One such trailblazer is Ottawa resident, Anita Mushitsi, a dedicated franchisee at British Swim School
Anita’s entrepreneurial journey is not only a testament to her determination and business acumen it’s also deeply personal, motivated by an experience that changed her life.
When Anita’s daughter was involved in a near-drowning event at the age of nine, it was a stark reminder of the importance of water safety and the potentially life-saving skill of swimming. The event became a call that would lead Anita to a profound decision: to leave her full-time job and become a franchisee with British Swim School. She immediately began teaching her daughter water safety skills, understanding the importance of early swimming education not only as a skill but also as a vital safety measure.
“On International Women’s Day, I am reminded of the incredible strength, resilience, and passion that women bring to every aspect of life—whether it’s in the pool, as business owners, or in our communities,” says Anita. “As a female franchisee, I am proud to lead with purpose, inspiring the next generation of girls and women to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Today, we celebrate the accomplishments of women around the world and continue to break barriers—one stroke at a time.”
Anita’s journey from concerned mother to successful entrepreneur is an inspiring example of how personal passion can transform into powerful business ownership. As a female entrepreneur, she is not only helping other children learn to swim but also empowering women in her community by providing jobs and promoting water safety education.
Anita’s story is a perfect example of how women across the country are not only overcoming challenges but are also reshaping industries and making impactful contributions to business. The CFA reports the percentage of women seeking franchises grew by 14 per cent from 2023 to 2024.