Female Founders: Sharon Arthofer on Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit

By: M. Scott Morris | 2,227 Reads | 8 Shares

Featured in: Franchise Update Magazine: Issue 1, 2025

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Sharon+Arthofer%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETitle%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Founder+and+CEO%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Sip+Fresh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESystem-wide+revenue%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+%242.8+million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENo.+of+units%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+4+locations+open%2C+10+franchise+units+sold%2C+5+to+open+by+Q2+%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInternational+units%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+0%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EGrowth+plans%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Sip+Fresh+will+open+two+new+locations+in+Temecula%2C+California%2C+and+Orlando%2C+Florida%2C+in+early+2025+and+a+Denver+location+later+in+the+year.+We+are+focused+on+expanding+in+existing+markets%3A+Southern+California%2C+Florida%2C+and+Arizona.+The+brand+plans+to+move+into+Texas+and+Nevada+%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublic+or+private%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Private%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYear+company+founded%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+2017+%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYear+started+franchising%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+2023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYour+years+in+franchising%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E+25%2B+%282+as+a+franchisor%29%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3ESharon+Arthofer+is+an+esteemed+retail+executive+and+seasoned+entrepreneur+with+a+passion+for+franchising+and+business+development+in+the+food+and+beverage+space.+She+brings+more+than+25+years+of+multi-unit+experience+as+a+franchisee+for+respected+national+brands%2C+such+as+Wetzel%27s+Pretzels.+With+her+experience+growing+start-ups+and+proven+success+in+bolstering+national+brands+across+the+nation%2C+she+created+Sip+Fresh%2C+a+specialty+beverage+concept+serving+fresh+fruit-based+juices%2C+smoothies%2C+and+teas+in+a+fun+and+engaging+way.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3EAs+the+well-regarded+CEO+and+founder+of+Sip+Fresh%2C+she+brings+a+wealth+of+knowledge+and+a+unique+owner-operator+perspective+to+the+brand.+Her+commitment+to+empowering+franchisees+and+fostering+a+thriving+franchise+community+has+been+instrumental+in+driving+the+concept%27s+growth.+She+has+established+Sip+Fresh+as+a+prominent+player+in+the+beverage+industry%2C+touting+streamlined+operations+and+a+low-labor+model+focused+on+driving+high+ROI+and+strong+margins+for+franchisees.+Sharon%27s+dedication%2C+expertise%2C+and+innovative+approach+inspirez+and+drivez+the+brand%27s+future+endeavors.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Ch2%3EBeginnings%3C%2Fh2%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+inspired+you+to+start+your+business%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+The+inspiration+to+become+a+franchisor+derived+from+my+experience+as+a+multi-unit+franchisee+and+a+strong+interest+in+providing+passionate+entrepreneurs+with+a+pathway+to+business+ownership.+I+was+always+engrossed+in+growing+a+brand+from+the+ground+up%2C+and+I+knew+what+success+looked+like+in+the+mall+franchising+space.+I+knew+my+firsthand+experience+would+carry+over+into+Sip+Fresh%2C+which+is+why+I%27m+heavily+involved+in+all+aspects+of+the+business+today.+My+goal+was+to+create+a+business+model+that+supports+today%27s+modern-day+operator%2C+so+I+worked+hard+to+remove+the+pain+points+I+had+experienced+in+my+ownership+journey.+We+prioritize+streamlined+operations%2C+small+footprints+in+high-traffic+areas%2C+and+a+low-labor+model+to+help+franchisees+maximize+profitability.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3EFor+Sip+Fresh%2C+the+fresh%2C+fruit-based+juice+concept+came+to+life+after+a+night+out+with+my+husband.