Lana Whitefox

PHOTO: Lana Samuels. SUPPLIED

Beyond the glitz and glamour, one of Victoria’s top female agents is setting a powerful example for the next generation of emerging stars.

Whitefox Real Estate’s Lana Samuels, 35, ranked fifth in The Herald Sun’s top agents under 35 for FY24, having sold 71 homes in the past financial year. She attributes her success to a patient approach, aiming for the best results rather than focusing on quick turnovers.

Lana Samuels.

“It’s refreshing to see women entering the ranks in what has been a male-dominated industry,” Ms. Samuels said. “Women are powerhouses; you need to lean into your strengths and have women within the industry as mentors to rally around you.”

Ms. Samuels emphasizes the importance of mental health and avoiding burnout, which she says is essential to her success. She is intentional about managing her energy levels. “If I’m reaching that burnout period, I know when I need to take a break,” she said. “I try to take a break every 10 weeks – my daily routine involves meditation and pilates. I switch off before switching on and ensure I’m counterbalancing all the adrenaline to come in the day ahead.”

Reflecting on her early career struggles, Ms. Samuels recalled advice from a mentor. “I learned that while this is a 24/7 job, I am mindful of the time I set aside for myself,” she said. “This job is about adrenaline and momentum – a mentor told me it isn’t your short-term wins and little tricks; it’s about the marathon, not the sprint. Turning my phone on flight mode and not having it buzz all night long is a healthy boundary for me.”

Ms. Samuels has also leveraged Instagram as part of her strategy, garnering nearly 9,000 followers and over 100,000 views on her listing videos. She emphasizes authenticity when promoting real estate through personal channels. “I always tell my clients, my resume is my social media — I don’t have a separate personal account because I’m an open book,” she said. “I’m a very fashion-oriented woman in the industry, and I love to mix fashion with business.”

By prioritizing mental health, setting boundaries, and embracing authenticity, Lana Whitefox continues to pave the way for future female real estate stars.

SOURCE: realestate.com.au