Q. Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
A. Daisy First Aid believes that first aid training doesn’t have to be scary or boring. We do however believe that everyone should have basic first aid knowledge and be able to manage a situation confidently should an accident or injury occur, particularly involving children.
We provide families and child carers with friendly, positive first aid classes teaching simple techniques that are easy to learn and remember. Unlike longer assessed first aid courses, our family first aid classes are just 2 hours and they are hosted in homes or local venues across the UK. Our customers get to practise first aid on manikins and learn in a supported and friendly environment.
From newborn all the way through to adulthood, we will teach you how to place someone into the recovery position, perform CPR, how to recognise and deal with choking plus also covering subjects like burns, bleeding, broken bones, head injuries, anaphylaxis and meningitis.
Q. Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
A. Jenni is the franchisor of Daisy First Aid Ltd who runs over 70 franchisee’s across the UK all of whom are also parents. Jenni’s passion for first aid started when she was a police officer in London and was one of the first officers on scene at Edgware Road during the terror attack in July 2005. After treating many injuries Jenni was haunted by how many lives could be saved or serious injuries reduced if more people had very basic first aid skills. Jenni suffered from post traumatic stress and whilst she continued in her career in the Met police for an additional 8 years she found solace helping victims of sexual offences and serious violent crimes. When Jenni had her 3 children (now 9, 7 and 4) she was very wary of leaving them with anyone without first aid knowledge and was shocked to find how many baby groups, schools and child related classes didn’t legally need any first aid training. Jenni’s 2nd daughter is disabled and needs continual and ongoing support with her mobility and learning. Spending lots of time in hospital made Jenni realise that she wasn’t alone in feeling overwhelmed and worried for her children’s health and welfare. Nurses were amazing but so busy and agreed that if parents were given some basic first aid training then unnecessary A&E trips could be greatly reduced and parents would feel more confident in their own abilities and instincts. Whilst pregnant with her 3rd baby Jenni went for a coffee with a friend and their children. Whilst chatting her friends 2 years old daughter choked on a cookie, Mum had no first aid experience and understandably panicked passing the toddler who was struggling to breathe quickly to Jenni. Fortunately with swift back blows, Jenni was able to dislodge the blockage and the toddler made a full recovery. This was THE lightbulb moment for Jenni who had extensive first aid experience through the police. Jenni researched parent first aid classes and was amazed to see there was no companies offering this. As a result in 2014 Jenni put herself onto a business course whilst she was pregnant and used her first aid skills and knowledge to develop a 2 hour fear free class that was aimed at parents and carers. It was really important that the class gave knowledge and confidence but didn’t frighten. No scary stories or gory pictures. Jenni spend just £400 starting Daisy First Aid classes when her 3rd child was just 4 weeks old in her local area. She fitted the classes in and around her home life giving her amazing flexibility. Within weeks was inundated with enquiries from all across London and Surrey. Jenni realised this was a really popular new idea that could not only save children’s lives but also give other people a perfect work/life balance business. Jenni’s first franchise year saw a turnover of £110K and continues to grow significantly every year since. Jenni still works around her children and still attends every school event and hospital appointment. She supports all of her franchisees on a personal level and always makes time for meetings phone calls and chats outside of office hours. Jenni loves using her position to support children’s charities, she chooses different campaigns to support every year. This year has been Shooting Star Chase Hospice, Tiny Tickers, Encephalitis Society, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Momentum. Daisy First Aid have received so many emails and messages from parents who’s Daisy first aid skills have been put to good use and some who credit Daisy First Aids class for saving their child’s life. Jenni is truly a wonderful, friendly person, who genuinely cares about her franchisees and her customers. She is very highly respected by her team, a brilliant business woman and amazing mum and professional life juggler.
Q. What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
A. Have a positive attitude, push past your comfort zone, keep learning.
Q. How many hours do you work a day on average?
A. 6-8 hours
Q. To what do you most attribute your success?
A. I believe in the law of attraction,
Q. How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
A. Social media is key to marketing our business although nothing ever beats a face to face meeting.
Q. What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
A. Accepting that any business will naturally grow and change, have ups and downs but to keep learning, improving and listening.
Q. Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
A. Any business that has genuinely good intentions. Businesses that make people happy.