Most 21-year-olds are taking their first steps into employment if they are fortunate, but Ellie Gibson is launching her own business. The former Razzamataz student is proving that with the right training, support and franchise network behind you, age is no barrier to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
At an age when many graduates are searching for their first full-time job, Ellie is preparing to relaunch her own performing arts school as the new Principal of Razzamataz Radlett.
At just 21 years old, Ellie is one of the youngest franchisees in the Razzamataz network, but she believes her age is one of her greatest strengths.
“I understand exactly what it’s like to be a Razzamataz student because I’ve lived that journey myself. I know what inspires young people, what helps them build confidence and what creates memories they’ll never forget. Now I have the opportunity to create those experiences for the next generation.”
A dream that started at 14
Ellie’s Razzamataz journey began in Newcastle when she joined the theatre school at the age of 14. Although just a few months later the Covid pandemic brought live performances to a standstill, she knew she had found somewhere special.
“Razzamataz became my happy place. I made lifelong friends, performed whenever I could and found a community where everyone wanted you to succeed. Those years had a huge impact on the person I’ve become.”
She remained with the school until she was 18 before becoming a teaching assistant, where she discovered another passion alongside performing.
Turning a passion into a profession
While studying for her A Levels, including maths, Ellie began questioning whether performing arts could become more than simply a hobby.
“I enjoyed my A Levels, but my real passion was always in performing arts. As a teaching assistant, I realised how much I loved helping younger students develop and grow in confidence. That made me start thinking that perhaps this could become my career.”
Encouraged by her Razzamataz Principals, Ellie successfully auditioned for LMA in London, where she trained professionally. Although she loved performing, it was during drama school that she discovered her greatest passion was teaching.
“I loved seeing people achieve something they didn’t think they could do. Helping someone else succeed became just as rewarding as performing myself.”
A dream realised sooner than expected
As a Razzamataz student, Ellie had previously applied for the Future Fund, which supports students progressing into vocational performing arts training.
One of the application questions asked where she hoped to be in ten years’ time.
“I wrote that I’d love to own my own theatre school one day. I never imagined that dream would come true so quickly.”
After graduating and relocating to Hertfordshire, Ellie was planning her next career move when her mum spotted that Razzamataz Radlett was looking for a new Principal.
“I’d always stayed connected with Razzamataz and my mum actually rang me to say there was a school available close to where I was moving. It felt like everything was falling into place.”
Taking the leap at just 21
While excited by the opportunity, Ellie admits becoming a business owner at such a young age initially felt daunting. She attended a Discovery Den event where she met Razzamataz Founder and Managing Director Denise Gosney.
“I’d heard so much about Denise over the years and was quite nervous to meet her. But she was so genuine, honest and down to earth. She didn’t pretend running a business would always be easy, but she showed me that I wouldn’t be doing it on my own. That made all the difference.”
Ellie believes the support of an established franchise made taking such a big step feel achievable. “Without the franchise network, I don’t think I’d have had the confidence to do this at 21. Knowing there’s a proven business model and experienced people guiding you means you’re never starting from scratch.”
Training that builds confidence as well as businesses
Ellie says the comprehensive training programme exceeded every expectation.
“I came away thinking it was one of the best weeks of my life. Not only did I learn everything I needed to know about running my business, but I also met an incredible network of people who genuinely wanted me to succeed.”
Every new Razzamataz Principal receives extensive training covering every aspect of running a successful theatre school, from safeguarding and recruitment to finance, marketing, PR, operations and customer experience.
“The support is incredible. You don’t have to know everything because you’re surrounded by experts. Whether it’s finance, marketing, legal, PR or digital strategy, there’s always someone there to guide you. It allows me to focus on creating the best possible experience for children.”
Why young entrepreneurs can thrive
Although Ellie is one of the youngest Principals in the network, she believes being closer in age to her students is a real advantage. “My age helps me relate to young people because I remember exactly what it felt like to be in their shoes. During drama school, Robbie Williams, co-owner at LMA, said something that’s always stayed with me: ‘If not you, then who?’ That really changed my mindset. Instead of asking whether I was old enough, I started asking why not me?”
Denise, Founder and Managing Director of Razzamataz, believes Ellie’s story perfectly demonstrates what makes the franchise unique. “Ellie’s journey is exactly what Razzamataz is all about. She joined us as a teenager, discovered her confidence, developed professionally and is now inspiring the next generation. We don’t just create opportunities for young people; we also create opportunities for passionate people to build rewarding businesses with the support of an experienced network behind them.”
Creating confident futures
As Ellie prepares to relaunch Razzamataz Radlett this September, she is excited to bring even more opportunities to local children, including workshops with West End professionals and progression opportunities through initiatives such as Project Intense.
“I want every child to have the same opportunities that I had. Whether they dream of performing professionally or simply want to build confidence, make friends and discover what they’re capable of, I want Razzamataz to become their happy place too.”
For Ellie, becoming a business owner at 21 isn’t simply about running a successful school. “It’s about giving children the confidence to believe in themselves. Razzamataz changed my life and now I get to help change other young people’s lives too. I honestly can’t imagine a more rewarding career.”
Learn with Razzamataz
Learning never stops at Razzamataz. Whether you’re a student, assistant, team member or teacher, there are plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and confidence. Join us at our CPD Days this November in London and Glasgow, or, if you’re aged 12+, take part in our brand-new Next Steps event in Birmingham in November 2027, designed to inspire and support your future ambitions. Students and alumni can also stay connected through our Encore newsletter community, where you’ll receive the latest news, opportunities and exclusive updates.
Visit: https://mailchi.mp/razzamataz.co.uk/encore
Exciting new incentive scheme to support our franchise partners ‘Build your Asset’ will be launched at our Conference!
Discover Your Razzamataz Franchise Opportunity
Enquire early to secure your place at our next training week and see what makes the Razzamataz network so special. Book your free place on our next Discovery Den: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/discovery-dens/
Next cohort to join our Razzamataz family is week commencing 26th October at our home in The Lake District! Final opportunity to book this is no later than 15th September to secure your place for a January 2027 launch! Change your future!
#Creatingconfidentfurures for 26 years.
