Celebrating Women in Business: The Mother-Daughter Duo Behind Office Evolution

International Women’s Day is a time to honor and celebrate the achievements of women in every industry. At Office Evolution, we take pride in spotlighting the incredible women who contribute to our success. Today, we highlight a dynamic mother-daughter team: Katie Baroway and Cindy Baroway, franchise owners who have built a thriving business together.

A Family Affair: Becoming Franchise Owners

For Cindy, the journey into franchising began with her husband’s law practice. After using Office Evolution’s services for two years, he saw an opportunity when OE announced its franchising plans.

“My husband approached me with the idea of buying a few franchise locations and going into business together,” Cindy recalls. “After attending the OE ‘Discovery’ meeting, we decided to buy three franchise locations based on my corporate experience and my husband’s entrepreneurial spirit.”

Katie’s path into the business was more hands-on. “I quickly realized that I enjoyed jobs where I had a lot of autonomy. After working in staffing and recruiting for two years, I found that the role of a Business Center Manager was a better fit for me. My parents had an opening, and I fell in love with it. Over time, I worked my way into all aspects of the business until I was the one running it, with my parents still mentoring me.”

Why Office Evolution?

When it came to choosing the right franchise, the Office Evolution model stood out to them. “It was a business model that we understood and could see ourselves doing well at,” Cindy explains. “The low employee base was an advantage compared to other franchises, and the clientele is typically reliable.”

The Reality of Working with Family

Working with family brings a unique dynamic to running a business. While it has its challenges, Cindy and Katie both agree that the rewards far outweigh them.

“It’s rewarding, engaging, and at times stressful because it’s more than just my husband and I to worry about financially,” Cindy shares. “But it’s certainly a great way to stay in touch with your adult children!”

Katie echoes this sentiment: “You get to see your parents in a different light when you’re making big decisions together. My parents have always believed in me, but being given a business they built—and their trust to run it successfully—is one of the greatest signs of respect you can get from your parents. Doing this together has made us closer.”

Advice for Women Entrepreneurs

For women looking to step into the world of entrepreneurship, Cindy and Katie offer valuable insights:

• Be willing to take financial risks.
• Do your research, ask questions, and develop a well-thought-out business plan.
• Believe in yourself and surround yourself with a strong support system.
• Find a mentor and continuously seek learning opportunities.
• Read all agreements carefully and have a good attorney to review them.
• Find a product or service you truly believe in.
• Take time for relaxation and self-care to stay energized for the challenges ahead.
• Be nimble and confident in decision-making.
• Don’t let traditional methods limit your mindset—innovation is key.
• Ask questions of everyone—you never know where inspiration will strike.

Katie and Cindy’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, trust, and family in business. Their journey reflects what’s possible when women take charge of their entrepreneurial dreams. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we hope their story inspires more women to take the leap into business ownership and leadership.

At Office Evolution, we champion women in business every day. Here’s to strong women—may we know them, may we be them, may we support them!