+A+mixologist+at+a+local+bar+created+handcrafted%2C+eye-catching+drinks.+Everyone+there+was+enthralled+with+this+experience%2C+which+is+when+a+light+bulb+went+off+in+my+head.+I+wanted+to+build+a+brand+that+combined+this+mixology+experience+with+alcohol-free+beverages+that+the+entire+family+could+enjoy+while+out+and+about.+Sip+Fresh+is+designed+to+be+a+fun%2C+immersive+experience+for+consumers+without+any+behind-the-scenes+complexities.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+is+your+background%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+My+professional+experience+began+in+New+York+and+in+the+marketing+sector+for+multiple+international+brands%2C+such+as+Nestle+and+Reynolds.+I+gained+a+strong+background+and+understanding+of+business+management+and+success.+I+realized+that+I+wanted+to+pursue+an+entrepreneurial+route%2C+which+led+me+to+create+a+chain+of+retail+stores+within+the+New+York+market.+After+more+than+10+years%2C+I+sold+this+business+and+moved+across+the+country+to+Southern+California%2C+where+I+now+reside.+I+then+served+as+a+franchisee+for+both+Wetzel%27s+Pretzels+and+Cold+Stone+Creamery%2C+iconic+brands+within+their+respective+industries.+With+my+entrepreneurial+mindset%2C+I+created+Sip+Fresh%2C+a+breakthrough+specialty+beverage+concept+offering+uniquely+flavored+juices%2C+smoothies%2C+and+teas.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+did+that+prepare+you+for+starting+your+business%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+My+professional+experiences+prior+to+creating+Sip+Fresh+allowed+me+to+gain+a+deeper+understanding+of+the+entrepreneurial+process+as+well+as+successful+business+management+procedures.+While+serving+as+a+franchisee+for+multiple+brands%2C+I+learned+more+about+what+it+takes+to+create+a+successful+franchising+system+that+meets+the+needs+and+wishes+of+potential+franchisees.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat%27s+the+best+and+worst+advice+you+got+when+starting+out%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+The+best+advice+I+received+when+starting+was+to+not+fear+failure.+While+things+might+not+work+out+the+way+you+intended%2C+it+is+important+to+view+it+as+an+opportunity+to+learn+from+that+experience+and+try+again.+The+worst+advice+I+ever+received+was+from+individuals+in+the+past+who+told+me+not+to+go+on+this+franchising+journey+with+Sip+Fresh%2C+and+I%27m+fortunate+that+I+didn%27t+listen.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWas+this+your+first+time+in+franchising%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+I+have+served+as+a+franchisee+for+both+an+emerging+and+start-up+brand%2C+gaining+valuable+insight+and+experience+at+different+growth+levels+within+the+franchising+industry.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhy+did+you+choose+to+franchise%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+I+have+always+loved+helping+other+entrepreneurs+start+their+businesses%2C+and+I+enjoy+encouraging+them+and+guiding+their+journeys.+I+have+all+of+this+industry+knowledge%2C+and+it+is+important+to+use+this+insight+to+help+others.+I+am+passionate+about+paying+attention+to+fine+details+when+training+teams%2C+which+is+imperative+for+consistency+in+the+franchise+space.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDid+you+have+a+partner%2Fco-founder+when+you+started%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+No.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+important+was+that+in+building+your+company%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+There+were+times+when+I+wished+I+had+a+partner+to+bounce+ideas+off+of+when+building+Sip+Fresh%2C+but+it+also+taught+me+how+to+adapt+to+any+challenges+I+faced.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+did+you+fund+your+company+at+the+beginning%3F+As+you+grew%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+In+the+beginning%2C+Sip+Fresh+was+self-funded%2C+which+highlights+how+much+I+believed+in+this+brand.+I+used+those+funds+to+establish+the+first+corporate-owned+store+to+show+proof+of+concept.+This+flagship+store+was+a+massive+success%2C+so+we+decided+to+begin+the+franchising+process+and+provide+opportunities+for+other+entrepreneurs.