AN award-winning Wirral entrepreneur who grew up 'experiencing poverty' hopes to use her tale of business success as a vehicle to help and inspire others.
Through her 'ethical property investment entrepreneur' company, Home Property Solutions, Shirleyann Haig offers vendors a quick sale at market value, without evicting tenants in the process.
The mum-of-two has a portfolio of 17 properties and manages 60 for others throughout Merseyside.
She buys properties from vendors at full market value without any hidden fees, ensuring a quick sale and also specialises in buying off landlords, allowing tenants to remain in their homes.
Meanwhile, she offers ethical property management and lettings with low management fees.
Based in Heswall and with a new office in West Kirby, Shirleyann is described as the 'epitome of a successful businesswoman however she has had to work very hard to get there'.
She eventually achieved a post graduation degree in pharmacology and landed a 'high-flying' job in the industry.
After years of hard work and saving, Shirleyann got into property investment - offering people fair amounts for their properties and refurbishing them to a very high standard before selling them or renting them out.
Within four years she had 17 properties in her portfolio and founded Home Property Solutions - specialising in ethical property investment and helping others invest in the same way.
Reflecting on her Shirleyann explained: “Life growing up was tough.
"In school I was nicknamed ‘pizza face’ due to my acne and was also bullied because of my mullet.
"My parents divorced when I was a baby and I was raised by a single mum in poverty - my brothers were in and out of jail with addictions whilst I got arrested at 13 and was clubbing by the time I was 14. I knew I had to change."
She continued: "I joined an after school club and started studying really hard - it became quite addictive.
"I aced my GCSEs and was selected by the Prince’s Trust to go round the country telling my success story to head teachers.
"I gained a 2.1 Degree in Illustration at Portsmouth University and a Post Grad Diploma in Pharmacology and Clinical Research. I landed a high paid role and soon discovered property investment."
Whilst her friends were partying, as a young woman Shirleyann was painting walls and refurbishing houses.
She met her partner, married and had two children, although had to re-invent herself again after challenges raising neurodivergent children took a toll on the relationship, leading to divorce.
This didn’t hinder Shirleyann’s drive though — in fact, she became even more successful.
Shirleyann explained: "My upbringing instilled a strong work ethic into me and made me realise I can overcome any hurdle put in front of me.
"Home Property Solutions has become my passion and I’m proud to offer ethical property investment - giving vendors the value they deserve, keeping tenants in their homes and showing others how to invest.
I have a great team around me and life is good."
Today, Shirleyann’s ethical property business is thriving and she is using her story and journey as a vehicle to help and inspire others.
She founded Inspiring Women Wirral - a female entrepreneur group that empowers women.
She also Co-Founded Inspiring Minds CIC - an organisation that helps people cope with neurodiversity and financial freedom. She’s also working on a couple of books.
Looking back on her career, Shirleyann reflected: "I haven't had any handouts or short cuts — it’s purely been hard work and a determination to overcome adversities and I want to use this to help and inspire others.
"Through Home Property Solutions I help others become successful and ethical property investors, whilst Inspiring Women Wirral is an amazing group of women and is going from strength to strength."
She continued: "Big things are coming from Inspiring Minds CIC too, with a book in the pipeline about raising children with neurodiversity.
"It's written by parents for parents and will be full of invaluable advice through lived experience.
"I've recently been diagnosed with ADHD myself which explains a lot in hindsight.
"Ultimately, I want to show people that through hard work your circumstances don’t have to define you."
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