These early Quest years were significant for me. The highs and the lows and everything in between. I went from head office employee to franchise business owner before I was 30 — three businesses across two states: Quest Beaumont Kew, Quest Potts Point, and eventually Quest Preston, back in my home suburb of Melbourne's north. We survived the GFC. We survived COVID. We had challenging moments that tested everything I had, and wonderful ones that reminded me why I loved this industry. The people, so many amazing people.
I was also raising two daughters, born in 2010 and 2012, through the thick of it. Running franchise businesses. Travelling for work. Figuring out how to do all of it at once. It wasn't always graceful. But it got done.
The idea for Stellar came from a broker. When I sold my first two Quest businesses, the broker who handled the transaction turned to me and said: "Have you thought about broking? About selling these hotels yourself?” I said no. But tell me more!
What followed was several years of learning the brokerage side of accommodation — real estate licensing, appraisals, motel and caravan park sales across Victoria. Then a role specialising in Quest Apartment Hotel sales, which felt like coming home after so many years on the other side of the transaction. Then, in 2019, the chance to buy back into Quest when Preston was being built. I couldn't say no. I would have had to drive past it every day!
By 2024, with my silent partnership in Quest Preston still active, I knew it was time to do something I'd never done: start my own brand within the real estate industry. Eighteen months of study, four state licences, and a self-funded launch later — Stellar Accommodation Brokers exists.
The name is not an accident. Stella is my middle name. It was my grandmother's name — a woman I never got to meet, but who I'm told was proud and strong and worth knowing. It felt right to build something in her honour.
I still work weekend shifts at the hotel to help fund the business. My daughters are teenagers now — one of them is already talking about doing a business course. I like that they can see what it looks like to build something from nothing. The grit, the hustle, the choosing to back yourself even when it's hard. I could have taken the seemingly ‘easier’ road and worked for another brand. But where’s the fun in that?!
Why women in this industry? Because women connect like no other. Because real estate at its best is about relationships. I can't wait for the next few years.
— Liz Galea, Founder & Principal, Stellar Accommodation Brokers