The Loves Of My Life

Entrepreneurs Sacha Cahill and Dan Nugent

“Living in New York, interning in an art gallery and working in a bar on Stone Street” “We started in Colombia and ended up in Brazil, crossing 7 different countries. I wish I could do it all over again”

The person

Dan: Our daughter Aurora, for sure. She just turned two, and has us in stitches 24/7. Sacha: Same. Aurora for me, too.

The memory

Dan: We both spent a while living in New York a few years back. I’ve so many amazing memories from my time there — the constant buzz of energy and opportunity had a huge impact on me. But I’ll always remember Stone Street in the Financial District. It’s a strip of pedestrianised, cobbled road, hidden between the skyscrapers, and it’s crammed full of Irish bars — and Irish people.

Sacha: Living in New York, interning in an art gallery and working in a bar on Stone Street.

The movie

Dan: Trainspotting. The soundtrack, the terrifying Begbie, the Choose Life monologue, the toilet scene, and the hilarity among the bleakness all make it an unforgettable piece of cinema. Sacha: Cool Runnings.

The song

Dan: I think Run the Jewels are the most important act in music right now. Their political and social commentary is spot on and, a year on, I’m still listening to their third album, RTJ3, every day.

Sacha: Wannabe by the Spice Girls.

The pet hate

Dan: Butter! Since I was a child, I’ve had a weird phobia about butter. Even looking at butter makes me feel a little uneasy. Sacha: Slow walkers and cold coffee.

The outfit

Dan: I’m not the most imaginative in the fashion department at all! I’m most comfortable in a pair of Converse, black jeans and a plain white T-shirt.

Sacha: Anything with good shoes. I feel that no matter what you’re wearing, if you’ve got a good pair of shoes on, your outfit will look pulled together.

The beauty product

Dan: Ha-ha — shampoo and shower gel? Sacha: Elizabeth Arden, Eight Hour Cream. I can’t live without it.

The drink

Dan: Franciscan Well Chieftain Irish Pale Ale; the best beer in the world. Sacha: A cold glass of wine in the sun.

The hero

Dan: It might be cliche, but it has to be Elon Musk. I love his relentless appetite for solving serious human problems. It’s a pity he’s not a politician.

Sacha: My mum! Since having a baby I have an even bigger appreciation of her.

The gadget

Dan: I’m very aware of my addiction to my phone. I’m trying to cut back, but when you’re running your business from it, well then, it’s a whole lot harder.

Sacha: I recently made the switch from Apple to Android, and I’ll never go back.

The hobby

Dan: I’ve had problems with my back and just started doing CrossFit to try and straighten myself out. I’ve heard it’s like a cult and I’ll turn my back on my friends, but thankfully that hasn’t happened yet!

Sacha: My mum is a yoga teacher and she started me young. I haven’t kept it up that much since having Aurora and starting [our eyewear company] Ambr, but it’s still my favourite hobby.

The virtue

Sacha: Kindness and honesty. Dan: Integrity. Believing in your principles and backing them up is one of the most endearing characteristics I find in people.

The vice

Sacha: Chocolate. Dan: ‘Going for one.’ Cue to afternoon the following day, still in bed with an empty wallet and a sore head.

The holiday

Sacha: Definitely South America. We started in Colombia and ended up in Brazil, crossing seven different countries, and I wish I could do it all over again.

Dan: Obviously, South America with Sacha is the standout. But in 2016, myself and a few friends bought an old bus, painted it in the Irish colours and drove to the Euros in France. It certainly wasn’t for the faint-hearted, but I’ve never laughed as much as I did in those few weeks.

The friend

Sacha: We’ve both hung around with the same group of friends since primary school; I love them all. Dan: Same!

The accessory

Dan: As someone who spends half their time online, it’s definitely my Ambrs. Sacha: I’m not just saying this, but Ambrs for sure!