Did you know you can open a Razzamataz school with someone else? Combining your strengths, sharing the responsibilities and supporting each other along the way can be a great way to build a business that makes a real difference. Just ask Fliss and Lou, whose shared passion for performing arts has brought them together to launch a new Razzamataz school in Canterbury.
When Lou first joined Razzamataz in 2021, she was a 17-year-old drama student looking for a part-time job. Six years later, she has joined forces with experienced Principal Fliss to launch a new Razzamataz school in Canterbury, turning a long-held ambition into reality.
Their story demonstrates how a career with Razzamataz can evolve from working with children in the classroom to building a business, with the support, experience and confidence to take that next step.
Discovering a passion for performing arts
Lou’s journey began when her mum spotted an advert for a part-time role at Razzamataz. She applied and met Fliss and her sister Jess, who run several Razzamataz schools in Essex.
“I was taken on as a social media assistant and classroom assistant and, over the six years I’ve been with Razzamataz, I’ve taken on many roles,” explains Lou. “I was actually very sad that I only found Razzamataz when I was 17, as I would have loved it as a child. My reality was that because I wasn’t one of the strongest dancers or singers, during shows I was often left out, with no or only a tiny role, which was very sad.”
Her experience gave her a personal understanding of why inclusive performing arts opportunities matter and helped shape the kind of school she wanted to create herself.
“When we first met Lou, we instantly loved her energy and warmth and knew she would be a great fit for us,” says Fliss. “We didn’t initially know what role to give her, but when we saw how she interacted with the children, we knew she would be a huge asset.”
Lou also found a sense of belonging at Razzamataz during an exceptionally difficult period in her life, having lost her dad during the pandemic.
“I joined Razzamataz at one of the hardest points in my life, but as soon as I did, I felt I had found my second family,” she says. “I was at Razzamataz on his birthday, the anniversary when we lost him and Father’s Day, and I cannot think of anywhere better to be because it is filled with so much happy, positive energy.”
Turning experience into entrepreneurial ambition
At 18, Lou travelled to Camp America before working on a Disney cruise ship. Both experiences helped her develop resilience, discover more about herself and clarify what she wanted from her future.
When she returned, she reconnected with her Razzamataz family and began considering opening her own performing arts school.
“I always knew I wanted a theatre school but probably assumed I would be older,” says Lou. “When I found Razzamataz, I couldn’t think of anywhere else that could offer the same support as them and, although I was just 22, I felt ready with the support I knew I would get.”
With Fliss’s encouragement, Lou entered the Razzamataz Future Founders competition, which gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to win a school. Although she didn’t win, the experience strengthened her determination to pursue her ambition.
For Fliss, Lou’s response demonstrated the resilience and commitment needed to become a successful business owner.
“The fact that she didn’t win but was still determined to open a Razzamataz showed me how resilient she was,” says Fliss. “I run several schools in Essex and I know that there will be both good and bad bits, and you have to be able to deal with both. She’s been through a lot personally and she brings such warmth and energy that I really trusted that this is something we could do together.”
A partnership built on complementary strengths
The decision to join forces brings together Lou’s enthusiasm, creativity and connection with students and families with Fliss’s experience of running multiple schools.
The pair have divided their responsibilities to make the most of their individual strengths. Lou will be the face of the Canterbury school, focusing on its students, families and community, while Fliss will take the lead on operational systems and business processes.
Their relationship is founded on trust, with both recognising the importance of having someone to share the challenges and successes of running a business.
“I don’t need to micromanage Lou as I trust her to put 100% into everything she does,” explains Fliss. “Yes, some things may not work out, but we are both lucky to have a solid business relationship and friendship that means we can be honest with each other without taking offence.”
Being part of the wider Razzamataz network is another important element of their partnership. Alongside their connections with the Essex Principals, they can draw on the experience of fellow franchisees across the country, share ideas and learn from others who understand the realities of running a school. This sense of community can be particularly valuable for entrepreneurs who might otherwise feel isolated when building their own business.
