Franchisees under 30: Jennie Mills, Rainbow International

“The best part of being a franchisee is the ability to be in total control of your life,” says Jennie

Jennie Mills, 27, Rainbow International

Jennie Mills described becoming the 2019 British Franchise Association Young Female Franchisee of the Year as a “complete shock”.

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The 27-year-old owner of Rainbow International Derbyshire, which provides a disaster recovery and specialist cleaning services for domestic and commercial customers, adds: “The other two finalists in my category where so incredible I thought I had little chance of winning. When it was announced I was the winner, I was amazed.”

Prior to becoming a Rainbow International franchisee, Jennie worked in London as a commercial scuba diver in the film industry.

“To say buying a Rainbow franchise was a little different is an understatement,” she says. “I was introduced to the company by a family friend. A family member of hers ran a Rainbow franchise and had been very successful in a short space of time. I knew that with hard work, dedication, the willingness to follow a proven system and a supportive family I could reap the benefits of a franchise too.”

Jennie has transformed her business since she took it over four years ago, significantly increasing turnover, becoming a member of Rainbow’s trailblazer group and winning a number of company awards. Her staff retention rate is also one of the best in the Rainbow network.

She says the best part of being a franchisee is the ability to be in total control of your life.

“No one tells you what time to start work or how many holidays you’re allowed to take each year,” Jennie explains. “I have loved the freedom from the word go. In addition to this, buying and running a franchise is so much easier than going it alone.”

While she’s had to overcome some business challenges because of her age, Jennie is adamant this shouldn’t discourage women of a similar age considering starting their own franchise.

“Listen to everyone’s advice, but don’t ignore your gut feeling and go with your instinct if it feels right,” she says. “Just because someone is older than you, it doesn’t mean their opinion or advice is right. Work hard, plan for the future and be honest.”

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