Registered nurse Dianne Garcia (Dee, pictured above left) is one of Soul Origin’s newest franchisees, celebrating just six weeks in business ownership with the healthy QSR chain.

Dee and her husband Shaun jointly own the Oran Park Soul Origin, a brand new site in a booming location southwest of Sydney.

“We are lucky; this is just 20 minutes from home. We are familiar with the area and I couldn’t have asked for a better location. And after six weeks things are running smoothly!” Dee says.

Heading up a hospitality business is quite a leap from her 13-year career in nursing. “It was very intense and I loved it,” she says.

The journey to Soul Origin

Dee found her skills were tested during Covid when she needed to find alternative self-care options for children, youths and parents. She emphasised the importance of eating and sleeping well for good mental health.

And healthy eating has become the common ingredient in Dee’s recipe for success.

The Garcias had money put aside to invest in property, however Shaun suggested franchising as an alternative investment option. He researched hospitality businesses, including bubble tea and cafe brands, but nothing resonated with Dee.

However, when Soul Origin came up as an option it immediately struck a chord.

“When I was nursing I often went there for lunch and I loved the healthy food. On the nutritional side, I am 100 per cent in! In terms of educating consumers and clients, I was making the shift from the health industry to the healthy food industry,” says Dee.

She had run her private practice in mental health for two years, so was familiar with the demands of owning a business.

“I did everything on my own so operationally my skills were transferable,” she says.

Soul Origin franchise partner training and support

When Dee realised the support on offer at Soul Origin, she was thrilled.

The recruitment and comprehensive six-week training process with the Soul Origin team was an impressive start.

“When we started the six weeks of training, it seemed so much, but it is so worth it! it’s allowed me to support the team and not just run the store. So when it’s busy I can be the barista; I can take on any front or back of house roles.”

Training covers everything, including management workshops at the Sydney head office on managing finances, HR, and Fair Work. Dedicated coaches are allocated for specific business elements, such as food and retail.

This is followed by in-store training at an existing Soul Origin, where new franchise partners learn from experienced operators.

Franchise support

“The training is very structured and we knew ahead what we would be training on which day,” says Dee.

“After the training, I realised Soul Origin is so much more than the food. The whole team behind the scenes works hard, nurturing our business, giving us the best chance to succeed.”

It’s the nurturing that cemented Dee’s decision that this was the right brand to invest in.

“It was so much more than I’d expected. Soul Origin was with us from open to close for the first five days in our store. It was quite incredible.

“I would recommend Soul Origin based on the level of support they provide.

“They prepared me for when they would step away too so I could run this by myself. Our area coach Sophie provided a lot of in-house support,” says Dee.

“Initially I was hard on myself. I had been a sole practitioner accountable for everything. The Soul Origin support team reminded me there are people to share the load.”

Soul Origin growth mindset

While Dee is happily immersed in both day-to-day operations and business strategy, she hadn’t expected to be so hands-on.

“I didn’t think I’d be as involved as I am now because our 20-year-old daughter Kayla planned to run the operations. However, we all decided it would be less stressful initially for me to lead the day-to-day business. So I put my practice aside and I’m 110 per cent focused on this.”

It’s become quite a family affair. Dee and Shaun’s 16-year-old son is rostered on weekend shifts, and Kayla is a crucial part of the operations team.

“Shaun is heavily involved in the business plan whilst he works full time,” says Dee.

“I am quite realistic – I knew it would be challenging. I’ve only had one day off since we opened but I know it will get easier.

“I’ve got quite a strong growth mindset so I am setting boundaries and rest days for myself. I also don’t think of mistakes as a failure but an opportunity to reflect on how to do better.

“We are babies in this franchise. The Soul Origin team, support and head office help us walk, run, and then drive.

“Our gains are not just celebrated by us; head office recognises the achievements too. The brand is progressive in operations, product development and the new brand identity. I love that about Soul Origin.

“It’s very fast-paced, we are constantly problem-solving, but I’m not doing it alone. I love it. I absolutely want to do more,” says Dee.

Pictured above: Dee, left, and daughter Kayla, right, with Emma, one of Soul Origin’s coaches.