How did your upbringing shape your relationship with money?
Both of my parents, Mary and Charlie, were hard-working and forward-thinking people. My mum opened a farmhouse bed & breakfast here on our farm at Ballyknocken in the late 1960s; dad farmed our dairy, tillage and sheep farm.
I saw how enterprising they were and how hard they worked, how they saved their money to spend it wisely, developing both the farm and the accommodation business.
I now run the accommodation business here at Ballyknocken, in conjunction with our cookery school in our converted milking parlour and a very small sheep farm, so it is thanks to my parents that I’m here.
Their work ethic has rubbed off on me for sure. What I have learnt is not to be afraid to take educated risks and to invest, especially for business. But I would always have in-depth research done, so I can see the outcome and payback.
Have you ever felt broke?
When I was studying German in college in Dublin, I took the year off to work in Germany. I worked in a lovely boarding school teaching English and taking care of the girls there. My monthly salary into my hand was 56 Deutschmarks (£23 approx.). My pride prevented me from asking my mum and dad to sub me. So I managed to eke out a living and travel around Germany on practically fresh air.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
Right now, I would say the biggest extravagance is re-roofing the farm sheds that my grandad built. It seems crazy spending money on something that is not a significant benefit, but I’m looking at the long-term pay back here. They’re currently leaking like tea strainers, so if I don’t fix them up, they won’t be here for the next generation. I’m sure there’s many a farmer that feels my pain at the thoughts of such an undertaking.
What was your best-ever investment?
Taking the plunge and converting the old milking parlour on our family farm into our cookery school and three-bedroom loft apartment. Not only has it generated a livelihood but, most importantly, it brings me such joy every day, meeting wonderful people and having fun while working with my passion, food – what more could anyone want from a job?
Would you buy property now?
I might need to read my tea leaves for a prediction on property. Personally, I would not buy property now as an investment, primarily because of the costs involved in works and upkeep of property.
What’s your biggest financial regret?
1999 Eircom shares, which are now Vodafone shares and I still have them. There was such publicity about the sale of the Eircom shares, we all got lulled in I think. I thought I was going to make a killing on my investment. I’m still waiting for that to happen.
Do you still carry cash?
Very little nowadays. As soon as I embraced the parking app for the meters, that has lightened the load on my handbag, which used to always contain a weighty bag of coins.
What was your worst-ever job?
Working in a bank. Honestly, it was actually a good job, the bank was good to its employees and I worked with really lovely people. I met my best friend Marina there. But I wasn’t fulfilled in the job and that’s the only reason that I see it as my worst job.
Are you a spender or a saver?
I would say I’m somewhere in the middle. I would spend on my business and save for myself, always thinking about a rainy day.
Do you have a pension?
I was in my late 20s when I started a pension. At the time I thought it was the right thing to do. It was only a small pension, but at least it’ll be there when I need it.
What three things would you not be able to do without if you had to tighten your belt?
Travel, chocolate and good coffee.