Check out our exclusive interview with The Oppenheim Group and Netflix’s “Selling Sunset” star Davina Potratz.
As a Broker and Director of the New Development Division of The Oppenheim Group, Davina brings over a decade of experience as a highly accomplished leader in real estate development sales. Throughout her career, Davina has secured property sales in excess of over half a billion dollars and served as an international sales and marketing consultant at several branded and marquee luxury developments.
With a personal passion for real estate, architecture, and aesthetics, coupled with a communications background, Davina used her gift of relationships with various International clientele to develop a highly successful real estate career that began in 2006. Her experience includes having worked with several prestigious developers throughout Los Angeles.
Follow Davina @davinapotratz
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Authentic, driven, sweet
Where did you grow up?
Hamburg, Germany.
How’s a typical day in your life?
During the quarantine I learned to fully work from home, which I’ve really started to enjoy. I alternate between working with real estate clients, managing my beauty line, giving interviews, various phone calls and regularly updating social media. I am also currently taking an online course in entrepreneurship so I try to get a little reading done for that. I take a quick break for lunch and meditation then head out for a hike.
How did you get in the industry?
I got into real estate by starting at a new construction project. A friend was looking to buy in this building and referred me to the broker, that’s how it all began.
What part of your job do you find the most challenging?
The most challenging part of real estate is the unknown rollercoaster ride, you could be in escrow, about to close on a sale but then something goes sideways and the deal falls apart. On the same token, you could meet someone tomorrow and they want to buy something right away. Anything can happen. It takes some getting used to and can be stressful at times.
How did you get selected for the Netflix show “Selling Sunset?”
I was friends with Brett Oppenheim. We met on a transaction and he suggested I join the Oppenheim Group. I joined just before the show began filming and I believe that producers saw me as a unique addition to the other ladies in the group.
How has your life changed after this?
My life has changed a little bit as people recognize me. They get super excited and ask for photos. Social media and press has exploded for all of us so we’re getting a lot more attention overall but I try not to get too attached to it either way. At the end of the day, I am just a normal person, but we certainly appreciate and are grateful for the people who love our show.
How is your relationship with the other cast members/co-workers?
My relationships with the other cast-mates are great! I am closest to Christine, Maya and Brett. Christine and I spent a lot of time together during the quarantine and mostly cooked. We also live about two minutes from each other so that makes it convenient. Maya and I talk all the time but she lives in Miami and has two babies so she’s not available as often.
Do you guys have a script on what to do or say?
No, but some events are planned ahead so you know you’ll be filming a Birthday dinner or in an office on a certain day.
What we can expect of Season 3?
Season 3 has so many ups and downs. There’s a wedding, a loss of love, unexpected twists and turns, several dinners and events, and bigger, better real estate. And lots of drama!!
Now what is the feeling to be misrepresented by the series as the ‘villain’ character?
It’s entertaining to see how scenes get edited to make the show more dramatic. We understand that production needs to fit 1000’s of hours of footage into 8×30 mins so, of course they have to edit things down, but in that process, conversations and situations can appear very different than they were in the moment. Finally, if you add music, it can seem much more extreme than our experience of the scene. I feel that the audience didn’t really see my perspective because I didn’t get as much air time as the other ladies, especially in season one (because I joined last minute). A lot of my sweetness and humor doesn’t make the final cut, instead there seems to be a focus on my authenticity, which I own, but also isn’t the only thing about me. You don’t see the whole person or situation, you only see one perspective. I can tell you that no one “knows” anyone based on a reality show, and that goes for the whole cast.
Can you share something funny/crazy that happened to you while filming?
I ran into Romain at his Bachelor party in Las Vegas on our Thanksgiving break! Total coincidence, very unexpected.
Any advice to other people thinking on sharing their lives on TV?
They should get ready for people to assume they “know you” and for a huge range of opinions and feedback on social media. I would really think about how much you want to share about your life as everyone will have an option on everything so make sure you’re prepared for that or consider not sharing it as it can be overwhelming. Stay in touch with your family and close friends to keep you grounded to remember what is real, but also make sure you enjoy the ride!
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
The greatest lessons I’ve learned are to get clear on my goals, focus on my vision and then let actions reflect those intentions. The universe will conspire to manifest your ideas. I also believe in standing by on your values, no matter how enticing a situation may seem.
Now tell us about your Simplicity x Davina tan and toner?
My products with Simplicity x Davina are a small particle, hyaluronic acid, loose powder bronzer that provides significant warmth to the face without the drying qualities of a typical powder. The setting spray activates the hydration that allows the hyaluronic acid to hold its weight 1000x in water on your face, making it deeply hydrating. This product allows for a saturated level of hydration while still making it possible for you to have the strength of color found in a powder versus a cream or gel. I find that these products are very effective and solve a real problem that has not yet been addressed in the beauty industry (dryness, exaggeration of wrinkles and texture created by powder bronzers.) Christian and Amanza from the cast really love the products and use them regularly. It’s very fulfilling to read reviews by people who absolutely love the products as this was a pure passion project for me and I am so thrilled that I can help others.
And about your new cosmetics brand? Congrats, that’s amazing!!
I am currently in early stages of conceptualizing my own brand and in talks with investors. There is more to come.
Any advice to entrepreneurs out there?
Stop thinking and start doing. Done is better than perfect. Don’t be afraid to fail but be afraid of not even trying.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Tools of Titans by Tim Ferris. Zero to One by Peter Thiel.
What do you think makes a women beautiful and why?
Authenticity, kindness, intelligence, resilience, gratitude, passion, talent, confidence and humor.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Classic, understated, bohemian and romantic with an edge but I love to accessorize with bold jewelry.
Who are your favorite designers?
Alice and Olivia, ALC, Jovani fashions and Helmut Lang.
Something people don’t know about you?
I have fusion at C5-6 in my neck.
How do you stay fit?
I hike and lift weights as well as massages.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Japanese or Mediterranean food
And your favorite cheat food?
Ice cream or bread!
What do you like to watch on Tv?
Surviving Escobar, various documentaries, 90 day fiancé and of course, Selling Sunset.
Do you support any charities?
Yes, I regularly donate to Childhelp, an organization that helps abused and neglected children and I’ve also been donating and volunteering at Food on Foot since 2014, a non profit that helps homeless people get back on their feet and was featured on the show. I am also very interested in working with an anti-human trafficking organization.
What do you think of Social Media?
Social media is a great way to stay in touch with fans and have fun with pictures but I don’t think anyone should spend too much time on social media.
Where we can follow you?
@davinapotratz on Instagram and Twitter
Quote: Believe it and you will see it.
Drink: Organic fresh fruit smoothie with tonics and plant protein.
Travel Destination: Japan, Bora Bora or Spain.
Music: Non EDM electronic music, Goldcap for example.
Sports Team: German national team for world cup soccer!
Credits
Photographer: Lindy Lin
Hair: April Roberts
Makeup products: Grande Cosmetics
Dress: Jay Godfrey