Training and support to build a successful school
Before opening in Canterbury, both Lou and Fliss attended Razzamataz Principal training, giving them the opportunity to revisit the fundamentals of running a school and develop a broader understanding of the business.
For Lou, who already had extensive experience of Razzamataz from the classroom and teaching side, the training helped her understand how all the different elements fit together.
“Training was so insightful,” she explains. “I went in thinking I knew quite a lot, but it was only from the teaching side, so I was able to piece everything together and look at the bigger picture. It was really great to get this level of detail.”
The experience was equally valuable for Fliss, despite her years of experience as a Principal.
“Even though I’ve been running several large schools in Essex for several years, reconnecting with the fundamentals is so valuable,” she says. “It was also lovely to meet the new Principals and form relationships with them too.”
The combination of structured training, practical experience and ongoing peer support has helped the pair prepare for the next stage of their journey, giving them the confidence to build a business together while benefiting from the knowledge of an established franchise network.
Creating an inclusive community in Canterbury
For Lou and Fliss, success will be measured by much more than the number of students attending classes. Their priority is to create a nurturing environment where children feel they belong, families feel supported and every student has an equal opportunity to perform on stage.
“We’ve already got a beautiful community,” says Lou. “I love to chat to the parents at the door. They tell me about their lives and what is happening for their children at school. It’s ultimately about creating somewhere that students find their belonging and we celebrate every child to build their self-esteem.”
Inclusivity is particularly important to Lou, whose own childhood experiences have influenced her approach to performance opportunities. She is determined to ensure that every student has a meaningful role, regardless of their existing ability.
“We really don’t care how high you can kick your leg,” she explains. “Everyone will get the chance to perform and find the role that best suits them. We are about being completely inclusive to all.”
The school will also help children develop valuable life skills, including communication, teamwork, resilience and the confidence to speak up for themselves.
Fliss understands first-hand how important these skills can be, having experienced bullying when she was younger.
“I was bullied a lot when I was younger and I didn’t speak up about it for a long time because I just didn’t have the skills to do it,” she says. “We want to make sure all our children can advocate for themselves and have the self-esteem to speak out when needed.”
She adds that the school’s values are to “radiate positivity, respect and resilience”, creating a place where children can have fun, express themselves and feel confident that they will be treated with respect.
Building local connections and future opportunities
Although the Canterbury school has only recently opened, Lou and Fliss are already establishing connections within the local community and creating opportunities for students to perform beyond the classroom.
Plans include a Halloween workshop, performing at the Canterbury Christmas lights switch-on and opportunities at Whitstable Castle. The team is also exploring future projects, including Herne Bay Pride, alongside discussions with charities in Kent that support underprivileged families. Lou has even approached the local mayor, who agreed to officially open the school.
Over time, the pair hope to expand their offering, introducing additional classes and opportunities for different age groups, from Tiny Tots for the youngest children through to classes for children that want to take their training to another level, these opportunities are central to the school’s long-term ambitions.
“The plan is to be recognised as the activity that all parents want to send their children to because they come out with a smile on their face and get to experience a huge wealth of opportunities, from performing in iconic venues in London and Disneyland Paris to within the community,” she says.
Looking ahead to further growth
The Canterbury launch marks an exciting new chapter for both Principals, with ambitions to grow the school and explore opportunities to open further Razzamataz schools across East Kent.
For Fliss, the partnership is also an opportunity to support someone else in pursuing the entrepreneurial ambitions she wishes she had considered earlier in her career.
“I gave my twenties to a corporate job and, although I loved it and got to travel the world, if I had given that energy to build something for myself, who knows where I would be?” she reflects. “I see that driving ambition in Lou, so it’s exciting that we have expansion plans to open further Razzamataz schools in East Kent.”
For Lou, the immediate priority is to build a thriving school where children feel valued, families feel supported and every young person has the confidence to discover what they are capable of.
For aspiring franchisees, the partnership between Fliss and Lou demonstrates how the right support, shared values and a willingness to take the next step can turn an ambition into a business with a meaningful purpose.
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 London in 2028, 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
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