Why I Built a Franchise, Not a Masterclass or Mentor Program
By Melissa Tash, CEO of Spoiled Rotten Photography

I recently attended a photography workshop – the first one I’ve been to in years. After so much time focused on growing our franchise brand, it felt like a return to my roots to be surrounded by fellow creatives who love photography and understand the unique challenges of the volume photography business. It was refreshing and energizing – like coming home.

It also reminded me of something important: I live in two very different worlds.

Franchising and photography are not the same. Running a franchise means building scalable systems, thinking long-term, and focusing on how to help others succeed – not just in photography, but in business and in life. But to do it well, you have to stay deeply connected to the industry you franchised in. For me, that’s photography – and being around “my people” again was a joy.

At the seminar, a photographer approached me and said, “You should start a mentorship program.” It was incredibly flattering and got me thinking.

Mentorship absolutely has its place. It can be life-changing for the right person at the right time. But what I realized – and what I’ve always known in my heart – is that I didn’t want to build a one-and-done masterclass or a mentorship. I built a franchise, because I wanted to give people more than advice. I wanted to give them a complete path to success.

That’s what makes Spoiled Rotten Photography different. We don’t just provide guidance – we provide a full system:

• Comprehensive operations software
• Proven marketing tools
• Goal setting and business planning
• Set design and creative resources
• Image competitions and benchmarking
• Account acquisition strategy & assistance
• Accountability groups and business coaching 

And yes – it’s a bigger investment up front. But when I compare that to the cost of high-ticket mentoring programs – for access to advice you might or might not act on – I know we’re offering real value.

Franchising isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. You have to love our type of photography. You have to want to follow a system and not build your own.  You have to follow our processes and procedures. But for those who do, we’ve seen incredible results – people building businesses and lives they love through photography.

So no, I won’t be launching a traditional mentorship program – because I believe in something more holistic, more reliable, and more empowering. I believe in giving people the tools to win – not just once, but over and over again.

I’ve had the same question about our software, “Hey, you should license your software to other photographers” … I have several thoughts on that- maybe I’ll write those thoughts next. 

Take the Next Step: If you’re ready to increase your income, simplify your business, and enjoy a more flexible lifestyle then contact us today and learn how Spoiled Rotten Photography can transform your business.