Success in real estate is about more than the business you build. It’s about the people you serve, the values you stand by, and growing without losing sight of what matters most.

In this conversation, Shauna reflects on the lessons that have shaped her career, the importance of community, and how her definition of success has evolved to make room for both meaningful work and a full life.
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When you first got into real estate, what vision did you have for the kind of business you wanted to build?
When I first got into real estate, I saw it as a sales job. I’d always worked in sales, so selling homes felt like a natural next step. What I didn’t fully appreciate was how much of the business is actually about service. Of course, you need to understand the market, the numbers, and the strategy, but at the heart of it, you’re serving people through some of the biggest decisions of their lives. That’s the part I’ve come to love most.

What does running your business actually look like behind the scenes? People see the highlights: the sold signs, awards, and social media. What does it actually take?
Honestly, it’s a bit more chaotic than people might think. Business ebbs and flows. You can be incredibly busy, checking things off your list and managing multiple moving parts, and then suddenly you’re back at the drawing board, thinking about where your next client will come from.

You’re also your own boss, which means you have to be self-motivated and comfortable figuring things out as you go. I’m eight years in and still ask questions all the time. There’s always something new to learn, and having a supportive community around you makes a real difference.

Was there a moment when you realized you weren’t just building a sales business, but a brand? How has that changed your approach?
I think social media was a big part of that realization. I started to understand that it couldn’t just be about the real estate. People also wanted to know who I was, what mattered to me, and what working with me would actually feel like.

I remember getting photos taken that were less about the properties and more about me. It was a way to show people who they’d be trusting with such a significant transaction. I’ve found that sharing more of my life helps me connect with like-minded clients, and those relationships often extend well beyond the sale. Sometimes, handing over the keys feels like saying goodbye to a friend.

Success often comes with sacrifice. What have you had to let go of to grow, and what won’t you compromise on?
I’ve had to learn to be flexible. I like structure and knowing what my schedule looks like, but real estate doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes, I don’t know what my weekend will look like until Thursday or Friday, so my family has had to adapt, too.

I think it’s easy to feel like you need to work as though you don’t have kids, parent as though you don’t have a job, and socialize as though you have neither. I’ve always struggled with the idea of compromising on any of those things. I’m still learning how to balance it all while being intentional about where my time goes.

How has your definition of success evolved since the beginning of your career?
Success used to feel more tied to the numbers: how many deals you did and how much money you made. Now, it’s much more about balance and making time for what matters most.

I want to be present with my family and create memories together, while still giving my clients the level of service they deserve. Sometimes that means taking on less business so I’m not stretched too thin. I want to show up fully for my clients and my family, rather than feeling like I’m giving everyone whatever I have left. For me, success is building a business that’s sustainable and still leaves room for life.

What’s one misconception people have about successful women in real estate?
I think shows like Selling Sunset have created a pretty distorted picture of what women in real estate are like. The competition and women tearing each other down couldn’t be further from my experience.

I’ve had so many women in this industry support me, guide me, celebrate my wins and genuinely want to see me succeed. There’s a real sense of community, and I wish more people saw that side of the business. The women I’ve met have shown me how much we can lift each other up rather than compete at each other’s expense.

When business gets difficult, what keeps you moving forward?
Experience has taught me that nothing is permanent. I’ve worked through the pandemic, a recession and plenty of uncertain moments, and those experiences have reminded me that difficult seasons do pass.

Your energy and mindset matter, too. I’ve had moments when I’ve convinced myself everything is falling apart, and that mindset only makes things feel harder. Sometimes, you need to take a step back, reset, and focus on what you’re grateful for. Things can shift when you change your perspective.

Looking back, what investment has had the biggest return, not necessarily financially, but in helping you build your business?
One investment that’s made a real difference for me has been online lead generation through REW. After moving in 2020, I was working to establish my business in a new local market, which was challenging in a close-knit community where many agents had been working for decades.

I started exploring REW leads last year, and it helped me gain exposure and connect with clients in that area. It gave my business some momentum in a market where I was still building relationships. It was a good reminder that sometimes, investing in the right tools and systems can help create opportunities when you’re trying to grow in a new direction.

What part of your business are you most intentional about protecting as you continue to grow?
My integrity. I want to know that I’m running a business I’m proud of, making decisions that feel right to me and always putting my clients’ best interests first.

Not everyone operates that way, and it’s important to me that I never lose sight of what matters. I want to take care of people, act in a way I can stand behind, and feel good about the work I’m doing. At the end of the day, being able to sleep at night knowing you’ve done right by people means everything.

If a woman were starting her real estate career today, what’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you?
Take everyone else’s advice with a grain of salt. When I first started, I was constantly taking other realtors for coffee, trying to figure out how everyone was building their business. But the more people I spoke with, the more I realized that everyone was doing something different, and that was what worked for them.

It can become overwhelming when you try to do everything everyone else recommends. You have to find what feels right for you, what you genuinely enjoy, and what works with your strengths. I spent my first couple of years doing things that didn’t suit me, and eventually I changed direction. Once I started prospecting in ways I actually enjoyed, things clicked. There isn’t just one way to build a successful business. Find your way, and lean into it.

RAPID FIRE
Sunrise or Sunset?
Sunset.

Dog or cat?
Dog.

Dancing or Singing?
Dancing.

Being able to fly or being invisible.
To fly, for sure.

Work from home or a beautiful office.
Lately, WFH

Email or phone call or text.
Phone call.

Beautiful branding or brilliant strategy.
A Strategy

Take a risk or play it safe.
Take a risk.

Fast growth or steady growth.
Steady growth.