Denise Gosney, the founder of Razzamataz, a performing arts school franchise, has shared her remarkable journey from a childhood of financial struggle to building a successful company worth £1.5m.
Denise, now 51, grew up in a two-bedroom council flat with her parents and three siblings in a small town near Glasgow. Money was tight and the family didn’t have much, but Denise remembers her childhood as a happy one.
Despite being shy and often feeling out of place at school, Denise found her passion in dance and performing arts. She pursued this passion and eventually became a successful dancer, performing on cruise ships, in pantomimes, and on the West End.
At the age of 27, Denise took a risk and used £200 to start Razzamataz, with the goal of providing the same opportunities she had to other children. She initially traveled to different locations in Scotland to teach classes, but soon realized the potential for franchising.
Six years later, Denise appeared on Dragons’ Den and secured a £50,000 investment from Duncan Bannatyne for a 25% stake in her business. With the help of the investment and the PR from the show, Razzamataz gained recognition and success.
However, Denise’s personal life was not without challenges. In the same year she appeared on Dragons’ Den, she had two miscarriages and became pregnant with her first son. She also underwent IVF and ICSI treatments, eventually giving birth to her second son.
Years later, her youngest son was diagnosed with type one diabetes and her eldest son required multiple surgeries. Despite these difficult times, Denise persevered and was motivated by her desire to provide for her children and not return to the financial struggle she experienced in her own childhood.
Denise also shares the lessons she learned from her biggest mistake in business – attempting to start a hair and beauty salon without enough knowledge or research. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to do their research, keep overhead costs low in the beginning, and have a true passion for their business.
Denise’s story is a testament to hard work, determination, and the power of passion. She reminds us that success is not handed to us on a plate, but earned through perseverance and dedication.
