There comes a moment in life when everything changes—a moment that alters the course of our journey and leads us down a path we never imagined. For me, that moment came when I realized I no longer wanted to be a chef. 

 

Raised by hardworking parents who valued family dinners and shared meals, I developed a deep love for food and cooking. My dream was to become a master chef. On the Culinary Arts Competition Team, I traveled all over for competitions and won scholarships. It was a great experience putting my mind to something and seeing the reward. 

 

Starting as a line cook, I worked my way up to assistant kitchen manager. Under the high-pressure environment, doing a million things at once, I learned to shine and get better. Under all that pressure, I didn’t crumble but created a diamond; I was a better version of myself because I learned and grew, becoming successful in my role. Truthfully, that's what I thought I was going to do forever. But then, I had a realization.

 

While I cherished the hustle of restaurant kitchens and the thrill of creating culinary masterpieces, I yearned for a deeper connection with the people I served. The greatest joy I found from cooking was sharing it with family and friends. That was the part I lived for!

 

Suddenly, it clicked for me when I watched families and friends at the restaurant share a meal and have a great time—my true calling was to work directly with people, helping create meaningful experiences for others.

 

It was this realization that led me to transition from the back of the house to the front, taking on a hospitality role. In making this transition, I became interested in the REALTORS® who would come in for luncheons, either talking with fellow agents or meeting a client. It seemed so enticing, the personal relationships these agents formed with their clients, treating them not just like a transaction but like a friend or family member they wanted to help.

 

 I remember thinking to myself, "How cool would it be to be a part of that world?" Working with diverse individuals and the opportunity to make a difference in their lives seemed like a rewarding career. It didn't take long for me to realize that I wanted to explore this path, to step into those shoes and see where it would take me. With determination guiding my steps, I made the decision to pursue a career in real estate in 2017.

 

The transition happened swiftly. In just 30 days, I found myself sitting in classrooms, absorbing the knowledge and skills required for this new adventure.  Working closely together with my previous Broker, as their assistant, I learned the ins and outs of the trade, discovering a new sense of purpose in  helping individuals navigate the complexities of buying and selling homes. It was a whirlwind of learning and excitement, but I embraced it wholeheartedly, knowing that I was embarking on a journey that would change my life in ways I couldn't yet imagine. 

 

Before moving to Florida, we lived in New York. My dad was an entrepreneur, and my mom often worked with him; they earned everything they had through hard work. They used to always say, “If you want anything in life, you have to work for it.” That motivated me as a chef and became my guiding mantra as a real estate professional. The amount of work I put into my business is paid back tenfold by the trust earned from my clients and the impact I get to make on their lives.

 

Now, every day, I get to do what I love—real estate doesn’t feel like work; it is a genuine passion and blessing in my life. Throughout this journey, I have learned that my true passion is connecting with people, helping them and forging lasting relationships! When not working, I prioritize family time and enjoy checking out new spots and exploring the beautiful beaches and springs here!

 

Growing up, my family experienced the whirlwind of constant relocations, moving from place to place in search of stability and opportunity. Each move brought with it a sense of excitement tinged with uncertainty as we navigated through unfamiliar neighborhoods and adapted to new surroundings. Witnessing the impact of these transitions on my family ignited within me a profound appreciation for the concept of home. It isn't just about the physical structure; it is about the sense of belonging and security it provides amidst life's changes. 

 

These experiences instilled in me a deep understanding of the emotional significance attached to finding the right home. Now, as a REALTOR®, I draw upon those memories to empathize with my clients on their own journey toward homeownership. It is my goal to guide individuals and families toward a place they can truly call home, where they can lay down roots and create lasting memories. Just as impactful is the power of investment properties, helping individuals and families invest in their futures and set themselves up for generational wealth. These moments of success, when we reach the finish line, are the ultimate reward, keeping me passionate about my work in real estate.