My Money: ‘We installed solar panels to beat crippling energy bills and I only bathe the kids when the sun shines’

What did you learn about money while growing up?

I started my first business aged 13, making simple beaded bracelets and flogging them in the school canteen. Then my mum and dad wanted to have a chat. I figured school had gotten wind of my enterprise and I was in trouble. Nope: Mum and Dad wanted to talk to me about my 'business’. Mum, a fashion designer herself, gave me my first lesson in wholesale and how to buy my supplies in bulk for less. Dave, a trained accountant and serial entrepreneur, gave me my first lesson in economies of scale. That conversation led to an IR£80 loan for me to buy string and beads wholesale, with the promise that I would pay it back in eight weeks. With a 60pc increase in profits thanks to Mum and Dad's lessons, I paid off my debts within a couple of weeks and I had the cash to buy as many fashion mags as I wanted and to hit up the Leisureplex slot machines with my friends.

What has your career in fashion taught you about money?

That there are very few fashion businesses that make money unless they are big-time wholesalers. I've had to look at how I run my business and change it up to suit my new life with three kids and my vision of a more sustainable business. Manley makes less now, but what I make are beautiful and timeless garments produced in a sustainable and ethical manner.

Have you made any changes to your lifestyle as a result of the energy crisis?

Last year we invested in solar panels, and they have been an absolute game-changer -- I only put on the washing machine when (the panels) are generating enough energy to run it. The kids' bath happens on a day when the sun shines, and we've buckets of hot water. The oven goes on during daylight hours, and I pack it out with dinner, bread, and whatever else needs baking so I don't have to put it on again for a few days. You can really see the difference small changes like these make. We also got our attic insulated a few weeks ago. We can't go through another winter with all our heat escaping through the attic again -- the energy bills were crippling.

When were you most broke?

When I was living in London, interning for Alexander McQueen during the day and waitressing at a bar at night. I was fed at the restaurant, so that helped, but it was tough. It didn't stop me from having the time of my life, it's amazing what you can do with very little!

What was your biggest ever financial mistake?

Getting into a bidding war for our home. If we hadn't, we'd be in a much better position. That said, we got our home, and the other person didn't.

What was your worst career mistake?

Having kids! But is this not the same for all women who have kids? Don't get me wrong, my kids aren't a mistake, but they didn't necessarily do my career any good when I initially had them!

Are you a spender or a saver?

Saver. To a fault. I need to loosen up sometimes and see the value in a gorgeous experience instead of just thinking about the financial implications.

What was the last thing you bought online?

Birkenstocks I'm getting summer ready!

W/hat three things would you not be able to do without if you had to tighten your belt?

Gym membership, skincare, and date night.