‘It’s a privilege to not have to worry about where my next meal is coming from’

Polly Doyle launched Polly & Andy Socks in 2019.

Are you a saver or a spender?

I’m a spender. Even buying stationery and storage gives me the spending buzz.

Do you shop around for better value?

Yes, absolutely — that’s all part of the fun as I love a bargain. I love free shipping or a discount code. I am a firm believer in buy well, buy once. Better for the planet is a must, too.

What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?

I just had to get top-notch Asics runners that were €130 for that one time I went running — that was an expensive run!

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What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?

I bought a 50sq m shed to operate my business from. It was a big investment but I don’t know how long more I would have lasted running everything from my spare bedroom and attic. It was like an obstacle course in the house at times.

What ways did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions — online or locally?

I bought a lot of local products online during Covid. I’m on a first-name basis with all the local delivery drivers and our postman, who’s brilliant. Now that Covid is behind us, I buy as much as possible locally in Co Waterford.

Do you haggle over prices?

Not often but I did a lot of haggling over my car. I was tough, and I ended up getting new tyres, new mats and an air freshener thrown in for free!

How did the Covid-19 crisis change your spending habits and was there something in particular that you either stopped buying or started buying as a result?

I started to buy face masks a lot! I bought a lot of Covid tests, too, though thankfully I only got it twice. Also, as much as it was an option, I really started to buy online a lot from local traders.

Do you invest in shares?

I’m good enough with my finances but it’s all driven back into the company so I have very little appetite to invest in shares. I like the idea of investing in shares but I’d really need to love the product and know plenty about it. Maybe if I ever win the Lotto.

Cash or card?

Card really is the king these days. I like to have a little bit of cash on me, though, for emergencies.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?

My last purchase was a Berghaus fleece, and it’s definitely value for money. It matches my purple hair and if there was ever a fire in our house, it’s probably the third item I’d grab after Andy, my son, and some special photos.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?

I saved up the money for the Berghaus fleece! For new stock, I have to be really strict in making sure I’m saving money I make from the socks I’m already providing so that I can drive that back into the company to be able to come up with new product lines.

Have you ever lost money?

As rare as they are, on nights out I seem to mysteriously lose a large amount of money — although I also seem to have receipts for that same amount of money so maybe misplaced instead of lost!

Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?

Starting the business was a bit of a gamble and so far that’s on the right track so I’d consider that a big win. In terms of gambling in the more traditional sense, I might do the Lotto once in a blue moon and no, I’ve never won. If I start driving around in a bright yellow camper van, you’ll know I’ve won.

Is money important to you?

Only in terms of having enough to keep the business going and being able to keep the lights on and food on the table. I grew up in a big family where we all knew the value of hard work and that money didn’t come easy so I know money is important, of course, that it is difficult to earn, and that when you are lucky enough to have earned it you need to be able to enjoy a little bit of it. I also know that not everyone is in a position to have money and that it’s a privilege to not have to worry about where my next meal is coming from.

How much money do you have on you now?

I’m actually in my pyjamas right now so I don’t have a penny!