Why home is where the heart is for Baroness Bra Michelle
Peer wants to find a hunk in Scotland
LOVE split bra tycoon Michelle Mone is looking for a new man – but he has to live in Scotland or London and definitely not the other side of the world.
The former Ultimo boss travelled a staggering 185,000 miles visiting her golfer boyfriend Stefan Soroka in Barbados.
The journeys – the equivalent of flying seven times round the world – were clocked up by the peer dubbed ‘Baroness Bra’ in just one year, averaging a trip every fortnight.
But now she’s told The Sunday Post that she wants to find a Brit-based boyfriend.
“I don’t think I’ll be single forever,” said Michelle, who turned 45 last week. “Never say never. If it happens, it happens but if it doesn’t, it doesn’t.
“I think you’ve got to be happy with yourself first and I’m happy that I’ve got my family and friends around me. If a new man comes into my life, that’ll be it – but let’s hope he lives in Scotland or London, at least.
“That would be handier. I don’t think I’ll be looking for someone who lives in Barbados or America.”
Michelle had been together with golf pro Stefan since last autumn and had even spoken about the possibility of having a baby with him.
But they split up a month ago and, speaking frankly about the split for the first time, she says distance and each other’s work ultimately proved too much.
“His career’s in Barbados and mine is here. He’s a lovely guy and we’re still friends. He’ll always be my friend. It was just a case of him being over there and me here. I can’t give up everything and go and live in Barbados and he can’t give up what he has and come to Britain.
“I could have given up my career and made it work, but I feel that I’ve not made it yet and I’ve got a long way to go.
“I’m not ready to retire at 45. Maybe 75, but certainly not 45.
“We spoke about everything and unfortunately our work schedules just stopped us. But it was an amazing time and he’s an incredible guy.
“I think the fact that we’re both so busy has made things easier since. Life moves on and you’ve just got to get on.”
Yesterday marked the first anniversary of Michelle’s introduction into the House of Lords.
She was tasked with being the Conservatives’ small business tsar. And having run numerous businesses – with her latest, Social Superstore, just launching last week – she says Brexit will have a major impact.
“I didn’t want us to exit the EU. I thought it would be tough for business. I was shocked at the vote and didn’t think it was going to happen.
“I don’t think we’ve felt the impact yet. I think it’ll hit in the first half of next year and manufacturing will really be hit in the second half of next year.
“I can see an unsettled five years and I didn’t want it because I didn’t think we needed that.
“But some you win and some you lose. The public have made their decision and we’ve really just got to try and make the best of it.
“We need to strike trade deals with America and China and India and all these other countries. We can’t sit about full of doom and gloom and mope and moan about it.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last week signalled the imminent publication of a blueprint for independence and another referendum by early 2019.
But Michelle, who’s had more than a
few run-ins with the SNP and their supporters, is adamant it’s the wrong call.
“When I fly around the world giving lectures, I fly the flag for Scotland.
“I say I’m Scottish first but I’m also British and I just think stronger together is the way to go with everything that’s going on in the world. I wouldn’t like us to be on our own.”
Michelle may have split from a sports star, but she’s just formed an alliance with another – former F1 racing champ Nigel Mansell.
They have teamed up to launch Social Superstore. It allows users to make money by discovering, endorsing and sharing products from hundreds of their favourite brands, including John Lewis, Topshop and Nike.
“It’s like Avon but you don’t need to go round doors, you don’t need stock or money,” adds Michelle. “You can start building your own store straight away and we’re passionate about creating as many entrepreneurs as possible.”
socialsuperstore.com