After such an inspiring day at the EWiF Awards, Monica and I sat down to reflect on the day and the overall experience. From the empowering experience to Monica’s incredible wins, the day couldn’t have been better. Here’s what we discussed about the event, its impact and what it means for women in franchising.
Sarah: I still can’t get over how amazing the day was. What a celebration of women in the industry!
Monica: The EWIF awards is one of the best days in the franchising calendar! A day of celebration, catching up with franchise friends, and so much positivity too. How did you find it as your first time attending franchise awards?
Sarah: Attending EWiF for the first time felt incredible. I feel so passionate about inclusive environments where women can thrive. So this event is very close to my heart. It was such a wholesome day, and I have come back with renewed motivation.
How about you? What does this award mean to you personally and professionally?
Monica: Honestly, it means the world to me, and I am feeling on top of the world. Personally, it has given me the confidence to feel awesome and super proud of myself. Professionally, it has definitely made me feel so amazing that I am in an incredible industry surrounded by such amazing people who all support each other where we can!
Sarah: And what do you think awards like EWiF bring to our industry and to women in positions of leadership?
Monica: I think that the EWIF awards and organisation as a whole help drastically in being another voice to display the wonderful industry that is franchising. I also think that for women, it is an incredible place to feel welcomed, supported and empowered.
Sarah: What advice would you give to women in franchising or young women anywhere early in their journey finding the courage to take on a big challenge?
Monica: The same advice that I think we all need to hear sometimes, which is that you CAN do it. No one is going to make you, but once you take those first steps and try you are doing great! You may not get it right the first time, or even the second, it may even take a few times to get it right but as we all know, that is where we grow and find where we need to improve. After all, every day is in fact a school day.
Sarah: It was amazing to see a culmination of franchisors, franchisees and suppliers all in the same room. I felt the energy in the room was electric! So many brilliant women together, incredible stories of overcoming hardship and making it big. I honestly found it to be one of the most encouraging events I have attended so far.
Monica: I completely echo and agree with you there. I love hearing the stories behind the people, and wow, there are some incredible stories and successes that were heard! Incredible women taking on incredible challenges and absolutely smashing it. What an uplifting feeling, and as you say, so encouraging.
Sarah: The highlight for me was how each nominee was given their moment. It wasn’t just about winners- it was about celebrating journeys.
Monica: I love that too; it is such an incredible feat to be a finalist for any award. I love the warm and happy vibes that filled the room all day too. With the added bonus that everyone looked great too!
Attending EWiF reminded us why supporting women is vital and rewarding. Whether you are a franchisor, franchisee or a supplier, no matter where you are on your franchising journey, we highly recommend being a part of EWiF. Here’s to celebrating success and uplifting each other every day!