Woman-Owned Franchise Builds Home Services Empire

Woman-Owned Home Services Franchise Builds a Thriving Family Business

From Immigrant Beginnings to Multi-Territory Success in Remodeling Franchises

For Cristina Romero, entrepreneurship wasn’t just a business decision—it was a commitment to creating long-term stability and opportunity for her family. As a mother of three, her primary focus was building a secure future, which ultimately led her and her husband, Ivan Cevallos, to invest in Bath Tune-Up and Kitchen Tune-Up franchise businesses.

After relocating from Ecuador to the United States in 2020, the couple explored different paths to financial independence. With limited knowledge of regulatory systems and business processes, they identified franchising as the most structured and reliable way to enter the market. The proven systems, operational guidance, and brand support provided a clear roadmap to ownership.

They launched their Bath Tune-Up franchise in North Dallas in 2020, followed by two Kitchen Tune-Up territories in Plano and Allen in 2021. Both concepts operate under a well-established home services franchise network known for its credibility and industry recognition, including strong rankings among women-owned franchise brands.

Their work has also earned industry accolades. One of their standout remodeling projects received a prestigious national award in 2025, while another project was recognized within the franchise system as a top-performing transformation.

Why Home Services Franchising Was a Strategic Choice

Before investing, Romero and Cevallos carefully evaluated sectors that aligned with their experience and long-term goals. With a background in marketing and engineering, Romero took charge of operations, while Cevallos leveraged his experience in construction.

They identified home remodeling as a recession-resistant industry with consistent demand. Renovation, repair, and improvement services remain essential regardless of economic cycles, making it a strong foundation for scalable business growth.

Initially, the couple planned to invest in a kitchen remodeling franchise, but territory availability required them to pivot. Instead, they secured a Bath Tune-Up territory with strong geographic potential and later expanded into kitchen remodeling once opportunities became available.

Balancing Entrepreneurship and Motherhood

Running a growing franchise while managing a household required discipline, structure, and resilience. With her husband traveling frequently during the early stages, Romero handled operations independently while maintaining full responsibility for her children’s daily routines.

Her schedule required precision—handling client meetings, project coordination, and administrative tasks during the day, while dedicating afternoons and evenings to family responsibilities. Late nights became essential for keeping the business moving forward.

In addition to time constraints, Romero faced language and industry-specific challenges. Although she had studied English previously, adapting to technical construction terminology required consistent effort. She immersed herself in the business, spending time on job sites, learning directly from experience, and building confidence in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Establishing credibility with both clients and contractors required persistence. Over time, she built a reliable team and developed strong leadership skills, reinforcing trust across every project.

Women Driving Growth in Franchising

Romero’s journey reflects a broader trend of increasing female participation in franchising and entrepreneurship. Women are entering business ownership at unprecedented rates, particularly in structured models like franchising that offer operational support and scalability.

More women are choosing franchise ownership as a pathway to independence, contributing significantly to business growth across industries. The home services sector, in particular, continues to attract female entrepreneurs seeking stable, high-demand opportunities.

Building a Family-Led Business

Today, what started as a strategic investment has evolved into a full family-run operation. Cevallos has transitioned out of his previous role to join the business full-time, creating a complementary leadership structure. He oversees project execution, while Romero leads client engagement and design strategy.

Their children are also gaining exposure to entrepreneurship, often participating in events and learning firsthand how businesses operate. This hands-on environment is shaping their understanding of sales, communication, and personal branding.

While the business continues to grow, the family remains focused on long-term impact rather than short-term gains. Their journey demonstrates how franchising can serve as a powerful vehicle for financial security, professional growth, and generational opportunity.