The Apprentice 2022: ‘People want me to be a presenter but my priority is pyjamas!’ Runner-up Kathryn Burn discusses the future of her business after losing to Harpreet Kaur
The Apprentice 2022 runner-up Kathryn Burn has discussed the future of her pyjama brand after losing out to Harpreet Kaur for Lord Sugar’s £250k investment in the final.
The Swindon-born businesswoman, 29, saw her plans to grow her brand go up in smoke as Harpreet won during a dramatic boardroom – but says that while people think her future lies in TV presenting, she is determined to grow her business.
She said: ‘I’ve had lots of people reach out with presenting actually but at the moment the priority is pyjamas. Who knows what the future holds?
Not to be: The Apprentice 2022 runner-up Kathryn Burn has discussed the future of her pyjama brand after losing out to Harpreet Kaur for Lord Sugar’s £250k investment in the final
‘I guess for me my main focus is the pyjamas, I obviously didn’t get the investment from Lord Sugar so I am out looking for an investor, I do want to grow the business and set it up.
‘I still believe in my brand and my product. At the moment it’s pyjamas but who knows what the futures gonna hold. Pyjamas is why I went on the show, I went on the show for the investment and that is my main priority for now.
‘Past candidates have been DMing me to show their support, just saying “you’re doing a great job” or good luck and we’re rooting for you.”
Kathryn reflected on the start of her Apprentice journey, saying: ‘When I first applied for the process, I’d watched previous episodes and I always thought I can do that, I can do a better job than them so I really thought I was capable but obviously going through the process, there were times where I thought I was gonna get fired so now to be in the final and be a runner up, I’m really proud of myself.
Final two: The Swindon-born businesswoman, 29, saw her plans to grow her brand go up in smoke as Harpreet won during a dramatic boardroom – but says that while people think her future lies in TV presenting, she is determined to grow her business
‘I remember that evening we went back to the house and had champagne with the production team, we were just so proud and buzzing that we were in it together. We became really close early on in the process and started sharing a room right from the beginning so to be in the final with my closest friend in the process was incredible.
‘My Instagram has just gone absolutely crazy, I only had 2 thousand followers before but not I’ve got 57-58 thousand. I get hundreds of messages a day, and they are so lovely and it is so amazing to have people you don’t know reach out and send such kind messages and I do read through them all.
‘It’s really nice and I guess I’m pleased with how I came across and it’s a true representation of me as a person. ‘
Rip off? This comes as it emerged Kathryn is selling her £39 jaguar-print pyjamas for almost double the price of other online retailers selling near identical nightwear
The final saw the pair go head-to-head to create their own brand, with Kathryn saying: ‘For me I loved the final. Obviously there was a lot of stress and pressure so to have a task built around what you do for a living and what you love was amazing.
‘I didn’t actually know I was capable of that, I was watching myself back like go on girl. I think when something comes out of my mouth I just say it.
‘ I don’t really get intimidated and I’m so passionate about my business, its so important to stand our ground. Let’s not be intimidated by men, lets stand our ground.
‘I learnt a lot in the process, so much. There was a lot of things in the process I’d never done before like pitching for example, that was all really new to me.
‘Francesca always used to open the pitch with a question and now that’s something I always do because its so great you engage the audience straight away and it sounds so professional.
‘All the candidates have their own strengths and its such an incredible opportunity to learn from each other going forward.
‘I guess for me I was in the bottom three quite a few times and I was in the boardroom a lot, of our ten tasks I was in the boardroom like well our team lost 8/10 tasks so every time you’re thinking could it be me going this week.
‘They drill right into what you did wrong and the boardroom is a lot longer than what is shown on TV, everything is spoken about and it was really stressful.
‘I’m really proud of my performance in the final and Lord Sugar picked Harpreet because he thought she was the right business partner for him and that’s absolutely fine.
‘I wouldn’t change anything to be honest, even though I didn’t win a lot of tasks maybe I wouldn’t have reached the final if I had changed something.
‘You’re up early in the mornings, you’re tired, you’re stressed, there are a lot of restrictions on the tasks people don’t know about so it’s a lot harder than it seems on TV.
