As one of Britain’s most high-profile businesswomen, Deborah Meaden’s talent for spotting an opportunity and making money from it has turned her into a household name, as well as a multi-millionaire. Yet while she could easily afford to indulge in all the trappings of fame and fortune, the Dragons’ Den star prefers to live an altogether simpler existence.
Rather than splashing out on private jets, a fleet of fast cars or a wardrobe full of designer clothes, Deborah says her only extravagance is the farmhouse she and her husband Paul Farmer have lovingly and ethically renovated, and where they live with a menagerie of cats, dogs, horses, pigs, geese, exbattery hens and a flock of rescue sheep.
“I’m not at all extravagant,” says Deborah, 65, as Hello! joins her in Somerset for this exclusive interview and photoshoot. “At my age you think, what do I need? I don’t want morestuff. I drive a 20-year-old Porsche and most of my clothes are very old – luckily, the Nineties are fashionable again. When I’m in Somerset, I ride most mornings and walk the dogs. I just love being outside and we often have friends over for dinner parties, simple stuff.”
Deborah’s pragmatic, no-nonsense approach to life and money lies in her working-class roots and has been shaped by her professional journey, which has seen her rise from Butlin’s b ingo ca l ler to a succes s fu l entrepreneur who has invested in a portfolio of start-up businesses, from fashion and cosmetics to drinks, gadgets and kids’ toys.
VALUABLE ADVICE
Bu hikaye HELLO! UK dergisinin May 20, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye HELLO! UK dergisinin May 20, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
AS SHE SIGNS UP FOR SECOND SERIES OF 'RIVALS' THE TIME OF HER LIFE VICTORIA SMURFIT ON HER DREAM ROLE, HER INSPIRING KIDS AND TRUE LOVE AT 50
Dancing around the studio to the 1980s soundtrack that's providing the background music for this exclusive HELLO! photoshoot, Victoria Smurfit looks to be having the time of her life.
AFTER CELEBRATING THE REOPENING OF NOTRE-DAME STEPPING ON TO THE WORLD STAGE THE PRINCE OF WALES WINS PRAISE FROM PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP IN PARIS
Proving his mettle as a global figure, the Prince of Wales met US President-elect Donald Trump on a visit to Paris last week.
Young at heart
The Duke of Sussex embraced turning 40 as he and Meghan focused on doing good
'OPPENHEIMER' STAR EMILY BLUNT KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY THE ACTRESS ON WORKING WITH HUSBAND JOHN KRASINSKI AND WHY THEIR KIDS WON'T WATCH HER FILMS
Emily Blunt may be an A-list actress to the rest of the world, but at home with her two young daughters, she's just mum.
MARKING FOUR DECADES OF THE FESTIVE HIT SINGLE LIFE AFTER 'LAST CHRISTMAS' ANDREW RIDGELEY OPENS UP ABOUT GEORGE MICHAEL
With its familiar refrain and heartfelt vocals, Last Christmas by Wham! is as synonymous with the festive season as turkey and mince pies. The song has just turned 40, and to mark the occasion, the band's Andrew Ridgeley is starring in a BBC documentary about the classic tune.
Leading the way
The Prince of Wales has stepped up to the plate amid a year of serious challenges for his family
Pillar of strength
The Queen has been a constant support for her beloved husband throughout a tough year
Welcome return
Royal fans were thrilled to see Kate, elegant as ever, back in the spotlight alongside her family
Her greatest challenge
The Princess of Wales faced her most difficult year with stoicism and consideration for her young family
Bouncing back
Treatment for cancer couldn't keep the King down, as he greeted royal fans from Ascot to Australia
