Are you a saver or a spender?
I've always been quite a diligent saver. I started working part-time in retail at the age of 16 and by the time I was 23 I had enough money put aside to invest in my own brand. Without that savings ethic, I would never have been able to achieve what I have in my career. I have become more of a spender, though, in recent years, particularly on experiences like holidays.
Do you shop around for better value?
It depends on what I'm buying. I'm generally busy, so often I make an impulsive decision to buy.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
It was probably a holiday to New York and Miami that my boyfriend, John, and I went on to celebrate his 30th. It ended up costing about €8,000 because they're probably two of the most expensive cities ever! It was so worth it, though, as the memories to me are priceless, and it was before Covid had hit the world. It's one of the holidays that always sticks out in my mind.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
Definitely my phone. Social media has played a big part in growing my business and I spend a lot of time online. I'm constantly on my phone, whether scrolling through Instagram to see what's going on, taking a work call or listening to a podcast. I probably should be spending less time on my phone, though.
How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?
I like both. I love nothing more than popping into my local pharmacy for a browse around, but I equally appreciate the convenience of online. There's a place for both. I live in Ranelagh, in Dublin, so I'm spoiled for choice in terms of the beautiful shops that are on my doorstep.
Do you haggle over prices?
When it comes to business, I negotiate with suppliers to get the best value, but personally, I don't.
How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits?
When Covid hit, I started cooking at home a lot more and stopped spending money on grabbing food on the go. It's a habit I'm hoping to keep up now that some normality is returning. I'm really enjoying prepping my meals. I find it really relaxing and I'm eating far more healthily as a result.
Do you invest in shares?
I don't think I would know where to start.
Cash or card?
Card – I'm all about the convenience of tapping.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
My last proper purchase was an updated MacBook Pro. My laptop is my main work tool, so for me, it's excellent value, what with all the mileage I get out of one.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
From a young age, my goal was to set up my own cosmetics brand. I have always worked in the beauty world, and I studied commerce at UCD, so merging the two was a natural progression. With this objective in mind, I saved through school and college and had enough money to manufacture my first couple of thousand units, and the brand has grown from there. I've always had quite an old head on my shoulders when it comes to saving.
Have you ever lost money?
Yes. Looking back, there are things that I would have done very differently in my business that ended up costing me quite a lot of money. Some of this was through naivete and some of it was sheer bad luck. I've grown from these mistakes, though, and I ultimately believe that if you learn from them, then failures are what make you.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
The height of my betting would be putting a few euro on a horse at Ladies Day at the Galway Races.
Is money important to you?
Money is not my primary motivator, and it never has been. Obviously, it's nice not to worry about how you're going to pay rent or bills, but it's not what drives me. I am definitely more motivated by the challenge or growth of something.
How much money do you have on you now?
I just have my cards.
in conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
