Tara, 35, graduated from Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Australia, in 1993, having studied property valuation and real estate. In 1994, she moved to Phuket. Teaming up with her friend Khun Bee, she set up Phuket Realty & Associates in 2004. Shop WINDOW on Lifestyle went to find out more about the woman behind the business.

What made you decide to move to Phuket?
I first came here on holiday when I was 14 years old. Since then, I've always felt a connection to Phuket. I'm not sure I can describe the feeling accurately… Phuket is a part of me. I'm more comfortable here than anywhere else.

Did you come here intending to set up a business?
No. My original plan was a long holiday; I came here for six months after finishing my studies, intending to go back and start seriously on my career at home. But that connection… Six months here and my decision was made: a permanent move to Phuket. That was 12 years ago and I'm still here.

Could you tell us something about your business in general?
We work predominantly in Phuket's high end real estate market; we sell villas, apartments, land, and commercial property such as hotels. We also focus on high end villa rentals.

Are you involved in any developments yourself?
No. We don't develop anything ourselves. We focus instead on representing the best properties on the market. It would be a conflict of interest if we did develop properties ourselves. Our role is to do the best job for the projects we represent and to take care of our customers.

How is business in Phuket, compared with your own country?
It's completely different. First of all, there's no real regulation with respect to business here. Of course, there are similarities, such as the importance of reputation and quality of service. But without the regulation, you find people cutting corners and the overall image suffers. There's no "Big Brother" here looking over your shoulder, telling you what you can and can't do. Basically, people in business here need to set their own standards and guidelines, for us, implementing and following the standards and business practices I was trained in for Real Estate in Australia has been hugely advantageous.

Whereabouts do you live in Phuket? What influenced your choice when you decided to buy your house?
I live in Cherngtalay, near Laguna. It took me five years to find the right piece of land, then I built my own house. It's an ideal location from a personal perspective, it works for me as this area is where I've spent most of my time whilst in Phuket and it's close to work! I'm lucky because, through my work I've seen so many properties over the years, so when it came to designing my house, I picked a little bit from each one, thought about my lifestyle and came up with a design concept that works for me. I'm happy with the way it all turned out, but my favourite area is the living room. I love sitting on the sofa, looking out over the swimming pool at the sunset-and watching the firework displays that Laguna Resorts share with me each night!

What do you like most about living in Phuket?
Oh, there are so many things! Of course, there's the different lifestyle in general which I love, the amazing people, the perfect weather and the opportunities. Then, for me there's something special-my Thai family. They were my father's friends who I met when I came here at 14; they've truly become my "family" and now I have a Thai Mum and Dad, two younger brothers and some 20 aunts and uncles. They're the biggest part of my life here.

What's the hardest thing about living in Phuket?
I think it's what I mentioned before: the lack of regulations and enforcement of standards.

Could you tell us a little about your private life?
My Mum and Dad are my heroes. They made me who I am and made me feel content with the person I've become. I believe my life now is complete. It would be good to have more time to enjoy the little pleasures, but right now I have to wait for the end of day. When I get home, and share my time with Yung Ying, my puppy-an adorable Poodle / local Thai dog cross.

What do you think the future holds for you?
The wonderful thing is that I know what I'm doing in my business, I have a great home and I work with some amazing people. This gives me a very positive focus for the future. I don't know what's going to happen next, but I'm sure the future will be bright, coming from such a strong base.

How do you evaluate success?
For me money is not the most important thing. Being happy and seeing the people around me happy are what matter to me. Success is being able to get up in the morning and go out to work, knowing that everything is going well for everybody around you.

Are you involved with any local charities?
Yes, a lot. We're involved with charity work for children and the elderly in Phuket and we also do quite a bit for temples and releasing animals. Basically, I tend to favour charities that help children. At the moment, we're focusing on some friends of mine who are looking for a good charity to support. Often, people from overseas want to contribute to charitable causes, but they don't know how or where. So we're conducting a survey of the best projects related to education, orphans and self-help training for less affluent local people to improve their community life.

What about clubs or associations on the island?
My friends and I are setting up a new website and radio show called "Live Phuket", It's a Phuket society group, where people connect, learn about the real Phuket and be kept informed of the best parties, events and promotions. The idea is to make it fun and by organising events together with restaurants and clubs it will provide a great networking opportunity for locals and travelers and people new to the island.

What do you think makes people decide to use your service?
We're unique. We offer a different level of service from any other real estate agent. Our clients are very important to us and we really focus on taking care of them. Making new and lasting friendships is a key part of that process.

Phuket Realty & Associates Co., Ltd.
55 Lagoon Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110
Tel. +66 (0) 76 325 411
info@phuketrealty.net  www.phuketrealty.net