From Europe’s most coveted model to conquering Dubai’s real estate market, Jana Zapletalová’s story is nothing short of awe -inspiring
Miss Europe title, ten years of runway glamour and a passport full of stamps might sound like the most beautiful story but for Jana Zapletalova, it was only the beginning. Originally from the Czech Republic, she now charts her own course as Associate Director and Sales Manager for Off Plan Investments at haus & haus, one of Dubai’s leading real estate agencies.
Ques- Jana, you had the life not many get to have. A path that got you the Miss Europe title, put you on runways and unlocked the world for you – literally. Why give that up?
We all want to feel like we’re contributing in a meaningful way. That chapter of my life was incredible and I’m genuinely grateful for it, but as I got older, I realised I wanted more than walking runways and posing for photos. Stepping away wasn’t a gap period as much as it was a pivotal moment. It gave me the space to reflect, reassess and choose a path that felt fulfilling on a deeper level.
Out of everything you could’ve chosen to do, why Dubai real estate?
There was one thing I never got bored of during that time, and that was the homes and hotels I stayed in. I became fascinated by how spaces are designed and the experiences they create. I realised I wanted to curate that same lifestyle and experience for other people, which naturally drew me towards real estate.
The timing worked out too. A friend in Monaco connected me with an opportunity at a private development firm and that experience confirmed it for me. I realised real estate wasn’t a job but a career.
How hard was it to switch to real estate?
Honestly, it was very challenging. The industry itself is complex, and on top of that I was navigating a complete lifestyle shift. It was my first time working a full-time job and I won’t pretend I was immediately enthusiastic about early mornings and office hours. But that adjustment changed my mindset entirely. While my previous lifestyle was a privilege, this turning point brought structure, stability and balance into my life, things I now see as invaluable.
You now work at haus & haus, one of the most well-known real estate firms in Dubai. Why did you choose them?
Dubai real estate wasn’t the same in 2021. It was active, but nothing like it is today. We were coming out of the pandemic and I remember googling “the best real estate agencies in Dubai” when haus & haus came up. I applied immediately, had an online interview and within days, I was packing up and moving to Dubai.
Did that take a lot of courage?
I was determined to give it a real shot, with a clear backup plan. If it didn’t work out, I would return home to my family in the Czech Republic. But I came in highly motivated and drew on my experience in Monaco to deliver results from day one.
I was fortunate that the company recognised that drive and trusted me with the opportunity to lead my own team, which eventually led to my promotion to Associate Director. I’m incredibly grateful for that progression.
What was the biggest challenge on your path to becoming an Associate Director?
There were plenty of challenges along the way. It was a long journey, one that took three years and the biggest struggle for me was self-belief.
What do you mean when you say “self-belief”?
haus & haus is a British company in the UAE so I naturally felt insecure about the cultural and linguistic differences, often becoming overly conscious of my accent.
I also cared too much about what others thought or said. Even though I was consistently selling properties week after week, there were still people who questioned my success. Some suggested it was down to my appearance rather than my skills, experience and talent, and for a time, I believed them.
That sounds hard. How did you overcome it?
Learning to trust my own ability and back myself consistently was the hardest part of that journey. In many ways, though, it pushed me to work harder. Today, the results speak for themselves. I sell multi-million-dirham properties while managing a team of 20 consultants, and that has nothing to do with appearance. It’s a skillset, and performance is the proof.
What advice would you give someone who wants to change careers and start from scratch?
Don’t be afraid. Life is too short to stay in your comfort zone. The things you want aren’t merely dreams. Make them a reality. And trust that if you never give up, it’ll eventually work out…. whether it’s today or five years from now.
