Women in Franchising: Breaking barriers with Happy Cat Hotel
How Happy Cat Hotel Empowers Women Entrepreneurs
Franchising has long been a space dominated by men, but times are changing. More women are stepping into ownership roles, leading businesses, and redefining what success looks like in franchising. At Happy Cat Hotel & Spa, we are proud to be part of this movement, breaking barriers and fostering a space where women can thrive as business owners.
A Franchise Built on Diversity and Empowerment
Happy Cat Hotel stands out in more ways than one. Not only do we operate in a traditionally dog-focused pet industry, but we are also a franchise system where every single one of our locations is owned by a woman—some as solo owners and others alongside their partners. In addition, our corporate headquarters—aside from the owner and CEO, Chris Raimo—is entirely run by women.
This isn’t just a coincidence; it’s a testament to the way our brand fosters leadership, inclusivity, and opportunity. Our franchisees don’t just run a business—they are building something meaningful that aligns with their passion, values, and lifestyle.
Finding Success and Fulfillment in Business Ownership
Many of our franchisees have found that Happy Cat Hotel allows them to pursue financial independence while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. Whether running the business solo or as part of a team, they’ve created a fulfilling and rewarding path to entrepreneurship. Susan Hamlin, owner of HCH & Spa Johns Creek, shares what drew her to Happy Cat Hotel:
“So many things! The transparency was something we hadn’t seen with other brands. Chris is very easy to talk to, and we didn’t feel like we were getting the ‘run around’ with important questions about operations and financial reporting. Spending the day with cats was another plus! Not to mention that it would be in an environment created specifically for them, but also fun for us! I know it won’t be easy, but neither is feeling like you’re wasting your life away. Plus, I get to spend the day with cats! Each guest gets enrichment time with our staff, so playing with them is a mandatory part of the job! I can’t think of a better way to fill my day.”
For many of our franchisees, the opportunity to work with cats while running a thriving business is what makes Happy Cat Hotel so unique.
Support That Goes Beyond Business
Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but Happy Cat Hotel provides ongoing support at every stage of the process—from site selection and buildout to marketing, training, and business development. Our franchisees know that they are never alone in their journey. Christina Marrazza, owner of HCH & Spa Westchester, describes the kind of support she has received from Happy Cat Hotel:
“I could give you so many examples to prove it to you. I could tell you about the time Chris stayed awake more than 26 hours straight to make sure Happy Cat Westchester looked amazing for our grand opening, or the time he and the Happy Cat project manager Antonio spent hours on a Zoom with me, contemplating changes to what we had thought was our final floor plan. I could tell you about the patience and kindness Hillary showed me throughout a lengthy training process. I could tell you about the time Julianne reached out after a Zoom call to see if I was okay, during one of my low points. I could tell you about Jerry’s contagious and perpetually upbeat attitude. But none of that will properly convey my gratitude. There are simply no words.”
Happy Cat Hotel is more than a franchise—it’s a network of passionate, like-minded individuals who uplift and support one another.
Breaking Barriers in an Industry That Needs More Diversity
The pet industry—and franchising as a whole—has historically been male-dominated. Happy Cat Hotel is proving that success doesn’t have to follow the traditional mold. We believe in creating opportunities for women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and individuals from all walks of life, fostering an inclusive and supportive business environment.
For many of our franchisees, taking the leap into business ownership was a life-changing decision. Leanne McRoberts, co-owner of HCH & Spa Alexandria, shares what the journey has meant for her:
“A little over six ago, we reached out to begin discussions about owning a Happy Cat Hotel. In spite of COVID, a tough lending environment, and a skeptical landlord, we stuck to our guns because we knew it would be successful. Today, I realized that we’re actually doing this—taking care of cats, covering bills, and employing people. And doing it for ourselves! If I could purr, I would. I have never felt so happy, so satisfied, and so fulfilled. There is nothing quite like it. The support and knowledge we get from Chris and his team at Happy Cat is incredible. I wish I could put this into words more succinctly, but I’ll just say this—I’m happy. I’m happy I get to do something I love for the rest of who knows when. I get to take care of people’s cats and I get to make a difference. And this makes my heart happy!”
Leading the Way for the Future
Happy Cat Hotel isn’t just about luxury boarding and grooming—it’s about creating a movement. By empowering women franchisees, breaking into a dog-focused industry with a cat-centric brand, and standing for inclusivity, we are setting new standards in the business world.
While Happy Cat has naturally attracted a strong female-led network, we welcome anyone who shares our passion for exceptional feline care and business ownership.
If you’re ready to take the leap into business ownership with a brand that values diversity, innovation, and community, Happy Cat Hotel & Spa welcomes you.
Let’s break barriers together.