Sara Davies (MBE)

Multi award winning business woman Sara Davies is a true inspiration to both Donna & Sarah (a fellow Teesside girl) – she is a female powerhouse who started her business, Crafters Companion, whilst still at University and now 15 years later sells to 40 countries worldwide! 

A down to Earth mum of two, Sara is a staunch supporter of women in business and offers guidance to many through her mentoring role with the Entrepreneurs Forum.  Recently, Sara has become a familiar face on our television screens since joining the Dragon’s Den team in 2019 and is the show’s youngest ever investor.

We are so thrilled that Sara agreed to answer our questions – She has been such a  wonderful supporter of Donna May London and we know you will find her as lovely as we do…

You have achieved so much so young and you are obviously our favourite Dragon…what is personally your best achievement so far? 

As a mother, having my two boys has been my biggest achievement. I love watching them grow and seeing how their personalities are shaping and they are my proudest achievement.

Career-wise, I would have to say that getting an MBE would have to be my best achievement. I just didn’t think that younger people received them and to this day, I still don’t know who put me forward for it. I was awarded an MBE for services to the economy and being able to give back to my local community with jobs and the craft community as a whole makes me very proud. 

You travel a lot with work…do you have a no.1 tip for our readers of how to arrive at your destination feeling fresh?

Something I try to do is to drink a lot of water, it’s so important to stay hydrated especially when some travelling environments aren’t the most kind to your skin. 

Who is the most inspirational person you have ever met – famous or not – and why did they leave such a mark on you?

I would have to say my gran – someone who always looked for the positive in everything and the best in people. She didn’t have a bad bone in her body and I try to live my life by the example she set 

Which song invokes the most memories for you – the one that makes you stop in your tracks and either smile or cry?

Shania Twain- You’re Still The One  was my favourite song growing up.  It always makes me smile and cry inside a little bit it’s just a bit overwhelming emotionally!

Is there a piece of advice that you have been given over the years that has really stuck with you and if yes, can you pass this on for our readers?

I’ve met a lot of brilliant people in my life who have all passed on their pearls of wisdom. However, I think the best piece of advice that I’ve recently received is something from my fellow dragon Deborah. 

She said to me ‘If anybody talks to me about being a woman in business, I tell them, no, I’m in business.’ I think that is a brilliant message. You should always know your worth and should never let yourself be defined by your gender.

What is the last thing that you spent over £50 on? Was it something nice? share.

Dyson Airwrap. I got it as a little treat to myself and as someone who has started experimenting with hair a bit more I think it’s great.  

You have such lovely skin – do you follow a rigid skincare regime?

Thank you!  Working on TV means that I have to wear a lot of make up quite regularly so it’s important that I have a good routine and it was my mam that instilled this in me. 

It’s got to the point that I am obsessed with my skin care routine and I do it every night without fail! The price of the products you’re using isn’t the most important thing, it’s more important that you actually do the routine. Here’s what I do every night.

1. Cleanse (I’m using the Donna May facemits to clean my makeup off at the moment)⠀

2. Tone – ideally an exfoliating toner⠀

3. Serum (I’m loving the Lancome Genifique one at the moment and I’m onto my 3rd bottle. to stick with one product for so long!)⠀

4. Eye cream ⠀

5. Oil – really important to use this. I always thought if you had slightly oily skin that you shouldn’t use oil but actually I now realise that my skin is producing the excess oil because it’s not got enough!⠀

6. Night cream (sometimes if my skin is drinking it in I put another load on about 10 mins later)⠀

⠀ 

Ok – let’s talk makeup – what is both the oldest and newest item in your makeup bag?

The oldest product I have is a Nars ‘Orgasm’ blusher. I remember having a makeup consultation before my wedding (13 years ago) and then buying all the makeup so my mam could do my makeup on the day, and we bought this blusher, and I’ve used it ever since (I’ve obviously had to keep re-buying it as it’s run out after 13 years!)

The newest is By Terry Cellularose Brightening CC Serum. My mam bought me it as she thought it would help brighten my skin and I’m quite liking wearing it under my foundation. 

Which makeup product could you not live without – your desert island choice?

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting pencil. I would happily go out without foundation on, even without mascara or lip colour, but I would never not pencil an eyebrow on and this product is amazing. I’m usually one for trying new stuff and not buying the same eye pencil, or mascara more than once and switching brands, but once I tried this I became hooked. I’m on my 9th one in goodness knows how many years, and I can’t think of any other makeup product i’ve bought nine times

What is your favourite lip colour – brand and shade?

I use Mac ‘Soar’ lip liner and then any brand of pink or shiny brown lip gloss over top. I think lip liner is the most important part of any lip setup 

Finally – how has lockdown been for you? How have you spent the time and Is it something you have relished or are you keen to get back to normality?

Lockdown has been bittersweet because I’ve not had access to my usual support network of friends and family but I’ve also been able to spend more time with my boys which I’ve absolutely loved. 

I travel a lot with work, especially to the US and other parts of Europe, but travelling has been an absolute no-go so I’ve had a lot more time at home. We’ve been doing loads of different things like baking together, crafting and exercising together so it has been nice.

I am keen to get back to normality but I will always appreciate the time I’ve had with my family the past few months.