Annette Kasselman is a powerhouse in her own right. A proud wife, mother, grandmother, and former Mrs South Africa, she has become a household name in real estate. Today, this Master Practitioner serves as the CEO and founder of Annette Kasselman Properties (AK Properties), proudly powered by the Mandated Property Group.
After twelve years with a national company, Annette took a bold step earlier this year to launch her own business. This decision came after her husband, Chris, was diagnosed with a serious heart condition. Like the smart and determined woman she is, she took a leap of faith to get ahead and started saving for their pension.
“His condition made me realise once again that tomorrow is never guaranteed, and you shouldn’t wait for ‘someday’ – so why not now? I am truly overwhelmed by the support and well wishes I’ve received, not only locally but nationally and even internationally,” she says.
Inspired by the continuous support from investors and her clients’ loyalty and support, Annette has committed to giving her clients her undivided attention to ensure they make well-informed decisions when it comes to buying, selling, or investing in property. Her expertise comes from a career built on passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
“I would like to think that I’m known for my non-negotiable honesty and integrity. I dress to impress, and I value my clients’ time, so I pay attention to detail and make them feel at ease when they are with me. I make a living by what I get, but I make a life by what I give. To the world, I might be one person, but to one person, I might just be the world.”
It is no secret that real estate is often seen as a male-dominated industry, and this does not faze her at all. In her experience, she shares, women are the ones setting the pace and getting the job done. For her, it is more about equipping young women with the necessary skills to be daring enough for the challenge. “Men close deals while they’re socialising, but we as women can do the same. If we stand together and support each other, nothing can stop us,” she adds.
Annette commends women who stand on their own. She says women are expected to provide for their families, all while taking care of themselves, which can be daunting as they need to show up with a game face despite the challenges of each day. She tries by all means to lend an ear when needed or by creating opportunities to empower women to be the best versions of themselves.
She is blessed to have a family that supports her unconditionally. With their children now adults and raising families of their own, life has taken on a new purpose for Annette. She works hard with one goal in mind, and that is to save for the next ticket to visit her daughter, Lesya, son-in-law Henco, and granddaughters Ayla and Liya in Perth, Australia, or her son, Tokkie, in Cape Town. For her, they are the beginning, the end, and the reason for her being.
“My family is the reason I do everything to the best of my ability, because that’s the only way I know how. It’s all or nothing – no one benefits from anything done halfway.” The legacy she wishes to leave behind is that of being unstoppable, generous, fearless, and making life more bearable to those less fortunate.
Her goal for the next five years is to expand her business through opportunities in the Western Cape and Gauteng. With so much uncertainty about what tomorrow holds, Annette believes that it is not about how you start but how you end. “I’m trusting God with this venture to guide me with His Grace and pave the way forward,” she says.
Reflecting on her Mrs South Africa journey, she realises that it had a huge impact on her life. She says it kept her grounded and gave her strength, grace, and courage to take on the world. She was also crowned as Mrs Worldwide International in California, USA.
“Confidence isn’t about how you show up, it’s about owning your story,” she says.
This is a testament to the lessons she learnt from her father, who told her to be her own cheerleader and to never back down.
“I always try to make the impossible possible because God gives me the courage to do so. Know your worth; don’t wait for the spotlight to search for you, step into it. Burn the midnight oil and give it your all, because success isn’t going to come running to you. You have to look for it and own it. Don’t wait for luck, create it.”
Text: GYPSEENIA LION
Photographs: BRENDAN CROFT AND WILLEM BOTHA