The interview comes after it emerged Apprentice finalist Kathryn is selling her £39 jaguar-print pyjamas for almost double the price of other online retailers selling near identical nightwear.
She said: ‘I guess for me my main focus is the pyjamas, I obviously didn’t get the investment from Lord Sugar so I am out looking for an investor, I do want to grow the business and set it up’
The businesswoman has marketed the product on her website My Everyday Pyjamas at more than double the likes of ASOS and Missguided, which both sell a very similar pair for £22.
The entrepreneur was previously challenged on the remarkably similar designs during the semi-final, before making it through to Thursday’s final.
Kathryn set up her business a year before she applied for the show and had already shifted an impressive 80,000 pieces on her own, after importing stock from China.
What’s going on? The Swindon-born entrepreneur was previously challenged on the remarkably similar designes during the semi-final, before making it through to Thursday’s final
Despite previously insisted on her business plan that she had created the designs herself, Kathryn was forced to back down when pressed by interviewer Linda Plant.
Pulling out a pair of near-identical pyjamas, Linda said: ‘Did you design the prints?’ and Kathryn replied: ‘I didn’t design the prints, no.’
Linda pushed: ‘In your business plan you say you designed the prints. But actually this was bought from a high street store, and I would say it is pretty identical.
‘So let’s be honest, have you designed anything? Just give me a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, did you design anything?’
Wow! The businesswoman has marketed the product on her website My Everyday Pyjamas at more than double the likes of ASOS (pictured) and Missguided, which both sell a very similar pair for £22
Awkward! Despite previously insisted on her business plan that she had created the designs herself, Kathryn was forced to back down when pressed by interviewer Linda Plant (pictured)
My Everyday Pyjamas! Kathryn set up her business a year before she applied for the show and had already shifted an impressive 80,000 pieces on her own
Kathryn said: ‘No.’
Later reflecting on the chat, she said: ‘I’m in shock. She got out the same print, basically my pyjamas, and put them on the table. And she said ‘well you’re not unique. That was savage.’
A spokesperson for My Everyday Pyjamas told The Sun: ‘As a small business we pride ourselves on offering high quality, ethically-sourced, matching pyjama sets for customers at a competitive price.’
My Everyday Pyjamas provides matching pyjama sets for children and dogs.
£39: Kathryn’s brand sells a near identical pair for £39 (pictured)
THE APPRENTICE 2022: MEET THE WOMEN
AMY ANZEL, 48
Occupation: Owner, beauty brand
Lives: London
Key information: Starting her beauty business a little later in life, Amy has now found what she really loves doing after previously working in sales, showbiz and jingles.
She says: ‘I can be nice when I need to be, but when I unfortunately have to be a b***h, I will…’
BRITTANY CARTER, 25
Occupation: Hotel front of house manager
Lives: Bristol
Key information: Brittany is looking to break away from her hotel role and launch the first alcoholic protein drink, with Lord Sugar’s help.
She says: ‘My motto for life is ‘always look on the bright side’
FRANCESCA KENNEDY-WALLBANK, 26
Occupation: Owner, sustainability company
Lives: Surrey
Key information: The eco-conscious, mathematics graduate is looking for investment in her next venture, providing a product carbon footprint service for businesses with a simple equation of her own creation.
She says: ‘There’s two types of people in the world- people that say they are going to do things and people that actually do them and I’m a doer’
HARPEET KAUR, 30
Occupation: Owner, dessert parlour
Lives: West Yorkshire
Key information: Describing herself as a born leader, fearless and funny, Harpreet plans to ‘level up’ her successful, six-figure coffee and cakes business to become a leading brand in the UK.
She says: ‘I’m definitely not in business to make friends. I’m here to make money, and I’m sure Lord Sugar isn’t looking for a new mate.
KATHRYN LOUISE BURN, 29
Occupation: Owner, online pyjama store
Lives: Swindon
Key information: Kathryn has worked a wide range of jobs from mortgage advisor to events manager. Describing herself as ambitious, kind, and often ‘savage’, she says she’s there to win, not to make friends.
She says: ‘My dreams in my head are absolutely huge and I believe I can achieve them.’
