From the Air Force to a Tea Franchise Karen Laban's career path is one that few people could possibly replicate.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

shutterstock

Franchise Players is Entrepreneur's Q&A interview column that puts the spotlight on franchisees. If you're a franchisee with advice and tips to share, email franchiseplayers@entrepreneur.com.

After leaving the Air Force, Karen Laban has pursued a mix of careers that, at first glance, seem hardly related. Laban served as a certified public accountant for 13 years, as well as partnering with her husband to run a continuing education home study business. Five years ago, she switched gears and opened a Spice & Tea Exchange in West Monroe, La. Here is what she has learned.

Karen Laban
Image Credit: Karen Laban

Name: Karen Laban

Franchise owned: The Spice & Tea Exchange in West Monroe, La.

Related: These 'Angels' Are 'Investing' in a Franchise That Assists Seniors at Home

How long have you owned a franchise?

Since September 2010.

Why franchising?

I always wanted to open a spice store but was at a loss as where to start. Buying into a franchise gave me the opportunity to run my own business without the hassle of having to develop the structure or vendors.

What were you doing before you became a franchise owner?

I served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years. I was a certified public accountant for a land development/residential construction company for 13 years in Central Pennsylvania. I also continue to partner with my husband in a continuing education home study business founded in 1996 called Laban's Addiction Specific Trainings.

Why did you choose this particular franchise?

I was introduced to the products by a friend when I resided in another state. Upon returning to my hometown, I decided to open a store.

How much would you estimate you spent before you were officially open for business?

Around $200,000.

Franchise Fees - $30,000

Site development/Buildout - $100,000

Start-up Inventory - $25,000

Furnishings/Computers - $15,000

Legal/Administrative $5,000

Cash Reserves - $20,000

Related: Finding Joy in the Flooring Business

Where did you get most of your advice/do most of your research?

From the franchise coordinator as well as doing a site visit to a franchise that had been open for over a year.

What were the most unexpected challenges of opening your franchise?

Understanding retail trends and managing inventory!

What advice do you have for individuals who want to own their own franchise?

Research and understand your market. You can follow your passion by setting realistic goals.

What's next for you and your business?

We just relocated to a more visible location for our area and within a month we are already seeing an increase in our customer base.

Related: Why Knowing What Was 'Under the Hood' at This Franchise Convinced Me to Become a Franchisee

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Living

9 Ways to Attract Good Energy Today and Every Day

Good energy can boost our feelings of well-being, dissolve feelings of anxiety and improve communication.

Business News

'I Love Doing Product Reviews': Bill Gates Stepped Down from Microsoft in 2020, But Admits He Still Spends 15% of His Time Working at the Company

In a new interview with the Wall Street Journal, Gates also said he is still close with Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella.

Business News

Elon Musk's DOGE Is Hiring People Eager to 'Work Long Hours' to Eliminate 'Waste, Fraud and Abuse' in the Government. Here's How to Apply.

The Department of Government Efficiency is hiring U.S. citizens to help cut spending and headcounts in the federal government.

Business News

'Everyone Can Profit From It': What Is DeepSeek? China's 'Cheap' to Make AI Chatbot Climbs to the Top of Apple, Google U.S. App Stores

DeepSeek researchers claim it was developed for less than $6 million, a contrast to the $100 million it takes U.S. tech startups to create AI.

Business News

Uber's CEO Says Drivers Have About 10 Years Left Before They Will Be Replaced

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says the jobs of human drivers are safe for the next decade, but after that, another type of driver will take over.