Restaurant owner Yasmina Siadatan has beaten the chocs off fellow finalist Kate Walsh to be crowned winner of The Apprentice 2009.
Before starting her fancy job with Sir Alan, we caught up with this year’s champion to discuss Kate, confectionary and how she’s gonna spend that big salary…
How are you feeling?
Ecstatic. I’m still pretty much in shock that I’ve won.
Was Kate too perfect to win the Apprentice?
I think Sir Alan wanted to see somebody that was going to really push themselves. I was a bit of a yoyo, I did make mistakes, but then my highs were higher than Kate’s. So yeah, her perfection was her downfall.
Do you think Philip played a part in her downfall too?
I don’t think so. I think it caused Phil some problems, but I think the way Kate handled herself was fantastic. I think other women might have crumbled under that kind of pressure. She’s a very strong girl.
It was an all-female final – is Sir Alan sick of men?
No, I don’t think so. Sir Alan just chose the strongest candidates and they happened to be women. I think the gender issue didn’t have much to do with it.
Your chocolates were quite shocking and feisty - does that sum you up?
Ah yes, the shocking chocolates. Looking back, it really did epitomise everything I stand for - that I’m willing to take a risk. You can’t win the Apprentice without taking risks and I think I’ve proven that.
Were there any moments that you doubted your ability?
Yeah loads. Just before the presentation in the final episode, I’d never been so scared in my whole life. You’re waiting to come on and you don’t know if you’re going to mess it up and you’re terrified. And not only that; it’s going to be on the telly. And you’re up against Kate – the best pitcher of the series… big pressure.
How is the £100,000 salary going to change your life?
The money itself isn’t really going to change me. I love going camping, I love eating out, I love spoiling my friends if I’ve got some money, so I’ll just be the same old ‘Mina but I’ll be working in a whole new industry.
Read our interview with previous loser Howard Ebison.