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+were+the+keys+to+funding+your+brand%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+In+the+beginning%2C+the+key+was+having+enough+confidence+in+myself+and+the+Sip+Fresh+brand+to+self-fund+the+concept.+Now%2C+highlighting+the+success+of+our+locations+and+our+supportive+and+innovative+franchising+model+has+been+key+to+funding+the+brand.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Ch2%3EThe+Business%3C%2Fh2%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+has+been+the+best+and+the+hardest+thing+about+being+an+entrepreneur%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+One+of+the+best+things+about+being+an+entrepreneur+is+building+a+brand+from+the+ground+up+and+seeing+your+hard+work+transform+into+a+successful+business.+I+loved+having+control+over+the+outcome+of+the+brand%2C+such+as+the+creative+aspects+and+building+the+franchising+system.+It+is+truly+gratifying+and+rewarding+to+see+your+vision+come+to+life+and+share+that+with+other+passionate+entrepreneurs.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3EThe+most+difficult+aspect+of+being+an+entrepreneur+is+constantly+making+significant+decisions+that+can+carry+the+weight+of+your+brand%27s+success.+Decision-making+falls+solely+on+your+shoulders+when+you+don%27t+have+a+partner+or+co-founder.+Due+to+this%2C+you+must+find+ways+to+mitigate+burnout%2C+which+can+be+tough+at+times.+However%2C+I+have+always+believed+that+the+rewards+far+outweigh+the+challenges.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+has+your+experience+in+running+a+franchise+business+been+different+from+what+you+expected%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+The+transition+from+being+a+franchisee+to+a+franchisor+has+been+a+significant+difference.+As+a+franchisee%2C+collaborating+with+other+franchisees+felt+more+like+a+peer-to-peer+partnership.+As+a+franchisor%2C+I+approach+those+relationships+with+a+leadership-heavy+focus.+While+this+can+be+a+complex+approach%2C+it+has+been+rewarding+to+support+and+guide+franchisees.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+did+you+grow+the+brand+at+first%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+What+changed+as+you+expanded%3F+Sip+Fresh%27s+growth+journey+began+with+a+corporate-owned+location%2C+which+served+as+our+proof+of+concept+and+the+foundation+for+expanding+the+brand.+We+built+a+system+of+operations+with+expansion+and+franchising+in+mind%2C+ensuring+that+the+brand+was+well+positioned+to+grow.+The+increasing+popularity+of+the+beverage+industry+coincided+with+the+creation+of+Sip+Fresh%2C+allowing+us+to+enter+and+grow+in+the+market+at+a+key+point+in+time.+As+it+grew%2C+we+started+receiving+inquiries+regarding+franchising+opportunities%2C+so+we+began+running+our+franchising+system.+We+never+changed+our+commitment+to+providing+innovative%2C+trending+beverage+options+while+using+fresh%2C+fruit-based+ingredients.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+did+you+transition+from+founding+a+brand+to+leading+a+brand%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+I+sought+out+and+brought+on+a+talented+leadership+team+that+understood+my+vision.+Our+established+operations%2C+marketing%2C+finance%2C+and+franchise+development+teams+are+the+foundation+of+franchisee+success.+Providing+significant+support+and+guidance+to+our+franchisees+has+remained+a+priority+for+our+franchising+system.+It+is+crucial+to+surround+yourself+with+a+supportive%2C+driven%2C+and+growth-focused+team+when+founding+your+brand+and+leading+it.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHow+would+you+describe+your+leadership+style%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+My+leadership+style+focuses+on+promoting+the+highest+level+of+engagement+and+creativity+from+those+on+our+leadership+team+and+our+franchisees.+I+have+always+prioritized+encouraging+continuous+improvement+and+growth+from+those+I+lead+and+myself.+Empowering+others+has+been+foundational+throughout+my+career+and+has+carried+into+my+current+leadership+style.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+is+the+key+to+your+company%27s+success%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Early+on%2C+we+established+a+strong+vision+for+the+brand+and+a+detailed+growth+strategy.