After several years of experience as an employee in multinationals, Maria wanted to open her own business, in an attempt to turn an older dream into reality. But after spending some time documenting and gathering information, he realized that no matter how much you want to achieve a certain thing, lack of experience is a serious impediment that can prevent you from achieving your goals.

Determination of contractor

However, Maria was not discouraged and did not give up the idea of having a business. After reassessing her options, she decided to take the first step in entrepreneurship with the help of a franchise.

"We thought that a franchise would be the solution to be able to open a business faster and more efficiently, using the knowledge and experience acquired over the years by the founders of the brand, as well as the experience of other franchisees in the network."

From the moment she made this decision, Maria searched for the concept that resonated best with her. Among the existing options, she decided on the 5 to go cafes, a business with which she was somewhat familiar.

"In recent years, 5 to go has become an increasingly visible brand, both in terms of image and in terms of expanding the franchise network. Being a 5 to go customer myself, the decision was not too complicated. I knew the products and the concept, and in addition, I had the advantage of having someone in my circle of friends who had already accessed this franchise before. Because of this, the steps I had to follow were relatively well known to me."

Resources and support

This new beginning brought with it new challenges, both professionally and personally. From the moment she entered the 5 to go franchise, Maria went through a process of learning, development and knowledge, necessary to get into the rhythm and make things work harmoniously.

"That's how I realized that I made the best decision, that of accessing a franchise, instead of starting on my own. I had support and encouragement, both from the district manager and from other members of different departments, for any aspect I needed. Another advantage, which I realized after joining the franchise, is that there are hardly any situations or challenges that only you encounter and that another franchisee has not faced before. You always have someone to turn to for advice, there is always someone who has been through these moments and who, now, can help you."

An inspired decision

Maria easily integrated into the 5 to go community, which she found friendly and open. The internal communication between the franchisees has helped her in many moments, especially because this community includes entrepreneurs from different areas of the country, with different previous professional experiences.

"Leaving from corporations, adapting to the 5 to go business was quite easy for me. I think that certain qualities acquired along the way and previous experiences made me realize that the life of an entrepreneur would be more suitable for me. In the given situation, it was the 5 to go business that helped me understand that it suits me and that I made a good choice."

Special moments

Opening the cafe had a significant impact in the community, something that Maria wanted from the beginning, when she made the decision to become an entrepreneur. Bringing closer a range of products known and desired by the people around him, Maria and his cafe became part of their daily routine, which led to the creation of a strong bond.

"The most pleasant memory was the moment when we decorated the cafe during the winter holidays, together with some clients, who became our friends in the meantime. The moment was all the more special, given the fact that, for them, decorating the tree was a new element, both coming from culturally and religiously different countries from Romania."