From Kitchen Table to Franchise: Liz Wahl on Scaling a Solopreneur's Legacy

What happens when a solopreneur's kitchen-table business turns into a national franchise — run by her own daughter?

Liz Wahl is president of Young Rembrandts, an after-school drawing franchise that started in 1988 when her mother, a fine arts major with no interest in becoming a business owner, began teaching a handful of neighborhood kids in their living room. Liz grew up watching that grassroots hustle turn into something bigger, stepped in as a teacher after graduating college into the tough 2008 job market, and eventually took the reins of the organization her mother built almost by accident.

In this episode, Liz talks about what she looks for in franchisees (hint: it's not art experience — it's passion and timing), the "analysis paralysis" she sees derail so many aspiring entrepreneurs before they ever launch, and why she believes solopreneurs need to fully commit to their entrepreneurial journey rather than keeping one foot in a full-time job. She also shares the lesson her mother taught her about inner growth preceding business growth, why she deliberately schedules downtime to stay present for both her staff and her two young kids, and her advice for finding — and holding onto — your "why" when the day-to-day realities of running a business aren't sunshine and rainbows.

Bio

Lizi Wahl is the President of Young Rembrandts, an international children’s art education franchise dedicated to helping kids build confidence and creativity through drawing. With nearly two decades of experience in franchising, marketing, operations, and brand development, Lizi is passionate about helping families, educators, and entrepreneurs create meaningful impact through art and business.I would love to share my journey through leadership, creativity, community, and carrying forward the legacy of a mission-driven brand — while balancing motherhood, business ownership, and the evolving future of franchising.

Website

http://www.youngrembrandtsfranchise.com

Social Media Links

https://www.instagram.com/lw886

https://www.instagram.com/youngrembrandts

https://facebook.com/youngrembrandts1