Razzamataz | How to Scale a Theatre School Business with Family and Trusted Teams

May 12, 2026 // FranchisePR.com // For many people, starting a business is a leap into the unknown. For Jessie Chandler, it was the beginning of a journey that would grow far beyond what she first imagined. Nearly ten years on, her story is not just one of personal success, but of creating opportunities for others, building communities, and proving what’s possible with the right mindset and support from Razzamataz Theatre Schools.

A Natural Drive to Grow
Jessie has always been someone who thrives on new challenges as she explains: “My personality is to grow and expand. In previous jobs, I’ve left because I get bored. I get itchy feet to do something new. But the amazing thing with Razzamataz is that there is always something new, whether that’s incredible performance opportunities for students or expanding your own business.”

With a background in performing arts and a passion for creating safe, inspiring spaces for young people, Jessie opened her first school, Razzamataz Brentwood, in 2017. What followed was a carefully considered, and later, organic expansion journey that continues to evolve.

Spotting Opportunity and Taking It
Jessie’s first expansion came quickly. Within a year, she opened Razzamataz Hornchurch and added a midweek school in Brentwood. “This was a very intentional expansion,” she says. “I could see the demand and felt I had the capacity to grow.”

But not all growth is planned and in business, it is important to adapt to the situation you find yourself in.

During the Covid pandemic, Jessie faced a challenge when she couldn’t return to her original venue. This led to a move to Romford and an unexpected turning point. Her sister, Fliss, stepped in to help.

“She started as a volunteer and loved it. At the same time, she was feeling disheartened in her corporate job, so we made a plan together.”

That decision didn’t just solve a short-term problem, it created a long-term business partnership. The Romford school flourished, enabling further growth across Brentwood and Hornchurch.

Growing People, Not Just Businesses
For Jessie, expansion has never just been about opening new locations. It’s about developing people and she started with those closest to her.

In 2021, she opened Razzamataz Thurrock with Kasey, a former teaching assistant who had shown exceptional ambition and commitment.

“I could tell Kasey had something special,” Jessie says. “She invested her own time in learning the business, and I’m always willing to invest in people who want to grow.”

That investment paid off. Kasey is now stepping into her own entrepreneurial journey, opening Razzamataz Harlow alongside another team member.

Jessie has repeated this approach across her network, bringing others into leadership roles and supporting them to succeed.

“It’s lovely to bring people on your journey. Not everyone wants to run a business alone, but partnering up gives you support and complementary skills.”

Building a Family Business
Jessie’s expansion story is also deeply rooted in family and developing their skills so they can fulfil their own ambitions. Her sister-in-law Paige joined on day one as a teaching assistant and later became part of a growing leadership team. Together, Jessie, Fliss and Paige now oversee multiple schools across Essex, including Billericay, Chelmsford, Maldon, and a new location in Danbury.

Taking things even further, Jessie expanded internationally, becoming the master franchisee for the Republic of Ireland alongside her husband.

“We make a great team,” she explains. “I’m quite impatient and like to go for things, while he’s more risk-aware and analytical. We balance each other out perfectly.”

Leading with Confidence
A key part of Jessie’s success is her mindset and being part of a franchise network that supports the growth that every franchisee is looking for. “I don’t have the personality where I worry. If I want to do something, I go for it. In business, you win and you lose, but you can’t beat yourself up if something doesn’t work out.”

This confidence doesn’t just drive her decisions, it inspires those around her as she explains: “I think having that attitude gives others confidence too. I’m really proud that people around me are now starting their own businesses and that the Razzamataz structure is supporting them in their own journey.”

Growth Tips
Jessie’s journey hasn’t been without lessons. Over time, she’s developed a clear framework for successful expansion, one she now shares with others in the network. These are some of the tips she has developed over the years.

• Avoid micromanaging. Trust your team. Empower them to lead their own schools and build their own relationships.
• Be clear from day one. Define roles and responsibilities early to avoid confusion later.
• Communicate openly. Have honest conversations about workload, expectations, and timelines.
• Put everything in writing. A clear contract ensures everyone understands their responsibilities.
• Respect the time it takes. Tasks like answering emails or messages can take hours, not minutes, plan accordingly.
• Create a supportive culture. Encourage openness so team members feel comfortable sharing challenges and ideas.
• Delegate effectively. Giving responsibility to others not only supports growth, it develops future leaders. I struggled with this but I’m learning to let go.
• Let new Principals lead. When opening a new school, the Principal must build their own relationships with students and families. This ensures both the new and existing schools thrive.

A Network Built for Growth
Jessie’s story highlights one of the most powerful aspects of Razzamataz, it’s a business that grows with you. Whether you’re looking to run a single school or build a multi-territory network, the opportunity is there. With ongoing support, proven systems, and a strong community, franchisees are empowered to expand in a way that suits their ambitions.

Could This Be Your Next Step?
For those considering joining Razzamataz, Jessie’s journey offers both inspiration and reassurance. You’t need to have everything figured out from day one; the team will be there to support you.

And for existing Principals, her story is a reminder that growth doesn’t have to stop at one location. With the right mindset, support, and strategy, expansion can open doors not just for you, but for everyone around you as Jess says: “Razzamataz has given me so much. If one thing’s work out, I don’t worry because there’s always another opportunity ahead.”

Looking to Build a Business in the Arts? If you’re curious to learn more about the Razzamataz journey, information can be obtained through official channels.

SOURCE Razzamataz