For real estate business owner Ranjani Prasad, knowing that she helped people through major times in their lives, provides a great sense of satisfaction to her.
“For a new couple buying their first house to families buying investment properties or help sell to make move on to the next chapter of their life,” she said.
Ms Prasad owns and operates New Door Real Estate in Nadi and employs five other staff members.
“I was inspired to start a business within an industry that I was working in for several years when I noticed an opportunity to grow my caliber,” she said.
Ms Prasad founded New Door Real Estate to make her entrepreneurial dreams come true.
Her experience in the real estate industry includes her journey from a personal assistant to administrative staff and then graduating to be a real estate salesperson in the same firm, which was also a big achievement for her.
“I was inspired by the emotions of my clients and was passionate to take my career to next level.
“While managing a well-established real estate firm in Nadi boosted my passion, my husband Krishneel Kumar believed in me so much and invested in my business.
“We had to invest all our savings into the company which we had saved as a deposit for our home loan at the time of the pandemic.
“I was a bit uncertain to make this new challenge but then again my dear husband pushed me towards my passion.”
With the real estate sector in Fiji being dominated by some well-established real estate companies, it would seem a bit overwhelming for new entries to find a solid footing in the industry.
Ms Prasad also faced some hurdles in the beginning.
“The major challenge was opening the business during this pandemic crisis. I lodged my application with the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board two weeks before the COVID-19’s first case and Suva went under lockdown which delayed my licence approval towards the end of May.
“The main challenge was to go ahead with the plan made for the business or take a U-turn but with constant support and motivation from family members, I planned to stick with my goal,” she said.
As it is with most women entrepreneurs, Ms Prasad said another challenge for her was balancing the responsibilities of motherhood.
“I have two kids — eldest daughter is three years old and my son will be turning one next week.
“When I started this business my son was just seven months old but my in-laws shared the responsibility and gave in full support.”
The new company went through some trying times in making a new brand among all the already established companies.
“But team New Door is extremely grateful to the Eventuros team for the amazing job you did for our new website. We thought we knew what we wanted, but at every turn, you were there to offer an even better option. The result is better than we could have dreamt of: informative, professional, elegant, and user-friendly.”
Ms Prasad said Business Link Pacific assisted the company with a 50 per cent subsidy towards their website and branding development.
In terms of competition within the industry, Ms Prasad said she did not worry much about it.
“There’s enough business to go around, and there is not one company that fits every client. Each agency has a unique combination of skills and service abilities.
“If each of us can focus on that uniqueness without worrying about everyone else, then each client is sure to be serviced to the highest level.”
For New Door Ms Prasad believes in creating an experience that the client would never forget.
“Where most realtors focused on a profit we at New Door Real Estate focus on a profitable relationship.
“This takes a little time, but it banks for future business. In the long run, this equates to less time chasing prospects in the heavy turnover market.”
Ms Prasad said the New Door team had taken a few steps up the ladder in the real estate industry and there was no turning back for them.
Quoting billionaire RichardBranson as her advice for young entrepreneurs, Ms Prasad said, “businesses should ‘Start small’, say yes to opportunities, and follow your passion. These are the essentials to be a successful entrepreneur.”
