A TOUCH OF GLAMOUR

Former Miss South Africa and Knight Frank residential agent, (Newlands, Fernwood, Hiddingh and Westerford area), Sandra Evans, has earned her veteran status in the property industry. We asked her what still makes the job so satisfying…

Where were you born and where did you grow up? I was born at Mary Mount in Johannesburg, but I grew up in Durban.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?  My dream was to be a social worker or lawyer.

How did you get into your line of work?  I got into real estate by default when fellow colleague, Zanny Muller, introduced me to the industry.

Describe a day in your life?  I start my day by walking my dog and spend time networking for business. I spend very little time in the office.

What did it take to get where you are today? I was a hotelier and earned a PR and marketing diploma before getting into the industry.  

What do you love about your job?  The job satisfaction of matching homes with clients.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing? If I got to choose another career it would be in the legal profession, or in hospitality, perhaps owning a trendy eatery and lifestyle emporium... or become a brand manager for a product I believe in.

Any awards? Recognitions? Sales Agent of the Year at Royal Food Services, and now Knight Frank Agent of the Year for three years in a row – making it a lifetime award as Ruby Knight. 

What is something people might not know about you?  I was Miss South Africa 1982, won 17 beauty titles, and was lucky to win seven cars by the age of 19. I got a pilot’s license and was also the co-owner of corporate clothing company.

What was your highlight at the recent reunion of Miss SA? The highlight of weekend was securing a listing for Atlantic Seaboard Knight Frank and receiving a beautiful ring in memory of the jubilee celebrations. Also connecting with fellow former Miss South Africas and listening to their journeys in life, and, of course, being treated like royalty and  spoilt by sponsors!

Any strong influences/mentors in your life?  My family and my ex-husband have always encouraged me. My biggest influence was my mother who always told me:  “whatever you do in life give it all and you will always reach the top". Driving to school in the mornings my mum also said: "why are you wasting time going to school? You know more than most, spend every day doing what you enjoy… life is too short."

What are you personally proud of?  The blessing to have two gorgeous sons, Roland and Lloyd, and for my ex-husband, Stan Evans, who is the most awesome father to our sons.  I also value the support of Belinda Slabber, who has been my most loyal client, and helped me along the way.

What philosophy do you live by? Do to others what you would be happy they do to you and never expect return of favours.

The hardest lesson I have learnt is… Always be truthful and never promise what you can't deliver.

If you want to succeed you need to…. give more than you receive. Work smart, as long hours don't mean more success.

The best advice I ever got…  Be kind, loyal and be proud of your actions.

I live by the words….  It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it!