‘I became more acutely aware of other Irish brands online during Covid’

Founded over 50 years ago by Meab O’Neill and now operated by her daughter, Clair, Meab Enamels creates bespoke handcrafted products

Are you a saver or a spender?

I am a spender. This may have something to do with my passion for horse riding. Its contribution to my life has been priceless. This sport has taught me to be resilient, savour the highs and bounce back from the lows. I also come with up my best ideas while on my horse and it’s a form of therapy. Worth every penny!

Do you shop around for better value?

This depends on how long the “shopping around” is going to take. I definitely believe in the value of working with high-quality materials and talented and efficient people, which can save a lot of time, money and stress long-term.

What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?

I treated myself to a trip to the Galápagos Islands as a 40th birthday gift to myself. It was an unforgettable “bucket list” trip. I ended up doing the trip solo, which definitely got me out of my comfort zone. It was an amazing adventure taken just before Covid, so I guess it was good preparation for what was going to be a long time of out-of-comfort zone living.

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What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?

When I was 18, I bought a Celtic green, old Toyota Landcruiser jeep, which I affectionately named Matilda, Matilda was the same age as me, and I drove her into the west of Ireland, with my first jewellery samples on a market research and sales trip. She was worth the money, and I sold her for almost the same price I paid for her.

How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?

I definitely saw the importance of supporting local businesses during Covid. I also became more acutely aware of other Irish brands online and started to buy clothes, and so on, from Irish companies.

Do you haggle over prices?

I like to get value, that’s for sure. I find if you show a genuine appreciation for the item you are buying, very often you’ll get a good deal. As a person who handcrafts items and always tries to give my best price from the outset, I appreciate the importance of being aware of the effort that goes into a product or service.

How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits?

It has definitely made me very appreciative of being actually able to pay bills, which, for years, is something I took for granted. Covid took away my regular income and forced me to think very hard about what I spent my money on.

Do you invest in shares?

This is something I have never done. I invest a lot of my time in trying to keep healthy and listening to inspirational books!

Cash or card?

A bit of both. I use a card most of the time, but always like to have a note of some description in my wallet among all the receipts.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?

My last purchase was a gift to my partner in life and business, Charlie. I paid for him to have his motorbike shipped to Malaga so he could have an adventure he has been planning for years.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?

My most disciplined phase of saving money was as a student during the summer before I started to work for myself. I was young and very focused, I went to America and got a job as a lifeguard, and I also had a second job selling sweaters. My dad died when I was 10 years old, and I suppose I saw my mother struggle with bills. I was always determined to be independent. I remember sending home cheques for my mother to lodge to the credit union. Ultimately, that discipline enabled me to do what I wanted. I seem to have lost my discipline with saving now though!

Have you ever lost money?

I once left €600 cash in the back pocket of an airplane seat when my mother and I were going on holiday to Morocco. A young Moroccan man found the money and chased me across the airport to hand me the cash. I still can’t believe this happened – there are some amazing people in the world.

Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?

I am not really a gambler, but we have a tradition of breeding racehorses in my family. My grandmother bred L’escargot, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National. We still have the same breed on the farm.

Is money important to you?

The security and freedom that money provides are important. I don’t actually think a lot about the cost of day-to-day things. If you can afford to eat good quality food and pay your bills, it’s a privilege. I can’t abide people who obsess over the cost of little things, and don’t appreciate the value in life and experiences.

How much money do you have on you now?

I have €85 in cash and a few cards.

in conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea