SONJA Gastevich is the queen of WA pubs.
The feisty Perth grandmother is the most prolific female developer and operator of pubs and bars in the state.
She has an empire of five Perth pubs, all of which she built, designed and opened.
While most people her age have retired, Ms Gastevich continues to work seven days a week and 12 hours a day.
And she doesn't plan to slow down any time soon.
"I'll keep working until they bury me in Karrakatta Cemetery," she said.
"Even then I'll start the Karrakatta Tavern in the sky."
For the first time in her 50- year career, Ms Gastevich has talked at length about how she has succeeded in a male-dominated industry where many others have failed.
The Croatian migrant, who arrived alone in Australia at 16 without a cent to her name, says a love for people was the secret to her success.
"I have a heart of gold and I'll do anything for anybody, whether it's for my customers, my staff or family," she said.
"That's my nature. That's why I'm so successful."
But she's no pushover, especially when it comes to her no-nonsense approach to managing staff.
"I say to them, 'My way or your highway'," she said. "My name is stuck up at the top of the door. You can walk away from me tomorrow, but I'll still be here."
Ms Gastevich said some of her staff had worked with her for 30 years, following her to each new pub she opened.
And others had left, only to return.
The mother of three children, aged between 37 and 52, was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Australian Hotels Association in 2011.
Her legacy includes The Royal in East Perth, The Kingsley Tavern, Old Bailey Tavern in Joondalup and the Kingsway Bar and Bistro in Darch.
She bought, refurbished and launched the Ess Bar in Subiaco.
Her latest pub is the new Currambine Bar and Bistro, the only outlet she operates herself. The 2000sq m venue includes a sports bar, cocktail lounge, function room and restaurant.
Imported Italian marble lines the bars and bathrooms.
The kitchen is as big as those found in some five-star hotels and turns out five-star dishes.
Ms Gastevich says that's because she's "hands on" in the kitchen.
"I tell my chef, 'You do it my way. You know the job, but I show you the way I do it'," she said. "I'm a perfectionist."
But she leaves the bar to her son-in-law Stephen Tombides, who affectionately describes his mother-in-law as "hard work".
Ms Gastevich started a restaurant in the Wheatbelt town of Narrogin at 20 with her husband Mick Gastevich.
Called The Cabin Tea Room, she managed it for four years.
She then built the Overlander Hotel in Manjimup.
"I was a quick learner," she said.
"Buy one, sell one and get on with it. That's how it started."
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