Shaping the Future Through Franchising
CEFA franchisee Sohail Mussani on his passion for early childhood education, why he loves the support his franchisor offers, and building the life you want
Early childhood education is a growing sector in the franchise industry as parents seek out opportunities to foster their children’s development and blend together fun and learning. CEFA Early Learning does just that, offering programs for children ages one to five in a private school environment that follows CEFA’s enriched curriculum.
For CEFA franchisee Sohail Mussani, it’s all about the education: he’s passionate about early childhood learning that starts kids off on the right path. For Franchisee Appreciation Month, we sat down with this scholastic superstar to learn what drives him toward success in business—and life.
CFA: Tell me about your CEFA business! When did you become a CEFA franchisee, where are you located, and what kind of work do you do day to day?
Sohail: I became a CEFA franchisee in 2019 and opened CEFA Captain’s Cove in 2023, located in Ladner, South Delta, B.C. Day to day, my role is a balance of leadership and operational oversight. I do my rounds at the school, meet with teachers, and work closely with our principals and management team. My wife, who is equally involved in the business while working full time, manages registrations, parent communication, and supports the principals. On my end, I focus on the business operations: payroll, billing, maintenance, and ensuring the school runs smoothly. Together, we keep the academic and business sides aligned.
CFA: Did you always want to be a franchisee? What led you to franchising and CEFA in particular?
Sohail: I always believed franchising would provide a strong foundation to run a business professionally. Being part of a recognized brand means benefiting from shared knowledge, collective experience, economies of scale, and a proven system—all of which create synergy and stability. I chose CEFA because I’ve always had a deep passion for education, especially early childhood education. In my community, education is highly valued as one of the key pillars of success in life, and I wanted to contribute to that foundation for children. At this stage of my career, I felt it was the right time to pursue something meaningful that leaves a lasting impact. CEFA stood out as the best in the field, and I saw it as the perfect partner to help me fulfill that mission.
CFA: What’s your favourite part about running your own business?
Sohail: The independence. Being my own boss means I take full responsibility for both the successes and the challenges, and that’s a powerful motivator. I enjoy the freedom of setting my own hours and the pride that comes with building something meaningful. The sense of accomplishment is what drives me every day.
CFA: What has franchising brought into your life or allowed you to do that you wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise?
Sohail: I’ve always been an entrepreneur, but franchising has brought a new level of stability and growth. The structure, brand recognition, and support system [CEFA offers] have allowed me to focus on delivering excellence without reinventing the wheel. The ability to share knowledge with fellow franchisees and be part of a larger, forward-moving brand has been invaluable.
CFA: What is your favorite thing about being a franchisee with CEFA?
Sohail: The vision and leadership of the CEFA brand. I’ve seen how the organization has evolved and expanded in recent years, and I admire the ambitious direction—from Canada-wide growth to plans for the U.S. and beyond. CEFA’s leadership is bold, forward-thinking, and focused on creating opportunities for franchisees, and that inspires me.
CFA: How does your franchisor support you and your growth as a business owner?
Sohail: The support from CEFA is outstanding. From area managers and business managers to the in-house marketing team, the resources they provide make a tangible difference. Their hands-on approach and willingness to walk alongside franchisees ensure that we’re not alone in navigating challenges or opportunities.
CFA: What’s your biggest achievement as a CEFA franchisee?
Sohail: For me, the greatest achievement is knowing I am contributing to children’s development during the most critical years of their lives. The first five years shape a child’s learning, socialization, and leadership skills, and I am proud to be part of a system that prioritizes this. I deeply respect and embrace the vision of CEFA’s founder, Natacha Beim, and I refuse to take shortcuts in delivering that vision. My pride lies in knowing I am playing a small yet meaningful role in shaping the future of our youth—and ultimately, the future of our country.
Learn more about franchising with CEFA Early Learning