+We+continue+to+reference+these+pillars%2C+which+is+why+we+have+had+such+consistent+success.+We+use+fresh+ingredients+while+keeping+up+with+trending+flavors+in+the+beverage+industry.+Offerings+include+our+Cucumber+Mint+Lime+Sip+and+our+variety+of+Cha+Cha+Chamoys.+While+we+continue+to+evolve%2C+we+remain+true+to+our+core+values+and+systems.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3ERegarding+our+franchising+success%2C+our+operations+system+was+built+to+meet+the+needs+of+franchisees%2C+which+references+my+previous+experience+as+a+franchisee+for+multiple+brands.+We+have+developed+a+system+that+uses+a+low-labor+model%2C+emphasizes+streamlined+operations%2C+and+maximizes+profitability%2C+leading+to+strong+growth+for+the+brand.+We+also+seek+out+leadership+at+every+level+of+the+organization%2C+providing+additional+support+to+all+franchisees+and+their+teams.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Ch2%3EFemale+Founder%3C%2Fh2%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWas+being+female+an+advantage+or+disadvantage+for+you+in+building+your+company%3F+How%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+At+the+start+of+my+career%2C+being+a+woman+presented+some+challenges%2C+particularly+when+financing+my+business.+In+the+late+1980s%2C+I+went+to+apply+for+a+business+loan+in+New+York+only+for+management+to+inform+me+that+I+must+return+with+my+husband+and+allow+him+to+co-sign+the+loan.+While+this+was+a+barrier+I+didn%27t+originally+anticipate%2C+I+didn%27t+let+that+deter+me+from+pursuing+a+career+in+entrepreneurship.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3EThat+being+said%2C+being+a+woman+has+also+offered+multiple+advantages+when+building+my+company.+I+built+a+career+that+provided+flexibility%2C+which+is+not+often+the+case+for+other+careers.+Additionally%2C+building+Sip+Fresh+provided+me+with+valuable+knowledge%2C+which+I+routinely+reference+when+mentoring+other+women+looking+to+pursue+entrepreneurship.+Looking+back%2C+the+challenges+I+faced+were+opportunities+to+become+adaptable+and+resilient%2C+which+have+become+some+of+my+greatest+strengths.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHave+you+found+specific+advantages+or+disadvantages+to+being+a+woman+business+owner%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Reflecting+on+my+career%2C+being+a+woman+business+owner+has+created+unique+challenges+and+advantages.+Society%27s+expectations+of+gender+roles+are+a+hurdle+that+women+face+throughout+their+careers%2C+including+careers+in+entrepreneurship.+However%2C+I+have+always+made+it+a+priority+to+focus+my+energy+and+attention+on+the+advantages+that+this+career+has+brought.+To+a+degree%2C+I+have+been+in+control+of+my+work-life+balance+while+ensuring+that+the+Sip+Fresh+team+and+I+do+not+face+the+pay-gap+issues+that+affect+many+women.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+has+been+your+biggest+challenge+as+a+woman+entrepreneur%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+The+biggest+challenge+I+have+faced+as+a+woman+entrepreneur+has+been+the+expectation+of+gender+roles+that+are+still+somewhat+intertwined+in+the+mindset+of+our+society.+The+expectations+often+encourage+the+limitation+of+women+in+leadership+roles%2C+especially+in+male-dominated+industries.+Breaking+past+these+expectations+has+required+resiliency+and+strength%2C+but+it+has+taught+me+valuable+lessons+about+determination+and+not+conforming+to+societal+expectations.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhy+do+you+think+there+are+fewer+start-ups+with+female+founders+than+male+ones%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+After+speaking+with+young+women+in+male-dominated+industries%2C+the+accessibility+and+affordability+of+childcare+are+prevalent+topics+and+career+roadblocks+for+women.+Childcare+has+often+been+the+responsibility+of+women%2C+which+can+be+a+heavy+and+significant+task+to+face+and+one+that+remains+incredibly+expensive.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3EThere+is+a+bias+toward+funding+a+woman-led+start-up%2C+which+I+experienced+several+years+ago+when+simply+trying+to+secure+a+business+loan.+This+bias+may+look+different+and+be+less+apparent+than+years+ago%2C+but+it+is+still+present+in+the+business+landscape.