Bedshed gives franchisee lifestyle balance

Sarah Stowe

Katy Gennai sells beds, and she’s good at it. That’s why her Bedshed bedding franchise in Melbourne’s Watergardens is a resounding success.

Sleep affects every aspect of people’s lives, we don’t replace our beds very often and we spend more time in them than driving the car and gazing at the big screen. So Katy’s ability to understand customer needs, what’s best for their back problems and partner sleeping issues is an important skill for the business.

And it’s a business that has grown faster than she anticipated. 

“I’m fortunate in that I also get plenty of practical support from Bedshed’s experienced management team and from other Bedshed franchisees too.  It’s the ideal combination of running my own show and being part of a bigger company which offers group buying power and national marketing support,” Katy explains.

Bedshed, which began selling waterbeds back in 1980, has today become one of Australia’s largest specialist mattress, bedding and bedroom furniture retailers, recently notching up its 30th anniversary in franchising.

Work-life balance

So did Katy always harbour a dream to open her own business? “Never”, she says. “I’ve always been fortunate to work for great bosses, so it was never a consideration.

“When the opportunity came up to purchase a Bedshed bedding franchise three years ago I took the plunge,” she reveals. “I was inspired by my family and my drive to give them a better life.”

It’s paid off. At 43, she lives a balanced lifestyle that gives her the flexibility to enjoy her family. “Plenty of family rituals and quality time with the kids help keep the scales on an even keel,” she says.

  • Bedshed is one of Australia’s largest specialist bedding and bedroom furniture franchises with a network of almost 40 stores across the country and is currently expanding on the eastern seaboard.