Sara Davies, a name synonymous with success after her time on Dragons’ Den, carries a surprising travel secret. Despite a personal fortune estimated at £37 million, she’s often found on budget airline Ryanair.
The businesswoman recounted an incident at an airport where she overheard speculation about her travel arrangements. Someone dismissed the possibility of it being her, confidently stating she’d be on a private jet, not waiting for a Ryanair flight.
But for Davies, the choice isn’t about finances; it’s about values. She deliberately chooses to fly with the rest of the public, wanting to shield her children from the idea that extravagant travel is the norm. A simple bus to Benidorm, she believes, is perfectly adequate.
This commitment to grounding her children extends beyond travel. Davies actively seeks to instill a strong work ethic, mirroring her own upbringing. She remembers working in her family shop from the age of five, and now her sons spend their holidays assisting in her sister’s business.
Pocket money isn’t simply given; it’s earned through hard work, tidying wallpaper samples and contributing to the family enterprise. Davies is determined to raise her children with the same principles she learned, despite her dramatically changed circumstances.
She’s openly discussed the frustration of being constantly defined by her net worth, a label that frequently appears when her name is searched online. It’s a focus she finds unsettling, preferring to be recognized for more than just her financial success.
Her departure from Dragons’ Den, while surprising to many, stemmed from a desire to protect her commitments. Taking on new businesses through the show requires a significant investment of time and energy, something she couldn’t guarantee.
Davies hasn’t ruled out a return to the Den in the future, expressing her genuine affection for the show and its format. However, she acknowledges the substantial commitment involved, making it a difficult decision.
The story echoes the experience of another Dragons’ Den success, Levi Roots, whose Reggae Reggae sauce empire is now worth an estimated £30 million. Even with such success, he carries a lingering regret over the closure of one of his London restaurants.
For Davies, it’s about more than building a business; it’s about building character. It’s a lesson learned from her own mother, and one she’s determined to pass on to the next generation.
