Finding balance and building community with Story Sense Exeter: franchisee Charlotte’s story

Nikita Dixon
Oct 29
3 min read

Charlotte never wanted to choose between her passion for early years development and the time she spends with her own family. With Story Sense Exeter, she’s creating space for both.

Bringing stories to life in Exeter

Ask Charlotte what she does, and her answer is simple but full of energy:

“I am the owner of Story Sense Exeter and I lead our engaging, fun-filled sessions. Story Sense is all about bringing stories to life through play-based activities, music, singing, and creative exploration.”

Her week is a lively mix. From community classes at The Baby Room and Eli House, to nursery sessions for children aged 1-4, to monthly messy play and even mini raves, Charlotte is constantly finding new ways to spark imagination and connection. She also partners with other local businesses who share her passion for early childhood development, making her work a true part of Exeter’s community.

A family-centred approach

What makes Charlotte’s sessions unique is the way she weaves in support for parents as much as for children.

“My approach is warm, supportive, and family-centered. I aim to create a safe, welcoming environment for both children and parents. I love helping families navigate the challenges of parenthood, offering advice and practical tips when needed.”

For her, Story Sense isn’t just about running classes. It’s about showing families how to carry the magic of stories into their homes, helping children learn and grow through everyday play.

Why Charlotte chose Story Sense

Before franchising, Charlotte was working part-time in a nursery. With her daughter starting school and her son still little, she wanted more flexibility and a role that allowed her to be present with her children while still pursuing her passion.

“Being able to bring my little boy, Albie, to class with me was a huge bonus. Ultimately, I wanted a role where I could combine my passion for early childhood development with meaningful family time, and franchising with Story Sense provided that opportunity.”

Finding the balance

Like many parents, Charlotte is still working out the balance between family, part-time nursery work, and growing her Story Sense franchise. But having the freedom to shape her own schedule makes all the difference.

“The flexibility that Story Sense offers means I can build something sustainable for both my family and my professional goals. In the future, I aim to work Story Sense full-time, which will allow me to enjoy evenings and school holidays with my children, while continuing to grow my business.”

The rewards of the role

Charlotte is quick to point out that it’s not just about the flexibility. It’s also about the impact.

“You get to build meaningful relationships with families week after week, watch children grow and develop into confident, curious learners, and make a genuine difference in your local community. Being part of the Story Sense family means joining a supportive network of like-minded individuals… It’s deeply rewarding and, honestly, a lot of fun!”

The moments that matter most

For Charlotte, the joy is often in the little moments that stay with her long after a class ends.

“One of my favourite moments was witnessing a little girl take her first steps during a session. Being able to capture that milestone and see the pure joy on her mum’s face was unforgettable.”

It’s those milestones, whether big or small, that remind her why she took the leap into franchising with Story Sense.

Thinking about your own next chapter? If you’d like to bring sensory storytelling to your community, you can find out more about Story Sense franchising here.