DRAGONS' Den star Sara Davies says she had to work "twice as hard" as others to succeed because snobs looked down on her background.
The comprehensive-educated entrepreneur, who was made an MBE in 2016, is fiercely proud of her Co Durham mining village roots and North East accent.
And she says she used negative preconceptions to "fuel" her ambition as she built a multi-million pound art and craft firm.
"Quite often I was the only woman in the room, the only young person in the room and the only person who sounded like this in the room," 40-yearold Sara told the Mirror.
"It used to frustrate me that people had a preconceived idea of me.
"They assumed that because I had an accent, I wasn't as capable or as well educated, or I wasn't going to be as good as my counterparts who had been through a private education, or grown up in a much more well-to-do town.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DOPPELGANGERL
Hudson-Odoi hails Wood as Forest's very own Haaland
REDDY TO TAKE OVER!
Slot's relentless side are in a commanding position to grab the crown that is falling from City's grasp
Loss of urgency, LEWIS lack of care and a huge 82 drop off in form killing City's season
SHORTLY after Cody Gakpo had opened the scoring amid more abject defending from Manchester City, Phil Foden had to receive treatment for a knock to the knee.
AMOR TO THE POINT
It's only taken Ruben three games but United are already playing with style and swagger
Red scare can't stop Botafogo
ALEX TELLES scored from the spot as Botafogo overcame a first-minute red card to be crowned South America's champions at the Copa Libertadores.
QATAR ZERO
It's the pits as Lewis finishes pointless after puncture & two penalties
Ryggs is a lethal weapon
RYGGS JOHNSTON won on only his second DP World Tour start as he captured the Australian Open in impressive fashion.
BRY & MIGHTY
Stokes hails Carse as 'three bowlers in one' as 10-wicket haul fires England to victory
REED ON THE ROAD TO TOP OF THE WORLD
ARRON REED was tipped for \"world-class\" status after scoring twice as Sale hit Leicester for six.
IT'S MOUTH ALMIGHTY
LOSSIEMOUTH is as short as 6-4 favourite (from 5-2) for the Champion Hurdle next March after posting an impressive victory in the Grade 1 Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
