In 2012, Dawna Cantaway’s mom and step-dad were both diagnosed with terminal illnesses. Life was challenging over the next three years; her step-dad passed in 2014, and her mom passed away nine months later. This devastating time wasn’t over, however, as Dawna lost her grandmother a month later.

Hardship is a part of life; no one escapes it. What defines us, however, is how we respond to it. These events catalyzed something for Dawna, waking up a dream she had long held.

“My grandmother was a REALTOR® as far back as I can remember. My mom always told me that I was supposed to be a REALTOR®. Once my mom passed away, I just knew it was time,” Dawna reflects.

In 2016, Dawna began her real estate career, parlaying her years of experience drafting house plans for builders, doing hands-on work in remodeling and renovation projects alongside her husband, and providing invaluable advice on interior design for homes and businesses.

Meanwhile, Dawna’s youngest daughter, Erika, had already begun her budding real estate career a few months prior. Erika transitioned from liquor, beer, and wine sales into the real estate industry, putting her natural relationship-building skills to use in a business where she could make a positive impact on her community.

“During my career as a sales representative in the liquor industry, my husband encouraged me to get into real estate to do something that would have more meaning. After some unfortunate circumstances with the company I worked for shutting the doors, I jumped head first into real estate, found my passion for it, and have never looked back,” Erika says. “I have always had a deep passion for helping others in life. Getting into real estate, I found out quickly how meaningful and important this journey is to the families I help.”

Dawna and Erika both began leading teams early in their careers. Dawna worked out of Ocala and Gainesville, while Erika worked out of Jacksonville and St. Johns. Along the way, they supported each other, shared tips for success, and gave each other the courage to overcome obstacles.

“We called each other almost daily to help each other get through the challenges [a career in real estate] can bring,” Erika explains.

“From day one, even as colleagues, we bounced ideas off of each other and had each other's backs, so when I decided to open the brokerage, it was a given that we were supposed to run the brokerage together,” Dawna adds.

Dawna and Erika have worked side by side at Florida’s Choice Realty for four years. They co-founded Florida’s Choice Realty in May 2020 and have grown the brokerage to thirty active agents, eight referral agents, and four administrative staff members.

“There are many things that I love [about this business], but the one I love most is being able to work side-by-side with my youngest daughter in leading the brokerage. [I also have] my oldest daughter helping with transactions and my daughter-in-law helping with administration [tasks],” Dawna explains.

“I get to help run a company with my mother, whom I absolutely love and admire. Nothing could be better,” Erika exclaims.

Florida’s Choice Realty closed 193 transactions for over $52 million in 2023, but what’s most important to Dawna and Erika is the culture they’ve created. Their brokerage is a place where agents can feel supported by their brokers and the agents around them. It’s a culture of collaboration, encouragement, and excellence.

“Real estate can be a cutthroat business in general, but with Florida’s Choice Realty, we have broken down those walls and created an environment where each individual can thrive. We encourage growth, lean into each other’s strengths, and are there for one another — not just in real estate but also in life,” Erika explains.

Dawna and Erika are both deeply devoted to their families. Dawna has four kids, a stepdaughter, and 14 grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Bob, camping, biking, hiking, and gardening. Erika and her husband, Joseph, have five kids.

“There is never a dull moment,” she jokes. There are constant dance parties, lots of makeup and dress-up, and, of course, drama. We love spending time outdoors together. I love the beach, the zoo, gardening, bike rides, walks — anything to get outside.”

Dawna and Erika have experienced their fair share of challenges in life, making the success they now enjoy even more precious.

“My life is incredible, but it definitely has not been easy,” Dawna shares. “I consider myself one of the most blessed humans on Earth. I have an incredible family, an amazing spiritual family, wonderful friends, and the best real estate family in existence.”

“My mother is/was a pillar of faith, perseverance, unconditional love, and much more, which helped shape the woman I am today,” Erika adds. “I have been through loss, heartaches, triumphs, and more, which I feel have shaped me into a strong and compassionate person. After suddenly losing my dad in 2018, it made me realize that life is so precious and fleeting, that we have to make the most of the opportunities we are given because nothing is promised to us… I want to be remembered for the love that I have in my heart. When those around me look back at my life, it will be evident how much I loved each of them and gave everything I had to give.”

Erika and Dawna developed the Florida’s Choice Realty Hero Program to give back to nurses, doctors, teachers, firefighters, police officers, past and present military members, foster parents, and adoptive parents. The brokerage offers 10% of the real estate commission back to these groups at closing.