For the founder of Lil’ but Mighty, franchising is a lesson in patience, partnership, and purpose

A decade ago, Lily Chew was running a single classroom with a conviction that good teaching could be systemised without losing its soul. Today, that idea has become Lil’ but Mighty, an English enrichment brand that’s as much about nurturing confidence as mastering language.

“I build people and businesses of learning,” she says — a proclamation that feels less like branding than a summary of method. Under her watch, the company has grown into a network of educators and franchise partners bound by one quiet pursuit: making learning feel personal, rigorous, and lasting.

For Chew, franchising is both a strategic and a philosophical decision. “Franchising represents both a strategy and a symbol of growth for us,” she explains. “It is a way to continue expanding our vision amidst rising costs, but more importantly, it reflects the confidence we have built after a decade of refining a sustainable model that has withstood challenges like the pandemic.”

The clarity in her tone is unmistakable. For her, expansion is not simply about scale but about endurance — a commitment to staying relevant while holding to the brand’s founding values. Each partnership, she insists, must feel like an extension of Lil’ but Mighty’s mission rather than a replication of its mechanics.

“Before bringing any franchisee on board, we go through multiple rounds of meetings and discussions to ensure alignment in values, purpose, and commitment. Honesty and transparency are essential because they lay the groundwork for a partnership built on trust.”

Clarity before scale

Her emphasis on foundation — a word she uses often — reveals the pragmatism that underpins her idealism. Chew understands that while franchising offers a path to growth, it also demands vigilance.

“Being franchisors does not mean stepping back from the business,” she says. “On the contrary, it requires us to walk closely with our franchisees, maintaining open communication and realignment along the way.” 

Still, the realities of franchising are less poetic. Many enter the system expecting ease, only to discover the grind of leadership. “The true challenge,” Lily insists, “begins after the doors open, when consistent effort and leadership are required to bring the systems to life.” The distinction is vital — a reminder that operational discipline, not mere ambition, determines whether a franchise thrives or falters.

Chew often returns to the theme of communication, both as an educator and as an entrepreneur. “Commitment and communication are key in shaping a reliable team during the early stages,” she says. “A franchisee must take on the role of a leader, modelling clear communication and follow-through to set the standard for the rest of the team.” Leadership, in her view, is less about command than coherence — the ability to align people around purpose.

Impact over imitation

That philosophy hardened during the pandemic, when Lil’ but Mighty, like many education businesses, faced unprecedented uncertainty. “The pandemic reminded us that while education is a resilient industry, we must remain sensitive to customers’ evolving needs,” she says.

“Tuition is, at its core, a service industry. Loyalty comes from the value customers perceive, and that value depends on the quality of service — how relevant, responsive, and positive the overall experience is.”

If there was one lasting lesson from that period, it was visibility. “The value of what we do cannot be known if we hide it,” she says. “We learned to put ourselves out there, to keep showing up for our community even when times were uncertain.” 

Now that the company is entering its next phase, Chew’s definition of success has evolved. “True success in franchising comes when both franchisor and franchisee are equally committed to collaboration and growth,” she says.

“Beyond financial results, a successful franchisee finds meaning in the impact they create through their business.” It’s a sentiment that feels rare in a market often driven by replication and returns. For Chew, sustainability is best measured in alignment when each franchise carries the same pulse as the first classroom that started it all.

In her words, growth is no longer a race but a rhythm — one built on trust, presence, and the quiet, enduring work of showing up.