Kumon franchisee Shilpa Shetty has a sleepy child to thank for her new career. 

“I wanted to take my young son to Kumon, and the nearest centre was a 25-minute drive from home. We had a 6pm appointment and of course, he fell asleep on the way home and missed dinner.

“That got me thinking – why isn’t there a Kumon centre closer to me? Then I thought, why shouldn’t I do this? I could change my career. That’s how it all began.”

Shilpa acted on her instincts, and her passion for education, attending an information session held by Kumon.

“I felt immediately it was for me. I wanted to work with kids and give it a go, I knew I could do it. It wasn’t a big set-up fee either, so I could manage this quite easily.”

Shilpa had worked in the marketing and research industry, and held similar roles in universities and other educational establishments. But for years she had dreamed of opening her own business. 

“I was ready to start something new, to grow something from nothing and build a team. I wanted to see the rewards of my hard work,” she says.

Brilliant support from Kumon made career change a cinch

What Shilpa lacked however was any understanding of how to run a business.

“I knew nothing about Kumon or how to run it. I wanted them to show me how to do everything, from the basics to public relations and marketing. I’d never run a business before. I didn’t know what I needed to set up.”

The experienced Kumon team eased her through the career shift to business owner.

In the process Shilpa discovered a franchise heavily committed to supporting its franchisees.

“I had questions about anything and everything and the staff have been awesome. They answer everything and help you through the process.

“I thought it [the support] would end after 12 months but three years on, I’m still asking questions and still getting help.”

Shilpa knows her customer service skills are second to none. However she admits to seeking ongoing support and advice on operational issues.

“I always have questions – I want to know how to improve my business, how I can change things to achieve better results.”

Their responses to questions are both timely, and insightful, she says

Passion helps build an award-winning business

Shilpa has progressed from working solo to building and managing a team of 15.

Shilpa’s passion for the role and her eagerness to learn has delivered plenty of benefits, including industry awards in Australia and Asia/Oceania.

“I’ve also had amazing opportunities. I was able to visit the best centre in New Zealand, in Auckland, and learn from the franchisee as a mentor. Kumon has really helped me grow.

“And there’s another opportunity in March; I’m one of three Queensland franchisees spending three days with a top Melbourne franchisee. It will be quite informative and in-depth, and it’s all paid for by the franchisor.”

Shilpa’s passion for her business shines through; she relishes the opportunity to help children improve their English and maths.

“There is such an amazing sense of satisfaction when you see students who were struggling getting to work on more advanced material.”

It’s a win-win that the Kumon franchise gives her a good worklife balance too, Shilpa says.

She is now directing her own future but it’s the children’s achievements that make it so worthwhile.

“I’m so glad I made the career switch – now I am able to build on my hard work. I’m very committed to this and seeing so many students succeed is wonderful.”