Growing up in a white, middle-class pocket of Yorkshire, my biggest ambition was to be like everyone else. As it turned out, my Hong Kong Chinese parents had other ideas. I recall the mortification every time my mother haggled with our bemused gardener or when my father tried to do a ‘cash deal’ for our school fees. Any attempts that my sisters and I made to blend in were thwarted by our bizarre second-hand clothing and elaborate hairstyles. Although I have to hand it to my mother, she understood the value of ‘vintage’ and a blow-dry decades before Top Shop caught on.

And now? Well, it goes to show that Phillip Larkin* was completely on the money. For me, not much beats the heady euphoria of finding Manolos for M&S prices or negotiating down a builder’s quote. In addition, my years in the City taught me about the principles of investment: investing is buying things; good investing is buying as much and as good quality as possible. Strong market research, price sensitivity and astute deal making are the bastions of any successful investor and/or shopper.

So when I’m not spending money (or thinking about spending it), I try to make it. As it may be apparent, I am obsessed by beautiful things. This led me to co-found www.paperlilystationery.com. I am also passionate about growing businesses and provide a management consultancy service for small companies. My other great loves include my husband, family, friends, and lots of food – preferably all at the same time.