Cheryl Whiting has been selling real estate, especially in Parnell, for most of her working life. Now happily back in her realm, Parnell, at Ray White Parnell alongside her real estate prodigy and 2013 Miss New Zealand Universe granddaughter Holly Cassidy, she graces TV’s Bravo channel in glamorous new real estate reality show Rich Listers.
The show follows a group of New Zealand’s top real estate agents as they sell some of the country’s most luxurious homes – showing off lavish clothes, cars and activities while they’re at it. It’s a natural fit for a real estate maven who, because of her wide circle of friends, style and personality, is known to some as the ‘Parnell Princess’. So, it’s surprising that Cheryl wasn’t originally going to be on the show. She originally went to the studio to support Holly but found herself sat on a stool with the team for a quick chat.
“By the time I walked out the door I had signed a contract!” Cheryl laughs. “It is reality TV by the way, you just have to be yourself.”
The show is about selling rich list houses – a market that, says Cheryl, is hot at the moment: “It’s a great starting place for a new Parnell property I’m currently working on, so watch this space!”
With her signature red lippy and fabulous style, Cheryl brings a tonne flair, making her right at home among the on-screen glitz. It’s the same glamorous streak that made her the perfect organiser back when she ran the Miss and Mrs New Zealand, Mr New Zealand, Miss Auckland, and local pageants in the 80s when they were at the height of their popularity.
Cheryl has also taken on the equally glamorous fashion industry. In the mid-80s she had her own fashion labels, with eight garments featured in the Benson & Hedges Fashion Design Awards. She still has one of the dresses – a one-shouldered, diamante-encrusted black slinky number. It’s transcended the decades to be worn by Cheryl’s sister-in-law, daughter, and of course granddaughter, Holly.
Initially Cheryl was hesitant to leave her beloved fashion career for real estate. But her brother, Colin Manson, a developer, well-aware of Cheryl’s natural vivacity, was persistent. “He kept asking, ‘Why are you not in real estate?’ It’s a family thing, right?’” says Cheryl.
Eventually she took the plunge and just flew! The first five months were super-successful, so much so that her husband, Les, her biggest supporter, asked why she hadn’t done it earlier.
Cheryl says: “It came naturally to me, and I’ve been doing it ever since. I’ve owned my own offices and my own franchises in Parnell and Remuera.”
With her signature red lippy and fabulous style, Cheryl brings a tonne flair, making her right at home among the on-screen glitz.
For seven years, she managed Barfoot & Thompson Parnell. Now Cheryl walks across the road from home to her new role as executive development manager with Ray White Parnell, growing the brand profile, marketing, promoting events, mentoring new salespeople, and overseeing sales of exclusive property. It brings all her skills into play, from sales and negotiation to management and marketing.
Now working with Holly and her grandson Troy Manson-Cassidy, she’s loving it. “I’ve seen Troy and Holly develop into very capable human beings, able to connect with a lot of people whatever their age. It’s really good fun and the kids respect my knowledge.”
Away from work, Cheryl loves spending time with her family and friends. Somehow, she also manages to find time to volunteer for the Mercy Hospice fundraising team, something she has done for nearly 25 years. Cheryl is passionate about this work and really enjoys getting alongside the wonderful team of volunteers.
When asked what scares her, Cheryl doesn’t miss a beat. “Failure,” she says. And though her every move seems to glitter with success, she says she deals with it head on.
With many accolades under her belt, there seems to be nothing Cheryl can’t do.
Cheryl is enjoying working with her new team in Parnell. For all things real estate give her a call on 021 976 221.
