Donna Nass
Her journey started straight after she finished high school. She always knew that she would have to pay for her own studies, so she started working whilst being a scholar. At that time, her heart was set on project management.
Her journey started straight after she finished high school. She always knew that she would have to pay for her own studies, so she started working whilst being a scholar. At that time, her heart was set on project management.
In February 2016 she secured her first real estate position as an intern estate agent and took a part time job doing promotions and it was tough to manage both. Donna had to cover her cost of living. Some mornings she got home at 3am from promotions and next day she was tied up in the real estate office till 8am. This exhausting pattern continued until she closed her first deals in real estate.
Don’t let the petite frame of this woman fool you. Donna Nass is described by people who met her as warm, friendly and dynamic. She is Titanium……..she “arrived” long before anyone thought she would. She will restore your trust in the resilience of a future generation of entrepreneurs.
1) When did you meet the love of your life?
I met my husband when I was only 15, back in our home town through one of my friends’ cousins. He proposed on the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand on the 31 October 2016 and we got married on the 17 May 2019 at Oakfield Wedding venue.
2) Did you gradually move into property, or was it a passion from day one?
Real estate was my first full time job. My step mom was working for a top real estate company in Port Elizabeth and I accompanied her to many show days. Work events and the office gave me a bit of exposure into the field.
I honestly never saw myself doing it until I got the opportunity. All I knew was I wanted to work with people and give back where I could in the line or work I do. From my first few days of real estate I absolutely fell in love with the industry and my clients.
3) Are you a people’s person?
I would definitely say I am. I love being around people in general and being in real estate makes it more possible to meet so many more amazing people.
Our industry is based on relationships and being a people’s person is important.
4) How relentless are you when it comes to business?
I wouldn’t describe myself as relentless when it comes to business. I see myself as driven and persistent to make a positive change in real estate through educating property professionals and evolving towards our clients needs. I am also motivated to be a part of our community and make a positive impact wherever we can. In business I believe it is important to stay true to yourself no matter the challenge that lays ahead of you, you should rise above it but by doing it honestly and with fairness.
5) Who motivated you to be so driven at such a young age?
I made a decision at a young age that I wanted to create a better life for myself and try to do the same for others who didn’t have an easy upbringing like I did. From that day on I made an oath to myself to work hard, learn and make a success of myself and where I could assist others to do the same I would.
6) What advice can you give school leavers that are interested in property as a career?
Real estate has a lot of qualities a person needs like communication and people skills, self motivation, enthusiasm and ability to solve problems. If you have these make sure you join a good real estate company that offers you the best support as an intern agent and training programs.
Seeff (one of the most established brands in SA) still has an in-house training program.