From struggling franchise to award-winning business: the Little Voices Fylde story

Taking over a struggling franchise at just 22 years old was a significant challenge for Ellena Morgan. Nine years later, she’s celebrating national recognition for building a successful business that makes a difference to children and families.

When we talk about franchising as a possible career direction for teachers, we often focus on the skills that can transfer from the classroom into business ownership. Organisation, communication, leadership and the ability to build relationships are all familiar territory for teachers.

But what about the skills you still need to learn?

The story of Ellena Morgan, owner of Little Voices Fylde, offers an interesting insight into both sides of running a franchise and the challenges that can come with building a business of your own.

Ellena has recently been named a winner of the Great British Franchisee Awards 2026, recognising her success in transforming a struggling franchise into a thriving business, alongside her contribution to the local community and wider Little Voices network.

Taking over a business at just 22

Ellena took over Little Voices Fylde in 2017, when she was just 22 years old.

Little Voices provides drama and singing classes for children and young people aged 4–18, helping them develop confidence, communication and performance skills through small-group sessions.

For Ellena, taking over an existing franchise wasn’t simply a case of stepping into an established business and continuing where the previous owner had left off.

The business had been struggling, and rebuilding its reputation was one of her first challenges.

“I took over an existing franchise that had struggled, so one of the biggest challenges was rebuilding its reputation and regaining people’s trust in the local area.”

This is perhaps an aspect of franchising that can sometimes be overlooked. Although buying into an established franchise provides access to a recognised brand, resources and support, the responsibility for building relationships and developing a successful local business still rests with the franchise owner.

For Ellena, that meant earning the confidence of families and schools, while developing the skills needed to manage and grow the business.

Learning to become a business owner

One of the most interesting parts of Ellena’s experience is her openness about the learning curve.

“I was also only 22, so I had a lot to learn about running a business! I had to develop my leadership skills, build the confidence to manage a team and learn to love my numbers.”

She also acknowledges that understanding the financial side of the business was particularly important.

“Understanding the financial side of the business, and how important it is to making good decisions and growing, was a big learning curve.”

This is something worth considering if you’re exploring franchising as a teacher.

Many of the skills developed in education can provide a strong foundation for business ownership. Teachers are used to managing competing priorities, communicating with different audiences, solving problems, and taking responsibility.

However, running a business introduces different demands. Understanding cash flow, managing costs, attracting customers, and making commercial decisions may be unfamiliar territory.

Even with the support of a franchisor, these are responsibilities that prospective business owners need to be prepared for.

For Ellena, there was also the question of confidence.

“I also struggled with my age and worried whether people would take me seriously as a business owner at just 22. A big part of that was learning to have confidence in myself and my own abilities.”

Building a business that makes a difference

Since taking over Little Voices Fylde, Ellena has increased pupil numbers, developed a strong team and established successful partnerships with local schools.

Her work has also extended beyond the commercial success of the business.

She has expanded opportunities for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), supported local charities and community events, and championed mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

These contributions were recognised by the judges of the Great British Franchisee Awards, who highlighted her ability to combine business growth with a genuine commitment to the children and families she serves.

For teachers who are considering a move beyond the classroom, this is an important part of the story.

A change in career doesn’t necessarily mean leaving behind the opportunity to support children’s development or contribute to the wider community.

For some, business ownership may offer a different way to continue doing that work, while developing new skills and taking greater responsibility for the direction of their working lives.

What advice would Ellena give someone considering franchising?

Having experienced both the challenges and rewards of franchise ownership, Ellena’s advice is refreshingly straightforward.

“Do your research, believe in yourself and be prepared to work hard!”

She encourages anyone considering franchising to look beyond the initial appeal of running their own business and think carefully about whether the opportunity is right for them.

“I’d encourage anyone considering a franchise to think carefully about whether it’s something they’re genuinely interested in and whether it fits with their values and what they want to achieve.”

It’s advice that resonates with our approach at Those Who Can.

Franchising isn’t the right route for everyone. Different businesses require different levels of investment, time, involvement, and financial commitment. Some can be developed alongside existing employment, while others require a full-time commitment from the outset.

Understanding these differences before making a decision is essential.

Ellena also offers encouragement to those who may be questioning whether they have enough experience to take the next step.

“And don’t feel you need to have everything figured out from day one. Ask questions, take advice, and learn from people who’ve been there before. Having the right people around you makes such a difference.”

Could franchising be part of your next chapter?

Ellena’s story is a reminder that building a successful franchise takes more than enthusiasm for the product or service being offered.

It requires resilience, financial understanding, confidence and a willingness to keep learning.

But it also demonstrates how a business can develop over time, creating opportunities not only for its owner but for the people and communities it serves.

At Those Who Can, we’ve been exploring how the skills teachers develop throughout their careers might transfer into different types of franchise businesses.

Our free Franchising Fit for Teachers course introduces a range of opportunities, including Little Voices, and helps teachers consider what running a franchise could involve before making any commitments.

If you’re curious about business ownership, it’s a useful place to begin.

Explore our free Franchising Fit for Teachers course

Little Voices is a franchise partner of Those Who Can. This article is based on information supplied by Little Voices and additional comments from Ellena Morgan. Franchise ownership involves financial risk, and prospective franchisees should undertake their own research before investing.