SOPHIE WILDING, 32
Occupation: Owner, boutique cocktail bar
Lives: Cheltenham
Key information: Describing herself as ‘magical and enchanting’ Sophie even has a witch school qualification. She previously worked in sales and has huge renovation plans for her bar.
She says: ‘Failure is not an option. Winning is part of my DNA.’
STEPHANIE AFFLECK, 28
Occupation: Owner, online children’s store
Lives: Kent
Key information: With her East-London roots, the blonde is hoping to bond with Lord Sugar and match his no nonsense attitude towards business. She’s looking for funding to develop her designer store and be part of the growing pre-loved fashion industry.
She says: ‘I’ve got grit, determination and I’m determined to be successful.’
SHAMA AMIN, 41
Occupation: Owner, children’s day nursery
Lives: Bradford
Key information: Shama already has a busy work life running her children’s day nursery as well as juggling life with five children at home. She is ready to prove she has the ‘skillset that is required to be one of the best, successful businesswomen in the early years sector.’
She says: ‘Being a lady of colour, wearing a headscarf as well and the challenges that we face on a daily basis, I just want to be a living example for the Asian women out there.’
THE APPRENTICE 2022: MEET THE MEN
AARON WILLIS, 38
Occupation: Flight Operations Instructor
Lives in: Chorley, Lancashire
Key information: Having served in the RAF for 12 years as Flight Operations Instructor, Aaron has set out to start his own security business.
He says: ‘My strongest point is that I can sell to anybody and I think that’s the reason why my business will be a success, because people will buy from me.’
AKSHAY THAKRAR, 28
Occupation: Owner, Digital Marketing Agency
Lives in: London
Key information: Referring to himself as a man who believes sleeping is a ‘waste of time’ he also claims his first word as a newborn was ‘profit’.
He says: ‘My friends call me AK 47 because I’m a killer salesperson.’
CONOR GILSENAN, 28
Occupation: Sales Executive and former Professional Rugby Player
Lives in: London
Key information: Hard working and ‘hyper motivated by money’, ex rugby player Conor describes himself as a ‘corporate panther’ with a record for getting deals done and who will win this series.
He says: ‘I’m going to be the corporate panther in the boardroom, I’m going to get it done, and I’m going to be Lord Sugar’s perfect business partner.’
NAVID SOLE, 27
Occupation: Pharmacist
Lives in: London
Key information: Qualified pharmacist and Nicki Minaj superfan Navid aspires to create a successful pharmacy business with the help and expertise of Lord Sugar.
He says: ‘Nothing intimidates me because I just feel like I’m a strong character, strong person, strong mindset.’
AKEEM BUNDU KAMARA, 29
Occupation: Strategy Manager for a Financial Firm
Lives in: London
Key information: Akeem considers himself a people’s person who loves being around others, however as a ‘numbers guy’, his analytical ability often causes him to think carefully about his every move, as he claims he will come in with a ‘calculated point of view.’
He says: ‘My growing up has made me who I am, I’m able to converse with everyone, but also able to show that financial, business side to myself.’
ALEX SHORT, 27
Occupation: Owner, Commercial Cleaning Company
Lives in: Hertford
Key information: With big goals for his commercial cleaning business, Alex is driven, focused and is ‘not going to stop’ until he gets where he wants to go.
He says: ‘I would compare myself to a Ferrari, shiny on the outside but under the bonnet, there is a lot of fire and I’m coming for you.’
HARRY MAHMOOD, 35
Occupation: Regional Operations Manager
Lives in: West Midlands
Key information: Inspired by the kindness of his grandparents, Harry wants to help and support people.
He says: ‘Everything I’ve looked into achieving, I’ve achieved I’ve literally done everything I’ve put my mind to.’
NICK SHOWERING, 31
Occupation: Finance Manager
Lives in: London
Key information: After ‘working in the shadow of his family’s business’, qualified accountant Nick hopes to make a name for himself in the drinks industry with his line of flavoured water.
He says: ‘In business I’m a bit of a force to be reckoned with I know what I’m talking about, I know how things work, and I’m extremely experienced So, I’m a bit of an animal in the boardroom’
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