Before joining Card Connection, I worked in HR and talent acquisition, with my career taking me across India, Sri Lanka, Dubai, and now the UK. It’s been quite a journey!
Outside of work, I used to play badminton professionally — and I still compete in county leagues to stay close to the sport I love (and keep the competitive spirit alive!).
I’d spent about eight years behind a desk in a 9–5 HR role, working for someone else, and I eventually wanted to step into something of my own. I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first — it was a big investment for me — but after doing some research, I realised that the franchise route was a great way to start a business. Card Connection is a proven model with strong support, especially being backed by a well-known company like UK Greetings.
As for why I chose this industry — one of my family members is also a Card Connection franchisee, and seeing their experience and success really inspired me to take the leap.
Let’s just say the first few postcodes were funded the old-fashioned way — hard-earned savings and a little help from the family bank (you know, the one with no interest but plenty of interest in your success!). Once things started rolling, I expanded further with a bank loan to grow the business.
I had an amazing week of induction training with Andy Bull from Card Connection — he’s incredibly patient and great at explaining things, which really helped me build a solid theoretical foundation. After that, I was lucky to be paired with my fantastic Area Manager, John Coe, who’s been with me for almost a year now. He’s guided me through all the ups and downs and helped me gain the real-world, practical knowledge you only get from hands-on experience.
My day usually starts bright and early around 6 a.m. and can go on until about 8 p.m. — long days, but with the bonus of flexibility since I plan my own schedule. If you enjoy driving, you’ll definitely thrive in this role because it’s a big part of the job! I get to meet all sorts of people every day, build relationships, and work closely with retailers to make sure our products are merchandised in the best possible way. It’s busy, but honestly, that’s what makes it fun!
Becoming a franchisee has definitely changed my life. Every hour I work now feels rewarding, because I’m doing it for myself. There’s a lot more flexibility, which means I can plan my days better and spend more quality time with family. It does take some organisation (and a bit of patience at the start), but once you find your rhythm, it’s completely worth it.
Work-life balance comes down to planning and prioritising. I make sure to structure my day so I can get the important work done early and leave time for family and personal passions — like badminton! It’s not always perfect, but having the flexibility of being your own boss definitely makes it easier to fit everything in.
My partner and I are actively involved with Cancer Research UK. Supporting a cause so close to our hearts is something we both value, and it’s a rewarding way to give back to the community alongside running the business.
Timing matters – avoid picking up a territory during Christmas or between seasons… unless you really enjoy a challenge, like I do!
Get organized – if organization isn’t your natural strength, make it a priority. Staying on top of things is a huge part of the job.
Plan and schedule everything – careful planning is key to making the most of your time, your territory, and your opportunities.
In my opinion, a successful franchisee is all about commitment and making the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Staying dedicated and proactive really makes the difference.
If I had to do it all over again, I’d probably wait until after the busy seasons to buy the business. Those early crazy days were intense, but they came with some great learning experiences!