The real origin of the franchise - Sir Harold Evans
- 201,524 Views
- 22,959 Questions Answered
- TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
One of the most successful business models is the franchise, but it didn't originate with McDonald's. Sir Harold Evans describes the remarkable story of a beauty salon that allowed hundreds of women to own their own businesses.
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Research the most popular modern-day franchises. What’s driving their popularity? What do their owners say about them? Which ones are present in your community? After you’ve completed your online research, interview a local owner of one of these franchises.
Learn more about other female entrepreneurs of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lydia Pinkham, Madame CJ Walker and Elizabeth Arden were three other women who made their fortune creating and selling health and beauty products. How do their personal stories compare to Harper’s? How were their business models similar or different?
Learn more about other female entrepreneurs of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lydia Pinkham, Madame CJ Walker and Elizabeth Arden were three other women who made their fortune creating and selling health and beauty products. How do their personal stories compare to Harper’s? How were their business models similar or different?

TED-Ed
Lesson Creator
New York, NY
Create and share a new lesson based on this one.
More from Inventions that Shape History
Design, Engineering & Technology
The surprisingly long history of electric cars
lesson duration 05:20