Why I’m making the most of every moment

AT 26, I may seem young to be running a conveyancing business — but there’s nothing like a near-death experience to accelerate your perspective.

Growing up in central Victoria, I suffered a heart attack at the age of nine and flat-lined. It wasn’t due to a congenital condition but septicemia following a ruptured appendix. After 19 operations in 21 days, I survived — and that experience has shaped everything: how I live, how I lead, and how I run my business. 

I left school with a strong interest in law but chose not to pursue university. Instead, I entered the industry at 18 as an assistant to a property lawyer, progressed to office manager, became a licensed conveyancer at 22, and established my own business before turning 23.

My mindset is simple: you might not be here tomorrow, so take the opportunity today.

That perspective carries through to how I lead my team. As a young female business owner leading an all-female team, I’m deeply aware of the responsibility and opportunity that comes with that. I hold my staff in high regard — they deserve recognition and investment, something often overlooked in the pursuit of growth. Experience isn’t everything. I look for people who are willing to have a go. Technical skills can be taught.

We focus strongly on empathy. Many of our clients are first-home buyers, and sometimes they need a little extra guidance and reassurance. Being personable isn’t just a value; it’s a differentiator. And the response from clients reflects that many times over.

The motto I live by, and reinforce with my team, is: “pressure is a privilege”. It’s something I often say in our toolbox meetings. In a competitive industry, it’s a privilege to be trusted with our clients’ most significant assets.

When I speak with my accountant, we often reflect on how the business operates with the maturity of one that has been established for many years. 

I attribute much of that to my early-life experiences. It gave me perspective, resilience and a sense of urgency that continues to drive me.

I sometimes think of myself as an old soul. I wasn’t expected to survive that moment in childhood, yet here I am, building something meaningful. 

I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, though it hasn’t come easily. It has required grit, determination, and mental toughness, especially in the face of adversity.

My advice is simple: don’t let challenges define or defeat you. 

Keep going. Keep showing up for yourself. Being a young female in business will never define my limits. 

It’s part of my strength, and it’s reflected in the team I’m proud to lead.