The first and most important question that needs to be answered: Start your own venture or join a well-known franchise?

Challenges exist in both paths, but the decision to franchise provides an established brand, marketing support, and a business platform, though it requires adherence to strict guidelines and some sacrifice of creative freedom.

Some of the important lessons that many franchise partners still struggle with even after owning a franchise include:

• the importance of distinguishing yourself from other franchisees
• compliance with franchisor demands
• financial pressures during slow periods
• large scale production
• branding
• market differentiation

In choosing to franchise, be prepared to excel, innovate, and stand out among franchise partners. Pursue what you love, excel at it, and "Bake the world a better place."