Galway-based Gayle Poppers is the founder and owner of luxury resale online business Sustainable Studio, which sells preloved designer handbags and luxury fashion and accessories.
Are you a saver or a spender?
Oh, gosh, a spender I would say. Although I would be conscious of not overspending, also.
Do you shop around for better value?
Yes, definitely. I am pretty good at finding things that are cheaper or are better value. I will usually research things that I or my kids need and figure out where it makes most financial sense to buy [from], from a cost, convenience and environmental point of view.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
Asides from big things like my car and house, I would say investing in my business.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
Probably my Louis Vuitton handbag. The value, calculating cost per wear, is fantastic. I use it every day – it’s a workhorse of a bag, and I just love it.
What ways did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?
I guess we were all forced to go online, more than we usually would have at that time, but what came from that was so many more local businesses also brought their business online, and that allowed us to shop locally online, which I will always strive to do. My own e-tail business was formed during Covid, although it had been an ambition for some time.
Do you haggle over prices?
Not really, and definitely not with small businesses, as I know what it’s like to have a sales target and overheads. If I was abroad in a situation where haggling is almost expected I would, a little, but it’s not something I am hugely comfortable with.
How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits?
It definitely made me look at my online spending habits. I found myself shopping for the kids a lot more, or would get sucked into ads on Instagram for gadgets and whatnot, but then things would arrive and wouldn’t fit or work and we would have to return them. Sometimes, however, they wouldn’t get returned and the waste involved didn’t sit well with me. That has made me choosy who I buy from, where it comes from and if I really need or want it.
Do you invest in shares?
No, not currently, anyway. I am planning to look into investing though, this year, but right now I wouldn’t have the know-how to do it successfully.
Cash or card?
Card mostly. Since having Apple Pay on my phone it makes it almost too easy to just tap.
[ ‘As my children came off the payroll, so to speak, I’m naturally saving more’Opens in new window ]
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
Bar stools for my kitchen counter from a charity shop – definitely good value for money.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Yes, my car, although now I want to upgrade to an electric one, so I have to start saving again.
Have you ever lost money?
Nothing significant.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
I don’t gamble. The odd time I will play the Lotto with my kids – we are always convinced we will win and play the “imagine if we won” game, just for fun.
Is money important to you?
Definitely. I know there is this concept that money doesn’t buy happiness and while I know this to be true, having money does allow a certain amount of freedom to do and buy the things that provide a more fulfilling and contented life which in turn creates a happier existence. So it is very important for me to have enough to be able to provide that freedom, stability and happiness for myself and my family.
How much money do you have on you now?
Cash? Zero!
