From Spin Studio to Franchise Success: How Stacie Shannon is Making Business Ownership Possible for Everyday Entrepreneurs

Why the IFA World Franchise Show can be your perfect starting point…

When Stacie Shannon opened her first business (a boutique spin studio she built from the ground up) she had no idea it would be the spark that ignited a lifelong passion. Though her brand, Burst Cycle, was never franchised, the process of building it led her down a path she now believes she was always meant to walk: helping others start businesses of their own.

Stacie had always envisioned turning her spin studio into a franchise. She dove deep into learning every detail about the franchising world; absorbing everything from operational systems to brand replication. Although she ultimately decided not to franchise her studio, the process ignited a deep passion that would shape the next chapter of her career. 

That passion inspired Stacie to leave her corporate career behind in 2018 and bet on herself. She then launched her franchise consulting business, Fusion Franchising. Since then, she’s been helping aspiring entrepreneurs across the country navigate the process of franchise ownership, providing guidance, support, and insight every step of the way. 

Today, she’s a Top 100 Franchise Influencer, a podcast host of The Franchise Life, and a trusted coach to hundreds of people ready to step into business ownership for the first time. When it comes to the franchising insights she shared with us for this article, they’re invaluable. 

From Corporate Career to A True Calling: Taking The Leap

For Stacie, entrepreneurship runs deep. Her grandfather and father were both business owners, and that mindset of independence and drive was instilled in her from a young age. Still, she began her professional life in the corporate world. However, Stacie’s unique perspective actually led her to view her nine to five background as a major asset in the entrepreneurial space.

Many of her clients are professionals who’ve spent years climbing the corporate ladder and investing into their career paths; but Stacie went on to explain, “What they don’t always realize is that their leadership experience, strategic thinking, and integrity make them ideal candidates for franchise ownership.”

The aspiring entrepreneurs she works with have all kinds of motivations and goals; some come to her with a dream of leaving their nine to five job. Others are looking to build a side business, diversify income, or even bounce back after being downsized. Regardless of where they’re starting, Stacie sees herself in every one of them.

Stacie expressed feeling a sense of relatability with her clients, because at one point she was in their position, “I know what it’s like to want something more, but not know exactly how to get there.”

Overcoming the Biggest Hurtle: The Fear Factor and Why You Should Ignore It

According to Stacie, the biggest roadblock for new franchisees isn’t funding, support, motivation, or even experience; it’s fear.

Through her work, Stacie meets people who are hesitant to walk away from what they see as a “secure” job. But she challenges that mindset, gently reminding clients that the safety net of a corporate paycheck is, in many ways, an illusion.

“You can be let go at any time, for any reason. That’s not true security,” she says. “Real security comes from building something of your own. When you own a business, you own your future.”

That doesn’t mean franchising is without challenges, but the fear isn’t necessary. Unlike starting a business from scratch, franchisees have a clear roadmap to follow which literally sets them up for success! The brand always provides a proven system, initial training, ongoing support, and even help with things like marketing and real estate selection. 

Stacie emphasizes that success is less about having the “perfect idea” and more about following the blueprint and roadmap established for your brand. You’ll be supported to succeed…you just have to capitalize on it. Franchise success, Stacie emphasizes, comes down to consistency and commitment! Franchisees must be willing to see the big picture, and trust the process as they navigate the journey. 

The most successful franchisees are the ones who follow the brand’s model, lean on support when they need it, and stay the course—even through the inevitable peaks and valleys of opening a new location. While the first year often involves a learning curve and some trial and error, momentum typically builds by year two, and by the third year, many owners are thriving and have hit their stride.

Franchise Your Passion: Franchising Isn’t Just Fast Food Anymore

One of the most common misconceptions Stacie works to dispel is that franchising is limited to food and retail. In reality, the options are vast, can be based on the franchisee’s specific interests and are constantly evolving.

Since the pandemic, there’s been a noticeable shift toward home-based businesses, wellness and medical brands, and recession-resistant models. Whether someone is passionate about fitness, education, pets, home services, or tech, there’s likely a franchise out there that fits their interests, lifestyle, and goals.

That’s why Stacie takes a highly personalized approach to helping clients. She starts by getting to know their professional experience, personal values, lifestyle needs, and investment comfort. Then, she guides them through a discovery process that feels more like a mentorship than any kind of sales pitch.

“It’s incredibly individualistic,” she says. “Some people want something hands-on. Others want to build a team and step back. Some prefer a model with minimal employees. Others want to be part of something grander. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and that’s what makes it so exciting.”

Inspiration Starts with Exploration at The IFA World Franchise Show

Stacie often reminds people that exploring franchise ownership doesn’t mean committing on the spot. In fact, most people are surprised to learn how much guidance they can receive; the process is extremely educational once an individual decides they want to invest.

Most people don’t have it all figured out at the start, which is okay…luckily, exploring franchising begins with simply asking questions and learning what’s possible.

For many, that first step begins at the IFA World Franchise Show—an annual event in Miami Beach where top franchisors and service providers gather to connect with aspiring business owners. For Stacie, the show is a gamechanger.

It’s like walking into a world of opportunity where you can meet with brands face-to-face, hear from industry experts, and begin to envision what this life could look like for you. It makes the dream feel real and tangible for those looking to make their next (or first) big business move, and it is. 

No Cost. No Pressure. Just Possibility. Franchising Today.

Perhaps the most surprising part of working with Stacie is this: her services don’t cost a penny which means clients can explore their options, receive expert guidance, and make informed decisions without spending anything upfront.

There’s nothing to lose by exploring the exciting world of franchising, but there could be everything to gain.

Whether you’re a recent retiree, a corporate executive, a veteran, or someone simply searching for more freedom and fulfillment out of their career, franchising could be your path to a new beginning. With people like Stacie Shannon guiding the way and opportunities like the IFA World Franchise Show lighting the path, you might just find that business ownership is not only possible, but perfectly within reach.

We’ll See You In Miami Beach

If you're ready to explore what franchising could look like for you, don’t miss the chance to connect with Stacie Shannon in person at the IFA World Franchise Show on May 9-10th at the Miami Beach Convention Center, an incredible opportunity to ask questions, gain insights, and discover the franchise opportunities that align with your goals.

 

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