Checking In With Our Uptown Franchise Partner
We sat down with boss babe Melinda to check in and see what life after joining the Foxy Family looks like, how she’s feeling about becoming a business owner and what drew her to our brand in the first place. Read on to hear an update from our fabulous franchise partner!
- How did you know Foxy Box was the right company for you?
Foxy Box has the best vibe! I remember walking in and looking around and thinking how fun it would be to work there! The girls there really seemed to be having fun. The values that Foxy Box stands for are so important to me. There is no body-shaming. No racism. No gender inequality. Everyone is equal and treated like they are the babes that they truly are. Everyone leaves feeling empowered and amazing.
- How did you know Uptown was the right place for a Foxy Box?
I knew that Uptown was the perfect place for Foxy Box as soon as I started thinking about starting the Franchise. It’s kind of an “up and coming” spot in Victoria. Since parking can be hard to come by sometimes, I wanted a spot that had free and easy parking for our amazing clients. Uptown is the perfect location for Foxy Box, as it’s easy to get to from everywhere. I thought it would be cool to be there, with great shops around, places to eat or grab a coffee. Also, I thought that if I wanted to work there, my staff would love it as well!
- What inspired you to join a Franchise?
To be honest, I was never looking to join a Franchise until I stumbled upon Foxy Box. I just loved the core values. I knew I just had to be a part of it. Bringing women up and helping them to feel empowered.
- What are you learning about the Uptown business community?
Uptown is a fantastic place to have a business. Their marketing efforts are amazing. You feel like you’re part of a family there. It is clean, safe, and always bustling. They do an amazing job making it look inviting and welcoming.
- What are you enjoying most about this pre-open phase?
The pre-opening phase is crazy! It’s a lot of work, but I just kind of picture the end result and it keeps me going! It’s also a lot of fun. I love going to the shop at the end of each day to see the progress that was made.
- What is the vision you hold in your heart for your shop?
When I close my eyes and picture my new shop, I see a bright and shiny space that is inviting and warm. I see a lot of happy staff and a lot of laughter. I see rockstar vagicians and front of staff babes that take pride in their work and are honestly happy to be there. I see a safe haven for women who can be themselves and feel empowered.
- What advice or wisdom would you share with other women hoping to become entrepreneurs?
Strap in, and get ready for an emotional rollercoaster ride of your life. Surround yourself with support because you can’t do this on your own! Make sure whatever you’re doing you absolutely LOVE because you are going to be breathing and living it! It definitely has to be something you are completely passionate about. Let yourself feel all the feelings because it definitely has its ups and downs. Take care of yourself throughout the journey. I realized I still have to make time for myself throughout this journey.
- Can you share one of your favourite memories since signing on with Foxy?
I think that getting to know our founder and CEO Kyla Dufresne has been one of my best memories. Over the past year I have gotten to know her and see what an inspiring woman she is. She is intelligent, driven, she is hilarious, she is honest and she is caring. She is one of the most incredible women I have ever met. And she is a crazy dog-mama, lol!
- What have you learned about yourself on this journey with Foxy?
I have learned SO much about myself since signing on with Foxy Box. This process has been life changing. I can do a LOT more than I have ever given myself credit for. Being surrounded by a supportive and positive team has allowed me to ask for help, which has always been hard for me. I have gained a lot of confidence since the beginning of this process. Oh…. and that I truly have the most amazing and supportive husband in the world. There is nothing we can’t conquer together!
- What do YOU bring to the Foxy brand? How would you describe your presence as a leader?
I think I bring empathy and laughter! I’ll be a great leader by helping my staff to feel amazing. I want women to feel empowered and worthy! I want to help facilitate a space where women can thrive. I have been in situations in the past where I haven’t had all of the tools that I needed to thrive at my job and I want to make sure my staff has everything they need to shine!
We are so excited for the Grand Opening Party of the Uptown Foxy Box on Saturday, October 10th! Join us there to meet Melina and the rest of her team! Are you curious about the Foxy business model? Interested in joining the Foxy Family? Click here to learn about Franchise opportunities in your area!