Instead of Spending $100K on College, This Entrepreneur Took Out a Loan to Open Her Own Business | Entrepreneur (2024)

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Franchise Players is Entrepreneur's Q&A interview column that puts the spotlight on franchisees. If you're a franchisee with advice and tips to share, email ktaylor@entrepreneur.com.

When Shannon Lelli realized how much a college degree would cost her, she decided that there was a better way to spend the money – and receive an education in entrepreneurship. A decade before Peter Thiel was paying young entrepreneurs to drop out of college, Lelli took out a loan for $100,000 and opened her own Planet Smoothie. Here's what she's learned from forgoing school for an education on the job after 12 years in the business.

Name: Shannon Lelli

Franchise owned: Planet Smoothie in Doylestown, Pa.

How long have you owned a franchise?

I opened my Planet Smoothie store 12 years ago, when I was just 24 years old!

Why franchising?

I was getting ready to attend a private university. However, when I realized how much my degree would cost, I thought "what else can I do with that money?" So, I chose a business loan instead of a college loan.

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What were you doing before you became a franchise owner?

I was working in my family's upholstery business while trying to find a location for my Planet Smoothie franchise.

Why did you choose this particular franchise?

I decided to buy a franchise at the age of 22, so I was looking for a business that was affordable. I looked at all franchises within my budget, which was $100,000: approximately what college was going to cost.

Aside from the cost, I have struggled with my weight all of my life, and I knew I wanted to open a business that could provide a healthy fast food alternative. Planet Smoothie was the perfect fit because their smoothies provide healthy nutrients from whole foods and can serve as meal replacements. When you find a business like Planet Smoothie that aligns with both your personal and financial goals, coupled with believing in the people and the product – I thought, "It doesn't get any better than this!"

How much would you estimate you spent before you were officially open for business?

Twelve years ago, it cost about $120,000 to open my first Planet Smoothie store. Costs included a franchise fee of $20,000; $35,000 for build out; and $50,000 for equipment.

Where did you get most of your advice/do most of your research?

I visited some Planet Smoothie stores and called every Planet Smoothie owner to get feedback and advice. The franchise team at Planet Smoothie was very helpful. They encouraged me to call franchisees to learn firsthand what the days would be like as an owner of a smoothie store.

I also couldn't have done this without my parents! They both own businesses, so they encouraged my entrepreneurial spirit, gave me the loan to open my store (which I'm proud to say I have paid back), and continue to give me valuable business advice.

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What were the most unexpected challenges of opening your franchise?

I reminded myself that in this new venture, I should take one day at a time. Because I was only 24 when I opened my store, my employees weren't much younger than me, so it was hard to be the boss and not just a friend. I quickly learned my strengths and weaknesses. I also learned to pay people to do what they do best, so I can do what I do best!

What advice do you have for individuals who want to own their own franchise?

Do it. Life is short. Dream big and don't settle for a mediocre life or a mediocre job. Planet Smoothie has allowed me to achieve my dream of being a stay-at-home mom and running my own business that provides for my family. It's a dream come true!

What's next for you and your business?

I still take things one day at a time. Planet Smoothie has products that all offer a healthy way of living and owning a store is a great reminder to take care of myself. Since opening my store, I have had four kids, lost 60 pounds and am in the best shape of my life. Planet Smoothie has allowed me opportunities to really be a part of my community. I'm at the finish line of every 5k race with Planet Smoothie samples, and I sponsor fitness programs at local elementary schools. I plan to continue reaching out to my community and encouraging people to make healthy choices. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but if I can help one person choose a healthy life, I've done my job.

Related: Why This Multi-Talented Couple Opened a Nursing Franchise

Instead of Spending $100K on College, This Entrepreneur Took Out a Loan to Open Her Own Business | Entrepreneur (2024)

FAQs

What are three ways an entrepreneur would raise funds for start up costs? ›

By having a solid business plan, networking and building relationships with potential investors, participating in startup events and competitions, and exploring alternative funding options, you can increase your chances of securing the funding you need to bring your idea to life.

What type of financing is the amount of money needed to open the business? ›

start-up financing is money needed to pay current operating costs of the business. one of the main reasons that businesses started by entrepreneurs fail is inadequate capital.

What is called when owners will use their own money savings to fund their business? ›

To bootstrap, an owner needs to decide where resources will come from and what options of bootstrapping they want to pursue. For example, the owner may decide to use their: Own cash.

Is college worth it if you want to be an entrepreneur? ›

If you want to learn to run a business, you can do it without earning a degree, but unless you already have a lot of experience or you have natural talent and ability, it may take you a lot longer.

How do entrepreneurs get funding for their business? ›

Startups can get funding in different ways, including business loans, personal savings, friends and family, venture capital and startup grants.

How do entrepreneurs get the money to start their businesses? ›

Entrepreneurs obtain funding for their ventures from different places. They often use their own money when first starting out. Family and friends may help with some financing in the early years of a business. Then, they may take on partners who are well capitalized and can help support the business financially.

What is the best source of finance for a small business? ›

In fact, a bank loan or business credit card is often the first option that comes to mind when seeking finance. Advantages: Business finance from a bank is usually provided at a relatively low interest rate. You don't have to look far to find a bank that offers business finance.

What are the two main types of funding? ›

There are two types of financing available to a company when it needs to raise capital: equity financing and debt financing. Debt financing involves the borrowing of money whereas equity financing involves selling a portion of equity in the company.

What is the most common form of financing for a small business? ›

Some of the most common sources of small-business financing include banks, credit unions and online lenders. Grants are also available from sources like nonprofits, government agencies and private corporations. Investors or crowdfunding platforms can offer equity financing.

What are two sources of funding for businesses? ›

Debt and equity are the two major sources of financing. Government grants to finance certain aspects of a business may be an option.

What are the disadvantages of self financing? ›

Disadvantages of self-financing your business:

You may not have enough money left over to cover your living costs. You should try to leave a contingency fund, in case you need extra money to see you through a difficult period. If your business were to fail, you could lose your home and other personal possessions.

What is the name for a type of fund that allows your money to be professionally invested into diverse stock holdings? ›

Mutual funds are a popular way to invest in securities. Because mutual funds can offer built-in diversification and professional management, they offer certain advantages over purchasing individual stocks and bonds.

What degree do most entrepreneurs have? ›

Business. A business degree is an obvious choice for most entrepreneurs. It offers a curriculum that provides a foundation of business knowledge and career insights. These tenants lead toward a meaningful career as an entrepreneur.

Who is the most successful without a degree? ›

As proof, entrepreneurs such as Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, the late Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, are among the world's wealthiest people without a formal education. All of them left school early.

Is it ok to not want to be an entrepreneur? ›

But there are just as many justifiable reasons that people choose not to. Entrepreneur itself reports that building your own business can be more lonely, unsure, expensive, and time-consuming than the alternative.

What are the three ways to fund a startup? ›

Ans. Bootstrapping, equity crowdfunding, angel investors, accelerators, venture capitalists, etc., can be used to fund a startup. These funding options could be used for all types and forms of startups.

What are 3 ways to value a startup? ›

The various methods through which the value of a startup is determined include the Berkus approach, cost-to-duplicate approach, future valuation method, the market multiple approach, the risk factor summation approach, and discounted cash flow (DCF) method.

What are the three ways firms can raise the funding needed? ›

Firms can raise the financial capital they need to pay for such projects in four main ways: (1) from early-stage investors; (2) by reinvesting profits; (3) by borrowing through banks or bonds; and (4) by selling stock. When business owners choose financial capital sources, they also choose how to pay for them.

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