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What happens when a highly organised project manager, three young kids, and a slightly terrifying leap-of-faith moment collide? You get one very impressive first property flip.
In this episode of Building With BuildHer, Rebeka sits down with DevelopHer Lauren McKenna to unpack her first renovation project – a full gut renovation of a dated unit in Ormond that she delivered in just eight weeks… while on maternity leave with three children underfoot.
But this conversation goes far deeper than paint colours and floorplans.
Lauren shares the very real transition from a demanding career in commercial project management into property development, the confidence shift that came from backing herself, and why she ultimately decided to walk away from the “safe” path to build something on her own terms.
You will also hear the behind-the-scenes reality of buying into a block opportunity with multiple owners, managing large-scale external renovations through body corporate politics, juggling competing personalities, and navigating the unexpected chaos of multiple investors renovating and selling at the same time. Think: part renovation project, part The Block antics.
There are so many valuable takeaways in this episode for anyone renovating, building or developing for profit, including:
- why speed and decision-making matter just as much as design
- the importance of running multiple renovation scenarios before committing to one approach
- how to separate emotional attachment from commercial reality
- what to know before buying into a block-style development opportunity
- and why the best projects are not always the most expensive or dramatic ones
Lauren also speaks candidly about boundaries, burnout, confidence, and the surprising emotional side of stepping into development for yourself for the first time. And perhaps most importantly, this episode is a reminder that you do not need to “have it all figured out” before you start. Purchasing this project within just weeks of joining BuildHer Collective, Lauren proves that sometimes confidence is built by doing.
A great listen for anyone craving more flexibility, more ownership over their time, and proof that there is more than one way to build a life, and a business, in property.
You can take a look at Lauren’s brilliant project here.
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Anyone is more than welcome to join our Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build group. You will note that it’s a closed group, so just request to join. If you’re into building and renovating, this is such an amazing and supportive FREE community, so come on and join in the building goodness! - You can purchase our beautiful Quarters Magazines for your coffee table which feature real case studies, interviews, practical tools and industry insights.
