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.

§ From assistant to business owner

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.

§ Investing in staff and supporting clients

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.

§ Perspective, resilience and a sense of urgency

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.

§ Keep showing up for yourself

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.