Not everyone loves coming to work every day. Small business owner, Katy Huntley, probably bucks the trend and thrives on the freedom of running her own Bedshed franchise in Melbourne’s Watergardens.

The 43 year old purchased her Bedshed bedding franchise two years ago, and hasn’t looked back.

“As a business owner, I’m extremely focussed on growing my business and that’s how I spend most of my time. But I also enjoy the flexibility that comes with running my own show, which means I can juggle work and family without the challenges of answering to someone else or placing an added burden onto others,” Katy says.

Katy knew what industry she wanted to buy into. Having worked in the retail bedding sector for more than 25 years, she knows the products, she’s acutely aware of what customers want and she has a vision for how to shape and market her business. “That’s why Bedshed is such a good match for me,” she says.

And, like any small business owner, she also wants to make money. Her research showed Bedshed to be more profitable than its competitors, and the opportunity to secure her long-term financial future was forefront.

“I did my homework and it really paid off. Bedshed has given me the freedom to do more of the things I enjoy.  I can afford to live the lifestyle I love and I also have greater control over my work schedule.”

Katy began her career with Capt’n Snooze at the age of 19 and spent some four years working in a Bedshed store before investing in her own.

“Bedshed has better buying power, an exceptional network that works together as a team and a very strong product selection,” she says.

“It’s very well directed with a strong management team – it knows where it’s going. The company survived the GFC very well, and still achieved good figures despite that period of global downturn.

“Central office gives me the freedom to run my own business and I make my own decisions about what stock goes on the floor.  It’s the ideal combination of autonomy and centralised, practical support,” she says.

“It’s very much a two-way street, and franchisees have a strong voice when it comes to product selection,” she says.

Katy is heavily involved in Bedshed’s imports program and went on her first overseas buying trip in March. She’s scheduled to take off again in September, helping to select products, establish relationships and build rapport with suppliers. It’s also an opportunity to forge closer relationships with other Bedshed franchisees around the country.

Katy’s entrepreneurial eyes are firmly fixed on the future, with thoughts of potentially opening a second franchise down the track.

“Bedshed is ripe for expansion and poised for even further growth,” she predicts.