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+do+you+think+is+the+biggest+issue+for+women+in+the+workplace%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Childcare+accessibility+and+affordability+remain+among+the+biggest+issues+women+face+in+the+workplace.+This+accessibility+issue+often+disproportionately+affects+women+and+can+be+reflected+in+women%27s+representation+in+leadership+roles.+Whether+conscious+or+subconscious%2C+many+women+put+the+weight+of+childcare+arrangements+on+their+shoulders%2C+which+can+deter+them+from+pursuing+leadership+roles+because+it+reduces+flexibility+in+balancing+personal+and+career+responsibilities.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFrom+your+perspective%2C+what+notable+changes+have+you+seen+for+women+in+franchising+since+starting+your+brand%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+Looking+back+at+the+beginning+of+my+franchising+career%2C+very+few+women+were+in+the+industry.+While+we+were+the+minority+within+the+franchise+sector%2C+we+remained+incredibly+successful+through+our+attention+to+detail+and+ability+to+create+consensus+and+juggle+multiple+responsibilities%2C+which+women+have+always+been+known+for.+Now%2C+it+has+been+great+to+see+the+growing+number+of+women+entering+the+franchising+sector+with+motivation+and+determination+for+greatness.+While+we+may+be+growing+in+numbers%2C+the+incredible+contributions+of+women+in+franchising+have+remained+consistent.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhich+female+leaders+do+you+admire%3F+Why%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+So+many+female+leaders+have+left+a+lasting+impact+on+me+and+have+inspired+me.+I+admire+Cheryl+Bachelder%2C+who+was+the+CEO+of+AFC+Enterprises%2C+Popeyes+Louisiana+Kitchen%27s+parent+company.+She+successfully+spearheaded+the+substantial+growth+and+revitalization+of+Popeyes+and+pushed+through+obstacles+that+arose+throughout+the+process.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3EI+also+admire+the+late+Sandra+Day+O%27Connor+for+her+ability+to+create+consensus+on+the+U.S.+Supreme+Court.+Her+elevation+to+the+court+signified+a+major+milestone+for+women+in+government+and+leadership.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3EOn+a+personal+note%2C+I+deeply+admire+my+daughter%2C+who+was+recently+named+a+partner+in+a+male-dominated+field.+I%27m+incredibly+proud+of+her+and+the+determination+she+has+fostered+throughout+her+career+in+the+consulting+industry.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHas+mentorship+made+a+difference+in+your+professional+and+personal+life%3F+How%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+When+I+was+beginning+my+career+in+a+male-dominated+environment%2C+I+did+not+receive+a+great+deal+of+personal+mentorship.+However%2C+that+didn%27t+stop+me+from+conducting+research+and+continuously+asking+questions+to+learn+as+much+as+possible.+I+now+prioritize+using+my+platform+to+mentor+other+women+in+the+industry.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Ch2%3ELooking+Ahead%3C%2Fh2%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat+would+you+like+to+achieve+in+the+next+five+years%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+In+the+next+five+years%2C+I+would+love+for+us+to+hit+our+targets+in+Sip+Fresh%27s+growth+plan+and+continue+to+build+upon+our+successful+franchise+system+with+passionate%2C+driven+franchisees.+Having+the+ability+to+provide+strong+franchising+opportunities+for+those+interested+in+entrepreneurship+will+always+be+a+passion+of+mine+as+we+continue+to+grow.%3C%2Fp%3E%0D%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat%27s+coming+up+that+you%27re+excited+about%3F%3C%2Fstrong%3E+I+am+looking+forward+to+Sip+Fresh%27s+growth+in+2025.+Our+upcoming+Orlando%2C+Florida%2C+and+Temecula%2C+California%2C+locations+are+slated+to+open+in+early+2025%2C+allowing+our+brand+to+grow+in+a+new+market+and+an+existing+one.+Additionally%2C+we+are+in+the+development+phase+of+our+Denver+location%2C+which+will+mark+our+brand%27s+first+entrance+into+Colorado.+Sip+Fresh+will+be+taking+strong+strides+in+our+growth.+We+are+thrilled+about+the+enthusiasm+we+see+in+the+areas+where+we+are+growing.%3C%2Fp%3E

Published: March 23rd, 2025