Dayna Langlois, Sarnia Sold - Sarnia, ON.

What is Sarnia Sold?

SarniaSold is a brand I have created at Royal Lepage, a real estate lifestyle. I remember when I was buying my first house I was terrified, everything seemed complicated and foreign to me. Once I became an agent I realized that it didn't have to be like that. I wanted to create a brand that was simple, relatable and available to everyone. To show myself and lifestyle as an agent keeping it as real and transparent as possible. Because home buying and selling should be a positive experience. I am dedicated and invested in the Sarnia community, and believe I am selling more than homes; I am selling Sarnia, which is how the name SarniaSold was born.

What inspired you to start a career in real estate?

Some kids play with lego, some play with barbies. Me? I locked myself in my room and built mini model homes and designed rooms out of cardboard boxes. I would dream of selling homes at a young age. As I grew older I took the traditional route, went to school for marketing, got a corporate sales career because of the security I THOUGHT it offered. But I always had a love for homes. I began to buy run-down houses, renovate and redesign them as income properties. This eventually translated into my career as an agent, providing a perspective on both areas. Liv Gogas, owner of the Olive Branch Studio, was the one that gave me the push to chase this dream, telling me everyday how much she thought that real estate was my path.

Who is one of your female role models and why?

Michelle Obama, one of her sayings has been the mantra for my life “when they go low you go high“. Anytime I'm in a situation where I have doubt or anger these words ring in my head. Things are not always easy but they are good, people are good. This is a reminder to take the high road whenever possible. Michelle Obama, as a public figure uses her platform for the greater good, and inspire females to be their best. She was an underdog who did not come from much, but she never gave up, she inspired females everywhere to love themselves, and be true to who they were. She focused on health, happiness, and female leadership. These are three fundamental aspects of my life. I find I relate to her as a leader, and I looked to her in times of inspiration. But I also have to make a special note to Jillian Harris, because come on.... she is a design queen !

What is your favourite part of your job?

THE PEOPLE, THE PEOPLE, THE PEOPLE. I love waking up every morning to do what I do, everyday is different, but the part that brings me the most joy is the people I get to work with. I become very invested with each client, and every project, investing my whole heart into every single client. I love that my job gives me a platform to be an active member of my community, and give back to causes that sit close to my heart.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I came from a very simple life, growing up in Windsor, I moved out at the age of 16 and worked two jobs to put myself through school. I was not born into the path I am on today. I created it, which is why I like to inspire others to realize your past does not define your future. Dream big, work hard, because you can have it too, luck is a thing you create. Get a clear vision, and go for it. FAIL, fail a lot, learn, improve and grow - then never stop learning and evolving until you are living the life you thought was only possible in your dreams.

What would you tell people who have never purchased a home before and don’t know where to start?

Call me ;) all joking aside. I understand that a first time home buy can be daunting. But if you step outside of the emotion it is no different than any other purchase. Home buying is actually one of the most secure investments you can have. "Real estate can not be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for with responsibility, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.

What does Girl Gang mean to you?

Everything. The girl gang is more than a community, it is friends, support, laughter and family. It is a safe haven for like-minded females on a mission. It is a group of women to bounce ideas off of, call in times of doubt, and remind you that no one has to do this alone. The girl gang is a powerful mission of change. Change in our city, in our community and more than anything culture. A culture of collaboration instead of competition. It is a powerful shift to a new way of doing business and a reminder that together we can.

What are your goals for Sarnia Sold in the next year?

I think this is two fold, I have individual business goals and targets I would like to achieve. I would like to develop a strong relatable brand that represents buying, selling, building and investing in the community. But more than that I want to use this platform for a few key points; to inspire young females to see the possibility of female entrepreneurship. To know that together we can do more, I believe the era of cutting others down to get ahead is over. I would like to be behind this shift to a collaboration mindset. I think as woman we can be the leaders of change. So over the next year, I would like to inspire change. I want to be a critical part of the growth and change to Sarnia and its neighbourhoods. Attracting an outside eye, bringing positive change and new influence to the community. I love this city and think it has so much to offer. I stand behind this city with my whole heart, and look forward to highlighting this to those in the community and outside eyes looking in.
To be an agent that is real, honest and trustworthy. I want people of all ages in all genographics to know that I am working for them and keeping the processes real and simple as possible.

What should every woman try at least once in their life?

Solo travel. I am a big world traveller, travelling solo has changed my perspective more than I could have imagined. It has taught me an appreciation for culture and given my confidence. Travelling solo forces you outside of your comfort zone to become resourceful, try new things, meet new people and instills independence and confidence. This was a critical aspect to developing resilience and confidence in who I am today, as well as offering downtime to reflect, learn and grow as an individual.

What has been your favourite experience as a realtor so far?

I do not think that there is one defining experience that shaped my career. I think it is a culmination of numerous little experiences. I heard a saying years ago that said when work feels like play you will never work a day or life. Everyday I get up and truthfully love what I do, of course there are moments that I don't like, there are let-downs and disappointments, but when I take a step back and realize it's all the little things that have got me here. I don't think I could pick just one experience I think it is enjoying and learning from each individual moment, then looking back on where you've come from to see where you're at today, and dream of where you are going. So to answer the question there is not one single experience It is every little experience on the way that I love and appreciate.