Dubliner Lisa Boissel is chief executive of leading UK-based PA and events community, Miss Jones, which has recently established a Dublin office.
Are you a saver or a spender?
I am definitely a spender but I’m getting better at saving. When I was younger, I used to love those money bags from the bank. I would save all my coins and put them in different bags – the 10p coins in one and the 20p coins in another, and then count how much I would have in my money box every month.
Do you shop around for better value?
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I will usually make lists of the different things I want to get. I use the Google Chrome add-on Honey, which automatically searches the internet for any coupons available for a particular outlet, so I will always try that first.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?
Probably buying out my investors in the UK. To own my own business now 100 per cent is something I never thought I would have the courage to do, but it’s the best decision I have ever made. It’s definitely a long-term investment.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
Probably our bed. It’s important to invest in a good bed and bedding because we spend at least seven hours a day there and, if we invest in good quality, it will last!
[ Me & My Money: Peigin CrowleyOpens in new window ]
How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?
I probably bought items on Amazon more than I usually would, due to the convenience of it and the limitations of shopping in person at the time. However, it definitely led to me buying the most random products! I loved shopping locally, too, but within our approved radius. We had a butcher, a fishmonger, a fruit and veg shop, a bakery and a coffee shop beside us. I also really wanted to help local businesses as much as we could.
Do you haggle over prices?
Not for myself but, with the business, our job is to get the best price or deal for our members who book venues or suppliers through us, so I am forever negotiating! We’re experts at it now and I really need to implement this skill more for personal use!
How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits?
I definitely try to buy quality over quantity, so that it lasts longer. I have also become more interested in subscriptions since the pandemic.
Do you invest in shares?
I have become interested in an app called Moneybox. It takes a certain amount a month from my account and then invests in different shares. I really like it as I am quite clueless about these kinds of things, so it’s a great way of saving and also investing.
Cash or card?
Always Apple Pay. I never have cash or cards on me.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
Some brushed cotton pyjamas yesterday. Nothing better than being cosy for winter.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
I have this journal called Clever Fox and I write my goals for the week. There is a little part in it that says if you reach all your goals for the week how you will reward yourself? I always put something I really want there so it’s something to work hard for that week in order to get it. I find it motivates me to complete all my goals.
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Have you ever lost money?
Nothing of note!
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
Being a business owner, you risk time and resources and you believe in yourself and go against the odds – so it takes an element of risk to own your own company. I gambled on buying Miss Jones during the pandemic. That was a huge risk due to how badly the events industry took a hit, but I went with my gut and I’m delighted to say we’ve never been so busy.
Is money important to you?
When you have your own business, you are forever chasing outstanding invoices but I am not motivated solely by money. I know if I offer a valuable service the money will come, so I prefer to focus my energy on doing the best job that I can to achieve that and consistently building trust and relationships.
How much money do you have on you now?
Nothing, just Apple Pay on my phone.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
