Why Not Me? 20 Years of Caterpillar Music, And I’ve Never Looked Back

Twenty years ago today, I walked into a hall in Clapham, South London, and ran my very first Caterpillar Music class.

I’d trained. I’d practised until I woke up singing the songs. I’d spent weeks pounding the pavement, stopping strangers to talk about how their babies and toddlers would learn, laugh and develop in my sessions. And finally, the day had arrived.

That first week, I launched not one but four different venues. (I would probably do things slightly differently, now looking back.)  It was a lot – but fortunately all of them took off. Within weeks, I’d opened a second class at that very first venue. Within two years, I was running **18 sessions a week.**

“Would They Come?”

That first summer, the nerves were real.

*Would they come? Would they enjoy it? Would they actually pay for the term?*

Then they did. They paid. They came back the following week. And the week after that.

The shrieks of laughter. The little ones inching closer to me, week by week, growing in confidence right in front of my eyes. That’s when I knew,  I wasn’t just in the right job. I was exactly where I was meant to be.

“Why not me?”

I had a tried-and-tested business model behind me. A huge territory, full of young families. Full training, a clear game plan to follow. So being the self-critic I am, I made myself a deal: if this didn’t work, there’d be no one to blame but me.

It worked – and 20 years on, I love it just as much, actually (and honestly), more. The nerves have settled. The self-belief has caught up. (It takes a while. That’s okay.)

More Than a Business

I believe, wholeheartedly, in the power of bringing a community together,  in what it does for a little one’s confidence, for their development across every skill you can imagine, and in the memories a room full of families builds together, week after week.

Somewhere along the way, I got involved in training the next wave of franchisees, launching in their own local areas right across the UK. And after 12 years of running my own classes, I took the biggest leap yet.  I bought the entire Caterpillar Music network from the original founder. Since 2018, I’ve been the Franchisor and CEO.

Still My Favourite Part

These days, I get to support franchisees the length and breadth of the UK,  celebrating their wins, and being a shoulder when things get tough. Running your own business isn’t easy, but I’ve lived every stage of it. I’ve worn the t-shirt. And that’s exactly why I know I’m the right person to help you through it too.

Growing this brand nationally, welcoming new people into the Caterpillar family, knowing we’re reaching more families and more communities every year makes me incredibly proud.

But my favourite part? I still get to run a few gorgeous sessions myself, in my own local area, every single week.

Your “Why Not Me?” Moment

If any of this resonates, if there’s a flicker of *maybe this could be me*, just imagine becoming the friendly, familiar face that every under-4 in your area lights up for. Your own thriving business. Your own schedule. Real freedom, real impact, real reward.

Twenty years ago, I asked myself one question that changed everything.

Now it’s your turn to ask it.

Download our brochure today and find out if Caterpillar Music is your next chapter.