Want to know what it is like to be part of the Razzamataz family? Take a peak inside a day in the life of two of our Principals.
Matthew Aitchison, Principal of Razzamataz West Cumbria
Morning routine
My day normally starts around 7am when I get up and take my one-year-old cockapoo Chester out for a walk with my partner Matt. This helps to blow away the cobwebs and I can start the day feeling fresh and motivated. My working day starts about 7:45am where I go through my emails and create my to do list for the day. This is really important because I’m currently running Razzamataz with another job as well as supporting my partner with his own business too. But we’re both young and I’m lucky to have the flexibility with Razz that it can really fit around our lives, this is the beauty of running your own business.
Work life
The working day can really vary, which is what keeps me on my toes and the working day exciting. I can be tuning in to one of Razzamataz’s online training webinars with other franchisees or planning events such as public performances, award ceremonies as well as the day to day admin tasks. There literally isn’t anything I don’t like doing. What’s really important for me is working closely with my amazing team of teachers, which is really important especially when working on larger projects such as performing at Her Majesty’s Theatre and Disneyland Paris. I’ve just finished working on my own home office, which is now somewhere I can work and get the creative juices flowing. I use my lunch break to get out for a walk and catch up on more emails, which is really valuable to connect with my current parents and prospective parents.
Early evening
Evening’s go by so quickly. I normally head out for a walk with Chester and Matt before making tea together. We then both sit down and do some work together, which is great as I have someone as a bit of a sounding board.
Wind down
I normally switch off about 8pm, so I can chill and watch a little TV as a family before heading to bed about 10pm. Family is incredibly important to me and I am really lucky that I am able to spend time at home with my partner and Chester in the evenings and use the time we have to make precious memories and start planning our future as a family. We both work a lot and long hours but it’s so worth it and the flexibility we have allows us to do the things we want.
Pam Dixon, Principal of Razzamataz Dumfries
Morning routine
Three mornings a week I start my day at 6am with Ashtanga Yoga, which sets me up for the day. As well as running Razzamataz, which I have done for the last ten years, I’m also a very busy granny to my five grandchildren and mum to my three daughters. Taking the time in the mornings to do something just for me is a luxury and keeps me fit and ready to take on the challenges of each day. When I get home, I shower and have breakfast and go through my Razzamataz emails and keep on top of any outstanding work for at least an hour. I will then spend time doing some housework and shopping and all the normal things that need to be done in a home.
Work life
I combine being the Principal of Razzamataz with looking after my grandson Freddy and will collect him from school four days a week for my daughter Charlotte who works at Razzamataz Head Office. I will make his tea and help with his homework or reading. I often meet my two other daughters and four other grandchildren once a week for a McDonald’s treat or somewhere similar. During the day, I will catch up with my Razzamataz work and even though I’ve been running the school a long time, there is always something new to learn whether that is discussing Google adwords or something on social media. I also like to brainstorm ideas with Charlotte at least once a week so we often go out for a coffee and plan in exciting opportunities for the students.
Early evening
Freddy will be collected around six and I start to prepare dinner for myself and my husband who usually gets home between six and seven. It’s lovely to be able to sit down to dinner together and catch up on our day.
Wind down
I like to watch TV to relax while I knit and crochet; I find it hard just sitting and doing nothing. I’m usually in bed by 11pm because my husband gets up at 5.30am every day.
