We are delighted to announce a new additional to the QFA Board & welcome Claire Munday, founder of Tappy Toes. Claire was a professional dancer for 10 years before starting her own businesses. She created the Tappy Toes brand in 2002 and turned to franchising in 2013. Despite the pandemic Tappy Toes has continued to thrive, training and launching 5 franchisees during lockdown, with another 6 due to launch in September 2021. Claire also owns and runs Rise Studios, which she founded in 2005, an award winning dance and performing arts School in Hertfordshire, which now has around 500 students attending weekly classes.
Our team also interview Claire regarding her association so far with the QFA & her business plans as below;
What is your career background?
Trained at Laine Theatre Arts, one of the top performing arts colleges in the UK. Danced professionally for 10 years before starting my businesses. Was lucky enough to travel the world on cruise ships, perform in a musical and lots of music videos and TV performances! I always taught along side performing, and that naturally took over once my performing career wound down.
Why did you decide to franchise your business?
I was pregnant with my first child and realised that Tappy Toes offered a fantastic work/life balance for those with young children. I was also asked for classes in various areas that I couldn’t cover myself, so I knew there was demand for it.
What has been your progress to date since franchising, recruiting franchisees, growing the business?
I recruited 3 franchises during the first year, whilst I was pregnant! I then took a break to have my family, so recruited a few franchisees organically without really marketing. have only been actively recruiting franchisees for the past 12 months and have been really busy. Launched 5 in 2020, I have 3, possibly 4 training soon to launch after Easter and another 3 who will be starting in September.
What are your long term goals for your business ?
I would like to reach 20 franchises by the end of 2021
Why did you decide to join a franchise association?
To give the franchise credibility, and to meet other franchisors and get advice
What attracted you to the QFA?
I saw a number of posts on LinkedIn and liked the ethos of it.
What membership benefits have you found particularly useful?
The sykpe sessions have been very helpful
What skills, contacts or experience have you gained so far from participating with the QFA & how has this helped your franchise operation?
Marketing, social media and PR advice has been helpful, this has helped with our recruitment of new franchisees.
What are you looking forward to with your Board participation?
Getting to know the other board members, and sharing advice!
Find out more about the Tappy Toes franchise on the QFA official franchise directory, click here
