COFFEE WITH KRISTINA

The Apprentice Finalist;
Honours Mathematics Graduate, Single Mother & Business Mogul

WORDS: ROSEMARY DELANEY

KRISTINA GETS PERSONAL
If you were asked to describe your personality what adjectives would you use?
Determined, relentless, inquisitive, fun loving.

Would your colleagues, friends and indeed family share the same views?
Yes, I think they would, although they would also add stubborn, which I suppose I am!

What are your earliest childhood memories?
Probably as far back as 3 years of age — I certainly remember taking my first horse riding lesson and I was 3 then.

What do you perceive are your weaknesses, if any?
I am relentless, I never give up, I never stop looking for the next level — it can be quite exhausting!

You have received quite a bit of press in recent weeks and months on the back of The Apprentice. How do you feel about being in the media spotlight?
I have had a huge amount of press coverage — more than I could of ever imagined. The Mail on Sunday, Hello Magazine, Closer magazine, Irish Times (fame and fortune) and Irish Independent. I have been on Saturday night with Miriam, The Lorraine Kelly Show, Richard and Judy, BBC1 breakfast and Look North. Its starting to steady off a little now, which is good as I need to focus my energies on my career, although I am also currently writing a book called “Never Giving up” which is about how I came to where I am now, which I hope will provide inspiration and motivation for other women.

Your dream Job?
My current new role

Your favourite night out?
Out with friends, chilling over a glass or two of wine!

Your favourite night in?
Sunday night — chilling and recovering from the night before.

Read more about Kristina Grimes in the August | September 2007 issue of WMB, subscribe now.