Elmarie Truter | “20 Women, 20 Stories” Women’s Portrait Campaign Experience

Elmarie Truter

Estate Agent & Life Coach

Three is far too few for them, but I hope they will describe me as adventurous, loyal, and helpful.

Yes, too many. I set foreseeable goals in my life. I take one step at a time. But to answer your question, I’d say as a cancer survivor, I wished to visit the Big Apple in New York, and I did.

Walking the New York bridge, all I’d think was, if I can make it, any and every woman can. The only impossible lies in the mindset; rest assured, everything is possible.

To name a few others, being at the Dubai World Expo was also a dream come true. I cherish every little moment in my life, as we quite literally don’t know what will happen in the very next moment.

I entered the real estate profession, which was also a goal of mine. I dreamed of working hard every day.

Lastly, visiting Japan, especially Hiroshima, was high on my bucket list. Its rich history serves as a symbol of resistance and hope for the people, and the experience was almost life-changing for me.

Yes, regarding real estate, I started a course at a real estate school and realized it is something I am good at, so becoming a real estate agent felt like a natural progression. I am also a global life coach.

My journey has been full of ups and downs, and I decided that it would be an opportunity wasted if I didn’t use my experiences to help others in need. I completed a certification in International Life Coaching and Trauma Healing Practitioner.

For me, it’s recognition. When I received my certification as an International Life Coach and Trauma Healing Practitioner, I felt a sense of success. I have accomplished it all with the help of God and by believing in myself.

I love my mornings; it is my favorite part of the day. I am an early bird, so my day usually begins at 4 am. I say my morning gratitude, being thankful to live another day, and then it’s just me and my plants.

I love nature, I step out to see how they are doing, and take in the weather for the day. After brewing a strong cup of coffee, the smell of which gets me ready to get to my clients.

I have clients from all over the world, so the first thing is to plan the day accordingly.

Traveling! I get excited at airports in anticipation of where I am going next. My kind of traveling is not going to another country, staying in an expensive hotel, and coming back.

It is about understanding different cultures, trying out new cuisines, and interacting with people from all walks of life. I still recall and rejoice in my days in Japan, where I tried many kinds of ramen; the culture there is something to learn about.

Dubai is a melting pot of people like no other; you can find a diverse range of people there. The hustle and bustle of New York is a whole different experience. I loved eating shawarma in Dubai and then enjoying a hot dog in New York – so much fun.

Yes, Queen Elizabeth and Mother Teresa. The reasons are apparent; they were selfless and would go out of their comfort zone to help people in need. I like doing the same.

It is a life well-lived when you know some people would appreciate the good work you have done.

Well, so many, but what I know from the way I live is ‘that ‘I Gave Up’ is never to be found in my dictionary; it will always be ‘I Can and I Will.’

Yes, my altruism. I enjoy being a helping hand to anyone in need. But I am also well guarded and show my claws when pushed to be taken advantage of.

I love being an empathetic person. I am grounded in empathy. I enjoy being there for people. I love to show kindness and affection to people who desperately need it.

It is an underrated trait in these times; people are so focused on their own lives that they often overlook those who are not as privileged, leaving them out of the equation entirely.

I am a South African. I have seen what happens when that’s the case. We have to look out for each other.

My greatest strength has always been perseverance, and it has helped me in every phase of my life. To keep pushing, to keep moving, no matter how many times you are told not to.

Very important. You have to believe in yourself before you expect anyone else to. Self-confidence is the first and foremost step to becoming whoever you want to be in life.

Love yourself, be proud of yourself, be your biggest and loudest supporter, unapologetically.

My work has been my dignity, and I take great pride in it. When I was new to real estate, I was so pleased to close a deal. To see my client finally owning a home of their dreams.

It was what I worked for every day: to see people getting their own house, where they would make their own home.

You don’t have to be proud of something big in life; everything little good you do is meaningful if you think it is.

Just take the first step! Take the risk, be calculative. Don’t be too greedy. Do what you love and be happy with every step of success that comes your way.

Gratitude and faith in God are of utmost importance. When you do what you love, you’ll find happiness in your work.

I come from a time when doing everything as a woman meant ten times more difficulties.

To my younger Elmarie:  Being a woman is a superpower. You are doing great, keep going.

Don’t think too much about upsetting people; those who are against you will come to align with you once you have achieved success.

I LOVED IT. Walking into the studio and meeting Monica, what a kind and lovely person she is, a delight to be in the company of.

It all felt like a fairytale moment, with all the angles, setup, and everything; I felt like a celebrity and had a great time.

Thank you so much for the opportunity.

Hair & Makeup: https://kirstenmurphymakeup.com/

It was so lovely to meet and photograph you, Elmarie, and  I’m excited for you to receive your magazine in September!