Dublin, Ohio, mompreneur Erin Sheen was tired of feeling strapped for cash, so she started doing lice treatments in her kitchen on nights and weekends to bring in extra income. Her side gig took off, and in 2016 she officially founded Dublin Lice Nannies. Now she wants to help other women achieve financial independence through franchising her successful business model.
Sheen’s story, as told to The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project:
I had a very successful career in corporate America, but found being a single mom left little money for vacations and unexpected expenses. Between saving for my daughter’s college and my retirement, which since I am an older mom will happen around the same time, we always felt strapped. I really started up my lice treatment business on a whim, as a side gig. On the weekends and in the evenings, I treated people in our kitchen. Once I realized the business was going to fly, I renovated a 3-season room off the back of my house.
Success is happiness. That is all anyone really wants in life, right? I just happened to create a business where women can create their own schedules so they can still do the things that make them happiest (likely being with their kiddos), while making substantial income and providing a much-needed service to other moms. If I am able to juggle all of my commitments (being a single mom, having a corporate job and a side hustle) and raise a happy kid, AND be happy in the process — that is success.
[Related: From Struggling Single Mom to Passionate Entrepreneur]
I started my lice treatment business in my kitchen and it just took off. I am now as busy as I want to be, and we just sold our first franchise! I love that other women see me as an inspiration to create a life for themselves and their children on their own. No man necessary. We are all in charge of our own destiny and happiness, and I am a prime example of someone who has taken control of my life and created my own happiness.
“I love that other women see me as an inspiration to create a life for themselves and their children on their own.”
– Erin Sheen, Founder of Dublin Lice Nannies
I knew my business had the potential to be rolled out to other moms who were looking for a low-overhead business that had high profit margins, all while allowing them a very flexible schedule. There are so many MLM scams out there that many women fall prey to, only to find that the likelihood of generating any sizable and sustainable income is very small. I really wanted to give other moms the opportunity to generate their own income and own their own successful business. Yet, I lacked the time, operational experience, and capital. Thankfully, my brother-in-law also saw the potential to grow and offered to partner to make it a reality. He also had the capital and happened to be a pharmacist and have an MBA, which is the perfect complement to my skill set. We have a fantastic brand to sell but are in the infancy of marketing it to other moms.
One role model that comes to mind is my brother-in-law’s late father, Ray. He immigrated from Lebanon with empty pockets, leaving everything he had behind and did not speak a lick of English. To say he came from humble beginnings is an understatement. He worked extremely hard on the factory line at Caterpillar for 40+ years to support his family of seven children. He raised wonderful kids including my brother-in-law, John, who is one of the most humble and kind men I know. Ray demonstrated grit, faith and drive. His legacy lives on in his children today.
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