By Chrissy Iley
James Constantinou is the star of Channel 4’s Posh Pawn. James is the ultimate self-made man. He grew up in Bethnal Green on an East End council estate and then moved to Surrey when he was ten. He wasn’t interested in school or taking instructions, he was just interested in making his own money and his own business. He started Prestige Pawnbrokers after having some luck in the property market. It’s a business that can literally sell anything: the gorgeous and the ludicrous which is why it makes such a wonderful reality show…
C: Do you consider yourself a lucky person? Is there such thing as luck or is it all about hard work?
JC: I used to consider myself lucky until I started experiencing bad luck. This is because I didn’t like the thought of being unlucky. Obviously luck comes and goes. However, I think generally if you work hard and strive for good things, you will experience more good luck rather than bad.
What do you think is the secret of your success?
I’m not sure my success in terms of the pawnbroking business is much of a secret. Honestly, I was in the right place at the right time, I placed myself into an expanding market with few competitors, it is basic good business. So unfortunately there isn’t a hidden secret.
I read that you got out of the property business prior to the crash of 2008 and that’s when you decided to set up Prestige Pawn Brokers.
I was lucky (fortunate) enough to exit out of some property deals prior to the 2008 crash. Within a few months I was itching to get my teeth into something new. So I used the skills I picked up on the way and switched it into something new.
Do you still dabble in property?
I still have property interests, the development side is something I enjoy being involved in.
How did you know to sell in 2008?
There were whispers within the banking sector. Things began to look a little worrying; this was even before anything was aired on the news. Property crashes run in cycles and It was long overdue.
How did you get the idea for Prestige Pawn?
The idea for Prestige came to me when I realised that my friends and colleagues could no longer borrow money from the banks in the way they could previously. Many were sitting on luxury assets worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Nonetheless were still unable to pay for things such as their children’s school fees. There was not much to think about – Prestige just seemed the answer.
What are some of your favourite items that have been through Prestige? Not necessarily the most expensive but the most fun?
We have seen some amazing items that have been offered to us. For me it is not about the value- we recently dealt with some props from the James Bond movie, also a piece of moon rock and Queen Victoria’s bloomers, the list is endless. These type of enquiries are often the best, it isn’t about the value it is the story behind the item that makes them all so interesting.
What do you love about filming Posh Pawn? What gave you the idea to put your life on film?
The filming side is by no means easy, we often struggle with it but when you see the finished product coupled with the opportunity to give viewers an insight into the business it makes it all worthwhile. We decided it was worth exploring. It was a gamble but it has paid off.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I’m not one for extravagance. When I was younger I yearned to drive a Ferrari or a Porsche. As I have matured I can gladly say I am more interested in fine dining than wheel spinning.
What is your favourite way to spend time?
Work is 100 miles per hour and to be honest there is not much spare time. If I can manage it, I will try and escape for long weekends. Somewhere that is secluded where I can chill out and get away from it all.
Do you have a favourite place to relax / go on holiday?
I like to experience different places; I have been to India many times. I find the culture and the people so fascinating. I Wouldn’t say it was the most relaxing place on earth just fascinating, I am certainly magnetised to it.
What makes you happy? What stresses you out?
I am happy when work has been going well and when the weekend is fast approaching. Meaning I can chill out relax and destress. I get stressed if the ‘I’s’’ are not dotted and ‘’t’s’’ are not crossed.
If there was anything you could do differently what would it be?
I know it is the cliché thing to say. But I wouldn’t change anything, I am content with what I have achieved and the manner in which I have achieved it. I feel things are going in the right direction and if at any time I thought differently I would change direction. I can’t ask for more than that.
What is your favourite place to shop and what clothing item do you have most of? Shirts? Shoes?
I was a Harvey Nichols fanatic when I was younger. I shudder when I think of the money that was spent. I still have half the unworn items with the labels still attached. I can gladly say I am not a label snob and will wear anything I like the look of.
Have you ever pawned anything yourself?
I have never pawned anything myself. Although there have been times when I needed the money in my past. But it just never entered my mind. Perhaps, if Posh Pawn had been there in the 80s, I may have.
–