What Franchise Issue 21.1

What I wish I’d known rom an early age, I always knew I wanted to be involved in business. Growing up in a family that ran a restaurant, I was inspired by the energy of hospitality and the way food brings people together. I couldn’t have specifically imagined owning a Creams franchise back then, but becoming part of the Creams family has turned out to be the perfect way to achieve that dream. I was first drawn to Creams because it stood out as more than just a dessert brand… it had real personality, energy, and a loyal customer base that spanned all ages. But what really sealed it for me was the innovation and support on offer. Creams isn’t static; they’re constantly refreshing the menu, finding new ways to excite customers, and helping franchisees keep pace with changing trends. I could see right away that this wasn’t a short-term fad but a brand with longevity. I don’t carry many regrets, but if I could time travel, I’d open my first Creams store sooner! I spent a lot of time weighing up different opportunities before committing, and looking back, I realise I could have been part of this journey earlier. I’d also remind myself not to sweat the small stuff in the early days. Like many new franchisees, I wanted everything to be perfect from day one, but Creams has such strong systems and support in place that things fall into place quicker than you think. The brand really does guide you step by step, so I wish I’d trusted the process even more at the start. I’d love to see Creams cementing its place as the UK’s most loved dessert brand . On a personal level, I hope my own journey grows alongside the brand, perhaps expanding into multiple stores and building a team that shares the same passion. For me, the real ‘future vision’ is a thriving community of franchise partners who feel supported, successful, and proud to be part of Creams. That’s the kind of future I’d be excited to step into. My biggest piece of advice is to go into franchising with your eyes wide open . It’s not a ‘business in a box’ where success happens overnight. It takes commitment, patience, and a lot of hard work, but the reward is worth it. I wish someone had told me at the start just how much your own energy and attitude shape the outcome. The energy you bring makes all the difference and the people who do best are those who treat the franchise relationship as a partnership, not just a contract. Running a business takes resilience , and that’s so much easier if you genuinely believe in the product you’re serving and the experience you’re creating for customers. Resilience has helped me navigate the inevitable challenges of running a business, from early teething problems to seasonal dips, while staying motivated and solution-focused. My leadership style is supportive and people- focused , with an emphasis on collaboration and accountability. I try to lead by example, staying hands-on when needed, but also empowering others to make decisions and contribute ideas.I’ve nurtured these skills through experience, mentorship from the Creams support team, and by reflecting on both successes and setbacks. Experience tells me that when people feel valued and trusted, they perform at their best and drive the business forward. F Akmengli, also known as Anna owns Creams Kingston. She originally studied Business Management, before starting her journey with Creams. Prior to becoming a franchise owner, she gained valuable experience working in her family’s restaurant business. Today, she brings that experience into her Creams franchise, where she’s focused on creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers and building a motivated team. “I hope my own journey grows alongside the brand, perhaps expanding into multiple stores” A K M E N G L I G E L D Y M A M E D O V A 82 WHAT FRANCHISE Issue 21.1 Interview | FEATURE