Mainebiz

"E very job I was offered — dishwashing, housekeeping, waitressing — felt like a valuable opportunity to grow and learn," says Shuliakouskaya. "I've always fol- lowed the advice my dad gave me: 'Do the job 100% right, even when no one is watching.'" She is now the owner of 12 Aroma Joe's locations and manages over 350 employees at her franchises and her two companies, Aspire ME Group and Acadia Management Group. She is looking to continue to expand Aroma Joe's locations and, one day, explore new ventures in the beauty- and-wellness space. She is also working to build a nonprofit, TripleNetCare, with her oldest daughter. e nonprofit focuses on empowering youth through education, clean water access and community-driven projects. Mainebiz: How do you run a successful franchise in today's challenging environment? Maryna Shuliakouskaya: You run a successful franchise by staying close to your people and leading with care, clarity and consistency. In a rapidly changing landscape, it's essential to stay up to date with cur- rent laws and regulations, monitor key performance metrics and closely track industry trends. Building a strong, adaptable team and staying mission-driven allows you to lead with confidence when others are pulling back. Long-term success comes from a balance of compliance, data-driven decision-making and people-focused leadership. MB: What's your approach to management? MS: My management approach is mission-driven and people-focused. Lead with clarity, set clear expecta- tions and align your team around a shared purpose. Support your people through empathy, empowerment and accountability. I manage and lead by: "Mission first, people always." MB: What kind of skills do you look for when you hire people? MS: When hiring, I prioritize soft skills while still valuing education and experience. I look for individuals with strong personal energy, a positive atti- tude and a desire to grow. MB: What is your five-year business plan? MS: Over the next five years, I plan to grow Aspire ME Group into a standout brand to guide strategic expansion and help both small and international brands scale successfully. I'm also hoping to write a book that shares my journey and the lessons I've learned along the way. MB: Who is a mentor who helped shape your career path? Franchise owner leads with 'care, clarity and consistency' B Y A l e x i s W e l l s Maryna Shuliakouskaya, who is originally from Belarus, began her career with a J-1 student visa in hand, working as a housekeeper in Kittery. She says the start of her career was exciting and full of new possibilities. VO L . X X X I N O. X V I I A U G U S T 1 1 , 2 0 2 5 16 When hiring ... I look for individuals with strong personal energy, a positive attitude and a desire to grow.

• Cover