Erin Franklin, franchise owner at Rhea Lana’s, was awarded the Franchisee Excellence Award in 2026 due to her sustained performance, principled leadership, and an unwavering commitment to both her local community and the Rhea Lana’s franchise system.
Erin began her franchise journey in 2010 by starting a Rhea Lana’s franchise in the Kansas City area, quickly establishing herself as a high-performing owner delivering exceptional children’s consignment events.
Her impact was immediate. In her first full year of ownership, Erin earned Rookie of the Year honors, setting the foundation for more than 15 years of growth and success. Since then, her event has grown exponentially, becoming one of the largest, if not the largest, children’s consignment events in the Kansas City Metro area.
Today, Erin is ranked #7 out of 121 franchises companywide in top sales, a distinction that reflects her strategic mindset, operational excellence, and ability to scale a business sustainably over time.
She is intentionally invested in people and growth, both within her local franchise and across the broader organization. Beyond her success as a high-performing franchise owner, Erin’s excellence extends to the corporate level through her role as Chief Financial Officer for Rhea Lana’s headquarters, where she plays a critical role in stewarding the financial health and long-term strategic direction of the system.
Read Our Q&A With Erin Franklin, Franchise Owner at the Rhea Lana’s Franchise
When did you start your business?
I started franchising in 2010 as the owner of the Rhea Lana’s of the Northland in Kansas City, MO.
During your research, what made your franchise brand stand out?
I was already familiar with the children’s consignment event model. I had previously worked at a competitor’s event and loved the overall concept. That experience led me to explore other franchise options to see what else was available in the space. When I discovered Rhea Lana’s, it immediately stood out as something different and more elevated.
The branding and marketing felt polished and intentional. The events were designed to feel more like a boutique shopping experience rather than a traditional resale event. What truly set Rhea Lana’s apart was the culture. Every owner I spoke with was supportive, encouraging, and genuinely invested in helping one another succeed. Making it clear this was more than just a franchise, it was a strong, collaborative community.
How did your franchisor help you to prepare for and launch your business?
Rhea Lana’s provided thorough preparation from the very beginning. We received a detailed operations manual and participated in a week-long, hands-on training at a fellow franchise owner’s event, where corporate staff were present daily to walk us through each aspect of the process. Being able to learn in a real-world setting alongside experienced owners was incredibly valuable and gave us a strong foundation before launching.
For our first event, a member of the corporate team was on-site with us for several days, which was the biggest source of support and relief. Having that direct guidance during our launch helped us feel confident and prepared as issues and questions arose. That level of involvement has continued. We know we can rely on ongoing support from the corporate team for all future events.
What advice would you give potential franchisees considering your brand?
Purchasing a Rhea Lana’s franchise has been the best business decision I’ve made, but it’s important to go in with clear expectations. This is incredibly hard work and requires time, patience, resilience, and a high level of determination. Especially in the early stages. It’s not a passive business, but for those willing to fully commit, the rewards are well worth the effort.
My biggest piece of advice is to trust the system and follow the model exactly as it’s designed. I did everything Corporate recommended, and that structure was key to our success. Why reinvent the wheel when they’ve truly perfected the process? Lean into your strengths, and don’t be afraid to hire help in areas where you feel less confident. Building the right team allows you to focus on what you do best and grow the business more effectively.
What specific things set YOUR franchise apart?
I try very hard to build genuine relationships with the families who participate in our events. My team and I try to remember consignor and shoppers’ names and try to be present and approachable to everyone walking through the doors. Beyond the event itself, I stay actively involved in our local school districts and look for meaningful ways to give back directly to the children and families in our community.
Equally important is the team behind the scenes. I intentionally hire some of the kindest, hardest-working people you’ll ever meet, because the culture of an event is shaped by the people running it. Creating a welcoming, respectful, and encouraging environment for every family is always my top priority, and I really hope our community feels that!
What specific things contributed to your success?
When we first started 15 years ago, our market was very competitive, which pushed us to work harder and be more intentional from the beginning. We focused on doing the small things well; prioritizing quality, consistency, and kindness in every interaction. That commitment helped us stand out, build trust with families, and gradually earn a strong reputation within the community, even when competition was at its peak.
Our growth was steady and intentional rather than rushed. Early on, what truly motivated us was our love for serving families in the Northland community and creating something meaningful for them. That purpose-driven mindset fueled our perseverance long before the financial rewards followed, and it continues to be a key reason for our long-term success today.
What unique strengths and skills do YOU bring to your franchise?
I bring an accounting background to my franchise, allowing me to manage the business with a high level of discipline and attention to detail. Just as important, I was raised by hard-working parents, instilling the value of perseverance in me from an early age. I try to lead by example and do whatever needs to be done to ensure the success of the event and the experience of the families we serve.
What is something that might surprise people about franchise ownership?
One thing that often surprises people about franchise ownership is just how hands-on it truly is, especially in the early years. While you’re buying into a proven system, success still requires a significant personal investment of time, energy, and leadership. You wear many hats, solve problems in real time, and lead by example.
To be honest, I still love the rush of the events. No event is the same; new challenges arise at every turn, and you learn not to sweat the small stuff! There’s never time to get bored owning a Rhea Lana’s franchise because the needs and demands change frequently.
The Rhea Lana’s Franchise Opportunity:
Rhea Lana’s is the nation’s premier children’s consignment event franchise, offering families an upscale marketplace to buy and sell gently used children’s items from newborn through teen sizes.
Franchisees host two major seasonal consignment events per year, with some locations adding holiday sales. Rhea Lana’s represents a low-cost franchise opportunity ideal for entrepreneurs seeking flexibility and community impact.
Rhea Lana’s uses the FBR franchisee satisfaction survey to gain unbiased insights into their franchisees, and they have ranked highly on our unbiased awards lists for many years, including:
- Top Low-Cost Franchises
- Top 200 Franchise 2026
- Top Franchises for Women
- Most Innovative Franchises
- Most Innovative Franchises
Interested in Becoming a Rhea Lana’s Franchise Owner?
Rhea Lana franchise leverages proprietary technology, including a mobile app with voice entry features for easy consigning. They also boast ongoing training and support to help franchisees succeed in the growing resale market.
To learn more about Rhea Lana’s franchise opportunity and get more information, text (501) 499-0009 or visit rhealana.com.
