Monday Muse 01: Dennise Savaris
Meet our first ever Monday Muse, Dennise Savaris, a Toronto-based mortgage agent and broker.
What's your story?
My name is Dennise Savaris, I'm the youngest of three. My dad, sister and I moved to Canada from the Philippines in 2011, but my mom came to Canada in 2006. My oldest sister didn’t get to come with us because she started her own family back home. We’re a typical immigrant family – one parent came before the other to provide for the family. Growing up it has always been like that. It was either my mom or my dad who had to go “abroad” to work. I’m a Pisces and I can totally say that I embody what Pisces is. I love being a Pisces because I’m such an empath and relate to most people!
What motivated you to start your business?
I started my business to help people and families to get on the road to home ownership. I know how hard it is to get a mortgage these days. I saw my parents get declined for a mortgage when they applied. Unfortunately, they weren’t aware that there were and are other options. When the banks said no, they just tried and tried again. My mom eventually got a mortgage. But it’s because my sister and I had to co-sign. My dad was out of work due to an injury so he wasn’t able to co-sign.
How did you get your business started?
I’m still trying to figure out how to get my platform started. But so far, I’ve been utilizing Instagram and Facebook to connect to as many professionals as I can.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day usually starts at 7:00AM because I like to dedicate my first hour to reading - it sets my day up. Then I have my meetings. Whether it be with referral partners (realtors, home stagers, financial planners, etc) and potential clients.
What is the most challenging part about owning and running your own business?
The most challenging part is starting, looking for clients, and getting a system going. This industry is completely new to me and I know I have so many things to learn, but I’m loving it. Connecting with other professionals and hearing their story is also extremely nice.
What's your favourite movie?
If I weren’t running my own business, I would probably still be working in the restaurant industry. I was a Sous Chef before becoming a mortgage broker. While I’m extremely grateful for the experience, I don’t think I can go back to doing that anymore.
What's your favourite song?
Any Kehlani songs. I’m a sucker for R&B music.
What's your favourite movie?
Staying Alive. It’s an older horror movie but I don’t think I’ve liked any other movies as much as I liked that. It’s a movie where these folks play a video game and whatever happens to them in the game, happens to them in real life. I also like Pitch Perfect - I'm pretty sure I know all the lines!
What advice would you give for someone just starting out/starting their own business?
Keep at it! I know there are days that are extremely hard. And it’s completely normal. Don’t give up! Clients will come and don’t quit until you hit gold.
What's next for your business?
My mission is to help individuals and families find their dream home! One of my goals is to set aside 10% of my earnings and give it to charities of my choice.
Dennise can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and on her own website!