Sara Davies: The Millionaire Dragon Who Flies Ryanair to Teach Her Sons the Value of Money
Despite a reported net worth of a staggering £37 million, Dragons' Den star Sara Davies remains remarkably grounded, choosing to fly with budget airline Ryanair over private jets. The 41-year-old businesswoman, who captivated audiences on the Den before her departure last year, believes in instilling a strong work ethic and understanding of financial prudence in her two sons, Oliver and Charlie.
Davies, who shares her life with her husband of 27 years, Simon, recently opened up about her parenting philosophy in an interview for Woman And Home's June cover issue. She recounted an anecdote from an airport where she overheard a conversation about her own perceived lifestyle.
"At an airport, I once overheard someone say, 'That's Sara Davies, that Dragon'," she recalled. "And someone replied, 'It's not. There's only Ryanair flights leaving. She's probably got a private jet'."
Davies admitted that while she could easily afford a private jet for family trips, such as their journey to Spain, it goes against her core values. "I don't want my kids thinking we can fly that way when the Benidorm bus works just fine," she stated, emphasizing her commitment to demonstrating a realistic approach to spending.
Raising Children with the Right Values
The entrepreneur highlighted the challenges of raising children in a vastly different financial landscape than the one she grew up in. Her own childhood was marked by early involvement in her family's shop.
"My mam had me working in our family shop from the age of five, polishing and hoovering," Davies explained. "So, in the holidays, the boys help out in my sister's business, tidying wallpaper samples, like I used to. They work hard for their pocket money." This hands-on experience, she believes, is crucial for them to understand the effort required to earn money.
Davies described her inherent approach to finances as "naturally frugal." She differentiates between the ability to afford something and the feeling of it being the "right" purchase. This extends to everyday choices, such as only buying smoked salmon when it's on special offer.
The Unsung Hero: Simon Davies
In a rare and heartfelt moment, Sara Davies also spoke about her husband, Simon, describing him as the "wind beneath my wings." Their relationship is a testament to enduring love, having been together since Davies was just 15 years old.
"I've never had my heart broken," she revealed. "Simon and I have been together for 27 years – I was 15 when we got together. He's my first boyfriend and I'm his first girlfriend." This long-standing partnership has provided her with a constant sense of security, allowing her to "shine."
Davies praised Simon's lack of interest in the celebrity spotlight, noting that he finds genuine pleasure in the family's overall success and well-being. She shared a touching example of his quiet support:
"The other day, we got back late from skiing and I fell asleep putting the kids to bed. He quietly unpacked the cases, put the washing on and set my alarm so I could still get my eight hours' sleep. He never asks for thanks. He's just behind the scenes, making everything happen."
A Transformation in Health and Wellness
Beyond her financial insights, Davies has also undergone a significant personal transformation in her health and fitness journey. After struggling with restrictive diets, she lost three dress sizes in 2024 by adopting a nutritionist-approved plan.
Her new approach involves a combination of strength training sessions each week and early morning runs with other school mothers. A key focus has been on preparing "no c**p" snacks to curb her cravings, particularly for her husband Simon's chocolate stash.
Speaking to Closer magazine, Davies explained her aversion to restrictive eating plans, stating, "I can't get on board with restrictive diets and I fall off the bandwagon." Instead, she embraced a plan called Strong and Nourished, which involved personalised nutrition plans and weekly strength training coaching.
"I feel great," she enthused. "I've totally changed how I think about food and how I balance what I put into my body."
Dietary Shifts for Sustained Energy
Davies revealed a significant shift in her breakfast habits. Previously, her daily smoothie, laden with peanut butter, was surprisingly high in calories, often reaching around 500.
She has since transitioned to a more balanced and sustaining breakfast of porridge, enriched with chia seeds for fibre and nuts for healthy fats. To further boost its nutritional value, she incorporates collagen and sea moss. This protein-rich start to her day, she says, effectively controls sugar cravings and promotes a feeling of fullness for longer periods.
For her afternoon snack, Davies opts for Greek yogurt with honey or homemade healthy cookies made with bananas, nuts, and pumpkin seeds. This mindful approach to nutrition complements her dedication to instilling strong values in her children and maintaining a grounded perspective on wealth.
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