Property-Porn Stars
Welcome to Property-Porn Stars, the premium property podcast for property professionals who are either working in, or aspiring to work in, the premium home market, brought to you by your hosts David Lindley and Matt Giggs.
The 'Property-Porn Stars' are the guests joining us in the studio, each of them excellent in their own field when it comes to the premium property markets, while the hosts interview them about their approach, what they've learned, and what they would advise for others working in the premium market to add significant value to their businesses.
If the premium property market is a subject you want to learn more about, or even if it is to take some of the insights you will learn here into another market, you are sure to gain lots of value from listening.
On behalf of the show's hosts, David and Matt, we are incredibly grateful for everyone who gives up their time to listen, and we are always eager for feedback on subjects, guests and questions.
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Property-Porn Stars
High Standards, Big Sacrifices, Slaying Dragons...The Imp&Maker Story #42 Sarah-Louise Fairburn
In this episode of Property-Porn Stars, David Lindley and Matt Giggs sit down with Sarah-Louise Fairburn, Founder and MD of Imp & Maker, the luxury hamper and gifting company shaking up the food & drink market.
Sarah-Louise shares her journey from running one of the UK’s biggest farming businesses to starting again with a disruptive new brand. We discuss the challenges of building a luxury business, the sacrifices behind the glossy exterior, and the importance of resilience, vision, and surrounding yourself with the right people. She opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with being a single mother of four, lessons from her mentors, and why disruption and high standards are at the heart of her success.
Sarah-Louise also appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, pitching her vision for Imp & Maker to the panel of investors. She shares candidly what the experience was really like behind the scenes — from the preparation and intensity of the pitch, to how the Dragons reacted, and the lessons she took away from being in that high-pressure spotlight. It’s a fascinating look at what most viewers never get to see on the show.
If you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or simply curious about what it takes to build a modern luxury brand, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration and honesty.
In this episode, we discuss:
• Vision & Disruption: Imp & Maker was born to modernise gifting — every item should be used, loved, and create memories (not just wicker baskets and re-gifted tea).
• High Standards: Sarah-Louise refuses to settle; inspired by mentors like Judith Batchelar (ex-Sainsbury’s), she obsesses over every detail of brand experience.
• Entrepreneurial Drive: Built one of the UK’s largest egg brands, then started again from scratch after a separation — now determined to prove herself again.
• Resilience & Sacrifice: Talks openly about scars from setbacks, grueling challenges, long hours, and the emotional toll of building a business.
• Surroundings Matter: Emphasises the importance of the right people, both in personal life and in business networks.
• Scaling Challenges: From supply chain problems to expensive lessons in Google ads and tech systems — learned agility and adaptability are key.
• Brand Positioning: Differentiates through modern, artisan, relevant products and an exceptional unboxing experience.
• Women in Business: Candid reflections on being a female entrepreneur, navigating biases, and inspiring her daughters to believe they can achieve anything.
• Health & Balance: Stresses discipline in eating, exercise, and family meal times as ways to cope with burnout.
• Long-Term Ambition: Aims to build one of the UK’s biggest gifting brands and, longer term, help other entrepreneurs from a place of real experience.