We love hearing about teachers who have made a successful transition from teaching into a new venture.

We caught up with Lex Davison former Primary Teacher and now a Little Voices Franchisee.

Read Lex’s blog below to hear how she has started her own business with Little Voices (a multi award-winning singing & drama classes for children & young people aged 4 – 18) and how she is balancing supply teaching as she grows her own business.

What Franchise Do You Own?

I own Little Voices Swindon 

What’s Your Background?

I have been a Primary School teacher for the last 17 years and I have been involved in music all my life, singing in choirs and playing violin , clarinet and piano.

I have used my musical background regularly in my teaching career, leading assemblies, leading music in schools and producing many school plays and productions and directing choirs and preparing concerts.

Why Did You Want To Leave Teaching?

Teaching was no longer the rewarding career it had once been. I loved working with the children, but increasingly I found I had no autonomy over what and how I taught. Music and the performing arts in general were pushed further and further down the priority list and COVID devastated it completely. I noticed the damage that the pandemic did to children’s confidence in performing.

With an ever-increasing teacher workload, more and more data to complete rather than creative planning, more and more uninspiring schemes to follow, growing paperwork and antisocial hours, I found balancing time with my family very difficult and everything had become increasingly about ticking boxes for OFSTED not about making teaching fun for children.

I just never felt what I was doing was good enough, yet I could give no more of my time or energy than I already was. It was time to reassess.

Why Did You Pick A Franchise?

I had often thought about using my musical, performance and teaching skills to start a business of my own but I was worried about being completely alone in business.

I had lost a lot of confidence and didn’t know what to do, I just knew I had to get out of classroom teaching. Then I saw the advert on Facebook for Little Voices! It was perfect! I think it was a sign! It was meant to be! Singing and drama lessons.

The fact it was a franchise meant I had help – a whole network holding my hand, a successful business model that was already working. And happy successful franchisees that I spoke with before making the decision. The franchisor Jane couldn’t have been more helpful and supportive and kept in touch with me over many months while I was deciding what to do.

What Does Your Week Look Like?

Now my week is quite mixed! But I have the luxury of planning it how I see fit. I run my Little Voices lessons on Tuesday and Thursdays after school, and I still do supply teaching two days a week while I am growing the business.

I am now able to take and pick up my children from school regularly and have the flexibility to use the time as I choose. I have my weekends back! So I can focus on my family more and even have time for myself again! It’s not all easy but I’m so much happier and I enjoy my job again!

What Did You Wish You Knew Before Starting A Franchise?

I wish I knew before that not all franchises are the same! I wouldn’t have chosen any franchise! They are not all the same. You have to do your research and find out as much as you can about it.

However, I found that Little Voices is the most supportive and helpful franchise I have heard of.

I wish also I had realised that being self-employed isn’t that scary. You just have to work hard. A teacher can always make extra money from supply or tutoring if necessary if there is a financial shortfall. 

What Support Did Your Franchise Give You?

As I said above already – so much support! No question was a stupid question! The training prior to launching was superb and there is ongoing regular training every week (it is optional and it is often recorded if we cannot attend in person or online!) and there is a supportive Facebook page for all the franchisees to help each other.

The experienced franchisees from across the network were also so helpful to me starting out and shared lots of hints and tips from their own experiences. Everyone helps each other. It really is like a family!

What Skills Did You Use From Teaching?

I am still using all my teaching skills as I am teaching singing and drama lessons myself. But I am doing it my way, and doing what I think is best.

There is a Little Voices structure to the lessons, but I have the autonomy to choose the material and how I deliver it. You have to know the children really well, you have to be fun and full of energy, kind, nurturing and also knowledgable and able to put across the knowledge and skills in an enjoyable way.

What Are Your Top 3 Tips For A Teacher Looking For A Franchise?

1. Ask lots of questions! Speak to the franchisor and other franchisees and get their honest opinions about the franchise.
2. Look at your core skills. What is the subject you are passionate about? There is bound to be a franchise in your area if you look for it!
3. Go with your gut! If it feels right, be brave and go for it! It’s not as scary as you think leaving a salaried teaching position. With teaching you’ll always have work – tutoring, supply teaching etc to go back to if you need it – but on your terms! 

Thank you so much Lex for taking the time to share your journey with us.

If you would like to learn more about Little Voices you can visit our Music Franchise page or their website Little Voices.

If you are considering a franchise you may wish to read our blog Are Educational Franchises A Good Option For Teachers?