Originally written by Timothy Adler on Small Business
Sara Davies, 35, is the latest – and youngest – dragon to join hit BBC show Dragons’ Den.
Davies began her entrepreneur journey while still at the University of York, where she graduated with a First in business management. She founded Crafter’s Companion, a crafter’s supply company, as a student. During a placement at a tiny craft company, she spotted a gap in the market for a tool which could create bespoke envelopes for handmade cards. With help from her retired engineer father, she designed a product called The Enveloper, going to a TV shopping channel to sell it. She sold 30,000 units within six months. By the time she graduated, her business was turning over £500,000.
Today, Crafter’s Companion turns over £35m and exports to more than 40 countries globally, employing over 200 people worldwide.
In addition to appearing as a dragon, Sara Davies continues to run her business with her husband Simon and has two small children.
>See also: Piers Linney: ‘I was one of the first to do real tech on Dragon’s Den’
#1 – Don’t let emotion drive your business
One of my biggest learnings was when we were turning over £2m a year