Mail Boxes Etc. has many successful women franchisees and centre managers across its network. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we spoke to Judy Veniamaki, who runs Mail Boxes Etc. Chichester.
After six years of secretarial work and office administration in the UK and twenty-five years in Greece working in tourism and hospitality, Judy joined the team at MBE Chichester in 2016. She quickly became part of a strong and collaborative team.
As manager of the store, Judy enjoys the variety of the business, which includes mailbox rental, packing and shipping parcels worldwide, and supporting customers with print services.
“It’s very important to me to build strong relationships with our customers and ensure our service meets all their expectations. Communication is vital, especially for online orders. We keep customers updated on the progress of their shipments every step of the way.”
Antiques and Art Shipping
Much of Judy’s work involves handling valuable and fragile items.
“We collect antiques and works of art from local auctioneers and shops, making each job unique. We handle items that are very precious to our customers and take great care in packaging and choosing the right shipping solutions.”
Over the years, Judy has developed new skills, including specialist packing techniques and managing customs requirements.
“Every day is different. We never know what the next job will be, and that’s what makes it exciting. As a team, we evaluate each shipment to ensure the best possible solution for our customers.”
Her customer base includes private individuals, small businesses and remote users who rely on mailbox and forwarding services.
“Our services are ideal for SMEs. We help manage their shipping needs so they can focus on other aspects of their business.”
When it comes to business growth, Judy highlights the importance of innovation:
“We’ve expanded our print services by investing in advanced equipment, allowing us to produce professional materials quickly. Our same-day service is especially valued by customers.”
Female Friendly Business Model
Judy believes Mail Boxes Etc. is particularly well suited to women.
“Attention to detail is essential in this work, and I believe many women excel in this area. Creativity and problem-solving are also key strengths.”
She values teamwork highly:
“It’s great to work as part of a team. Support from colleagues is essential, and we all genuinely care about our customers.”
Judy also appreciates the work-life balance:
“Although the work is busy, it’s manageable. Working in a supportive environment makes a big difference.”
How to Make an MBE Franchise Successful
Judy’s advice for those considering an MBE franchise:
- Build a strong and reliable team.
- Develop self-confidence and trust your experience.
- Leverage skills gained from previous roles.
- Embrace new technologies and continuous learning.
“Every experience contributes to your growth. Skills developed in different sectors can be applied to build a successful business. Being open to change and learning is essential for both personal and professional development.”