M elanie Press, the owner of Impress Island Realty, is one of those rare people who always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit, even as a young child. “I have always been a very independent person, even as a child, so the desire to earn my own money and have that financial independence was very strong early on,” Press says. Her ambition led her to start her own party business when she was only 16, and still at school, with the proceeds going towards buying her first car. “The greatest lesson [my dad] taught me was that you are better to try and fail than The broker and Realtor® says she was inspired to start her own real estate brokerage by her father. “My dad always worked for himself and had multiple businesses and I was his sidekick growing up. I was always inspired by him to do things for myself and go out on my own. He never seemed scared to try new things left wondering ‘what if?’ So, I kind of live my life with that intention.”
and was true to himself, even when things didn't work out.” It’s that same philosophy that has helped her sustain and grow her Realtor® career and business over the last two decades. “The greatest lesson [my dad] taught me was that you are better to try and fail than left wondering ‘what if?’ So I kind of live my life with that intention.” When it comes to taking that first leap into entrepreneurship, Press admits that it's scary for everyone, but her advice for budding entrepreneurs is straightforward. Here are her three tips for going out on your own: 1. “You need to start before you are ready. If you wait until you're ready, you'll never make that leap.” 2. “Never be frightened to change things up as and when you need to. Business, like life, is all about trial and error. Some things we try will work well and some things won't. It's a constant learning curve.” 3.“Be clear and direct, be bold and be yourself. Never compare yourself to others. Don't try to fit into a narrative that is not yours.” For immigrants who are new to the Island and want to establish their own business, Press says networking is vital to get your name out there. “Friends will become clients and clients will become friends. People in your life are your sphere. Champion yourself, talk about your business and don't be afraid to ask for the business.” Another tip? Place your personal story into your professional one. “People are intrigued by newcomers and their story, especially in a small place like PEI, so don't be frightened to put yourself out there and tell your story,” Press suggests.
While she’s accomplished much success, Press also understands firsthand how challenging it can be to start your own business. “Honestly, when you step out on your own, you must often leave many people behind and that can be lonely. For me that was my biggest challenge,” she shares. That's why she says, “having a core group of people you can rely on to bounce ideas off or get advice from is imperative.” As for what drives her to succeed, Press says it’s simple: her children. “I'm mindful that they are always watching and it's my job to ensure they know nothing is unachievable with the right attitude and work ethic.”
IMPRESS ISLAND REALTY
O: 902.916.9966 C: 902.394.7071
hello@impresspei.com www.impresspei.com www. realtorinpei.com
SPRING 2023 www.pei-living.ca
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