. Our special guests today are the dynamic girl duo behind Jane DO. Former Radio City Rockettes Jacey Lambros and Danielle DeAngelo.  Jane DO, a rapidly growing fitness franchise, is not only helping its clients, it's also giving women a leg up in the fitness industry by providing them with career opportunities as franchise owners and instructors.  Founded with a mission to cultivate strength, confidence, and camaraderie, Jane DO has transcended the traditional boundaries of a workout studio to become a movement that champions women's wellness in every aspect, from every client that walks through the door, to every owner, operator, and trainer.

Meet Alicia Miller  Alicia Miller is the author of Big Money in Franchising: Scaling Your Enterprise in the Era of Private Equity, and is the founder and managing director of Emergent Growth Advisors. Emergent is a boutique strategic advisory firm with deep expertise in franchising and private capital, and a particular focus on helping emerging brands grow smart from the beginning so they can reach their greatest potential. Alicia is an investor in both brands and multi-unit franchise operators. She is also a member of the board of governors for the International Franchise Association's Certified Franchise Executive education program; has authored numerous articles on franchising and private equity for Franchise Times, Entrepreneur, and Forbes; and has been a multi-unit franchisee.   Learn more about Alicia Miller  Learn more about Emergent Growth Advisors