As I sit down and reflect on the journey I’ve taken, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Thanksgiving always reminds me to pause and appreciate the incredible opportunities that franchising has brought into my life.
About 15 years ago, I found myself at a crossroads. I had spent many years teaching French and German, which brought me so much joy—especially seeing my students grow in confidence as they mastered a second language.
But as much as I loved teaching, there were challenges. Class sizes grew, resources dwindled, and balancing my family life with a demanding career became more difficult each year. I knew I needed more flexibility, more freedom, and more control over my future. I started looking for something different, something that could provide not only for my family but also give me the life I truly wanted.
That’s when franchising came into my life, and it changed everything.
From Side Hustle to Success
Before I found franchising, I dipped my toes into direct sales, selling jewelry as a side hustle. What started as a way to earn a little extra income quickly grew into something much bigger. Before I knew it, this part-time sales gig was bringing in more income than my full-time teaching job! It was a lightbulb moment—one that made me realize the power of owning my own business.
Around the same time, my husband was feeling the same pull to break free from the corporate world. We both wanted something more, and that’s when we started exploring franchising. After a lot of research, we found our perfect match in the automotive industry. We took the leap and became Jiffy Lube franchise owners. What happened next was beyond anything I could have imagined.
The Power of Franchising
Becoming a Jiffy Lube franchisee didn’t just change my career—it changed my life. It gave me the freedom to be my own boss, the flexibility to spend more time with my family, and the opportunity to build something meaningful. I went from teaching in a classroom to running a thriving business that has now generated over $30 million in revenue.
I’m beyond grateful for the journey that led me here. Franchising has allowed me to create a legacy—not just for my family, but also for my community. Owning a franchise has given me the ability to support others, to provide jobs, and to build something bigger than myself. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m thankful for every step of the way.
Dream Bigger, Live Freely
I often think back to something Oprah Winfrey once said: “Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life because you become what you believe.” That quote resonates with me deeply because it was believing in something bigger—believing that I could create a life of freedom and fulfillment—that set everything in motion.
Franchising didn’t just provide financial success; it gave me the opportunity to dream bigger than my current circumstances. For that, I am endlessly grateful. This Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on how different my life looks now compared to those early days as a teacher, struggling to balance work and family life. I’m thankful for the decision to pursue franchising, for the opportunities it’s provided, and for the joy it brings me every day.
Turning Dreams into Reality for Others
Becoming a multi-unit franchise owner opened doors I never thought possible, and with that, a new passion emerged: helping other aspiring entrepreneurs realize their dreams through franchising. That’s when Bailey Brown The Franchise Agency was born.
I founded the agency to guide people just like you—those who are ready to break free from the limitations of their 9-to-5 and step into something bigger. Through my own experience, I know the ins and outs of franchising, the hurdles, the excitement, and the potential for growth. And now, it’s my mission to pass on that knowledge, offering support and expertise to help others build their own legacies.
There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching someone else find the freedom, flexibility, and success they’ve been dreaming of. And it’s truly been an honour to play a part in helping so many people do just that.
What Are You Grateful For?
As you sit around the table this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to think about what you’re grateful for—and what you’re still dreaming of. For me, franchising wasn’t just a career move; it was the path to the freedom, fulfillment, and legacy I always wanted.
If you’re feeling that same pull—the desire for more flexibility, control, or the ability to build something for yourself—I’m here to tell you it’s possible. Whether you’re ready to take that leap into franchising or you’re just starting to explore the possibilities, know that I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Let me know in the comments below: what’s one thing you’re grateful for this year?