From Stuck to Strong: How Tonya Rebuilt Purpose Through Franchising
Tue Nov 25 2025
Have you ever looked around and thought, “I can’t do this anymore?” That was the reality for our guest, Tonya Middleton, who faced underemployment, raising four kids, and feeling isolated in a new state. In this episode, Tonya shares her inspiring journey from feeling stuck to reigniting her purpose by buying her dream franchise, More Space Place of DFW.
Join hosts Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske as they dive into Tonya’s story: navigating six months of red tape, learning CAD, driving a forklift, all while launching her new business in the middle of spring break with four kids at home. This episode isn’t just about starting a business; it’s about starting over, finding yourself, and inspiring your family along the way.
Discover the challenges Tonya faced, how she overcame the SBA loan process, and lessons learned about networking, self-promotion, and the power of asking questions. Hear how owning More Space Place has changed her life, brought her family closer, and why she believes there’s no “perfect time” to start a business.
If you’re considering entrepreneurship, franchise ownership, or simply looking for an authentic story of perseverance, hope, and transformation, this episode is for you.
Want to learn more about franchising or connect with us? Check the links in the description for resources and contact info!
Connect with Sara https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/
Connect with Roxanne https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/
FREE Franchising Resources - https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw
Discover more about our franchise consulting at https://www.frannet.com/
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Have you ever looked around and thought, “I can’t do this anymore?” That was the reality for our guest, Tonya Middleton, who faced underemployment, raising four kids, and feeling isolated in a new state. In this episode, Tonya shares her inspiring journey from feeling stuck to reigniting her purpose by buying her dream franchise, More Space Place of DFW. Join hosts Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske as they dive into Tonya’s story: navigating six months of red tape, learning CAD, driving a forklift, all while launching her new business in the middle of spring break with four kids at home. This episode isn’t just about starting a business; it’s about starting over, finding yourself, and inspiring your family along the way. Discover the challenges Tonya faced, how she overcame the SBA loan process, and lessons learned about networking, self-promotion, and the power of asking questions. Hear how owning More Space Place has changed her life, brought her family closer, and why she believes there’s no “perfect time” to start a business. If you’re considering entrepreneurship, franchise ownership, or simply looking for an authentic story of perseverance, hope, and transformation, this episode is for you. Want to learn more about franchising or connect with us? Check the links in the description for resources and contact info! Connect with Sara https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/ Connect with Roxanne https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/ FREE Franchising Resources - https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw Discover more about our franchise consulting at https://www.frannet.com/