Genevieve – our Mid Surrey Family Grapevine Franchisee

Genevieve has been a franchisee for over 12 years

In November 1997 I spotted the 3 little words that have changed my life: ‘work from home’. Newly returned from many years overseas, as a single mother with two young children dependent on me, I knew that this was how I could start building a new life for us.

I hardly understood what job the advert was outlining, and as for “DTP skills would be an advantage”, what did it mean? (When I found out it was Desk Top Publishing I was still none the wiser!)

After never ending patience on the part of the directors, Sheridan and Nikki, and lots of anxious moments on my part, I managed to print my first Family Grapevine in Mid Surrey in July 1998. It had been a very steep learning curve and there were times when I thought I wouldn’t be able to make a success of my chosen job, but continued support and perseverance on my part carried me through.

After almost 5 years working on the Mid Surrey area, I decided to take on a 2nd area, Guildford and Farnham. Working 2 areas wasn’t easy; one issue tends to be bigger and better, it was an interesting challenge, however I’m glad I didn’t do it any earlier.

After 7 years, my family passed a really important landmark. Despite a very inauspicious start when I moved back to the UK with severe financial handicaps, we were finally able to move into our own home. I never thought I would get on the property ladder here, so it was a very special time! It wouldn’t have happened without The Family Grapevine. It didn’t happen because I sat around waiting for business to find me. I’ve worked very hard, have ongoing support and I hope I have helped other franchisees along the way.

In July 2008 I decided to branch out into Hampshire. So my third area, The Rushmoor and Mid Hart Family Grapevine was launched.

Now 12 years on and still going strong. My publication has undergone many changes since I started, not the least going from black and white to full colour. My Mid Surrey area is now very well established, very well known and very successful. My Guildford area is growing with each issue and now becoming recognised as a valuable publication in the area. I’m delighted to say that The Rushmoor and Mid Hart Family Grapevine has been well received and continues to attract new free line entries and advertisers with each issue.

I love working from home, I love the job, but I am self motivated, organised, persistent (this doesn’t mean pushy and I NEVER hard-sell) and I see things through. As a self employed person you get out what you put in.

Genevieve