Like Jacqui, who needed to make the scary move of selling out of a venture with a family member to pursue her dreams! We asked Jacqui about what she would say to someone in your position:
Just do it! If you are reading this you clearly have an interest or talent so lean in, feel the fear and do it anyway. Don’t let money stop you pursuing your dream, there is always a creative financial solution to get you started and there is no shortage of joint venture opportunities for those looking to get their foot in the door.
I can’t believe how much our present and future has changed from decisions made over the last 12 months.’

Sarah was always destined to be a creator. Growing up with a builder father, she was exposed to building for as long as she can remember. But it wasn’t until she attended a party next door to Olivia Newton John’s farmhouse in Alstonville that her fervour for home design was crystalised. Inspired by the property’s detailed spiral staircases and parquetry floors, she’s set out to build what was to be their new family home on Kellett Street in Northcote.
Sarah is now happily settled in her modern, luxurious four-bedroom home that allows her to watch her kids play in the backyard from the island bar in her kitchen.

Ever since childhood, Anita has shared a passion for property development with her father – a pursuit she’s carried with her into adulthood. While she was completing her Certificate IV in Building and Construction, she was eager to jump in when the charming property on Robert Street in Bentleigh came on the market.
Today, Anita beams when she welcomes guests into the space. With its beautiful leadlight windows, polished floorboards and expansive open-plan kitchen, Anita’s created a listing any real estate agent would die for.

As the director and business operations manager of Kadabra Group, a domestic building company, Karen is a seasoned developer. And her Richmond project is nothing short of spectacular.
In addition to renovating the family home into a modern-meets-heritage masterpiece, Karen and her team built 5 two-storey residential apartments on the adjacent allotment – complete with a large basement car park.

Joni, who is taking on new challenges, redefining her life while pregnant and with young children in tow! Joni sold up and headed North when they reassessed how they really want to spend their time! Joni told us to tell you:
“Do it! I have never looked back and will wax lyrical to anyone that will listen to me about how beneficial the course is. I have learnt so much about the mechanics of developing for profit, but I didn’t expect to get so much out of the actual group of women who are also in the “collective”. Everyone is so supportive, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. They will freely give you their time to help you. The power is definitely in the amazing collective of women that are BuildHers.”

Here we have the multi-talented BuildHer, Justine Gaitz. She’s a copywriter (she wrote her blog), artist, and creative director of Terren, which you will learn about later. Not only that, she’s a mum and lives next door to her parents! Read how she started down one path on her building journey, then ended up on another to make her dreams become a reality.

Let’s meet our BuidHer Rachel. She focused on creating a “low tox” home and now we welcome you to join us and take a tour with us.

We love this beauty! She – yes, she is a SHE and is full of depth, classic design, love and feels lived in. Rachel started her journey like many others, in stages and planned her build for what felt like yonks!

This is the home of our DevelophHer and BuildHer Kirsty Ristevski and her family. Kirsty is a passionate boutique residential Property Developer. She shows us that sometimes in life (and Developing), you just need to follow your instincts.

Kirsty and her partner, Alex, purchased the property in 2017 as a potential 4-storey apartment development opportunity. It was situated on a commercial site with 3 street frontages between Albert Park Village and St Vincent Gardens.