‘My hotel room was robbed one year on holiday’
THE Dublin comedian Enya Martin previously worked in retail and marketing — before giving up a full-time job a few years ago to pursue her career in comedy. She sold out three shows in Dublin’s Vicar Street last year and is well-known for her Giz a Laugh Facebook page. She will be performing her Giz a Laugh comedy show live in the Everyman Theatre in Cork this Saturday, January 26. What’s the most important lesson about money which your career as a comedian has taught you? That you can’t always spend it on glamorous things. I’ve had to learn to reserve my income for times when work is quiet. What’s the most expensive country you ever visited? Paris. I’m addicted to Diet Coke and it killed me paying €4 a bottle over there. Total rip-off! What’s the best advice you ever got about money? “Some months you might not have a gig and you’ll be sorry you spent your last pay cheque on a holiday to Alicante which you didn’t even need.” I got that advice from my manager. What’s your favourite Irish coin? I love a €2 coin. When ever I come to an unexpected toll bridge on my country drives, I frantically root in my handbag and breathe a sigh of relief when I see the flecks of gold and silver at the end of my bag. They’re like the €100 notes of the coin world. Apart from property, what’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought? My car — and it’s also the best investment I’ve ever made. What I do for a living requires me to travel cross-country a lot. Having the freedom to drive myself to the destination is liberating. What was your worst job? I did an internship once for a startup company. I hated it so much. But I needed the money and was willing to stick it out. What was your biggest financial mistake? I bought an expensive camera recently which I don’t even use to shoot videos as the camera on my phone is so good. That was a bit of a waste. What was your best financial killing? Using my sense of humour to put bread on the table. How many people can say they love their job? Imagine making money by just having fun? Are you better off than your parents? I think I am and I think it’s what they would have wanted. So they know that if anything ever happens to them, I can look after myself. If you won the Euromillions, what would you do with the money? I’d love to produce a movie with a huge budget. I’d write a script with incredible writers, hire the best actors and get a Hollywood director to shoot it. Your favourite song or tune about money? Just Got Paid by Sigala. I always sing it to myself when I see money being lodged into my account. Have you ever made an insurance claim? Yeah. My hotel room was robbed one year on holiday. What a time-consuming process. What was the last thing you bought online? Dance shoes for the panto I’m starring in. Would you buy Irish property now? When my parents tell me that their house cost IR£10,000 40 years ago, it sickens me. Inflation is scandalous. I refuse to rent — but I’m getting older and can’t live with my parents forever. Are you a spender or a saver? It depends on the week. I used to be addicted to online shopping, but then realised I don’t wear half of the stuff I buy — so I’m better at saving money now. What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt? Phone bill, my car, and Diet Coke.