It took five years before the people in my life truly saw me as a REALTOR®. Five years of showing up, building trust, and refusing to quit. Most people would have moved on. I've never been very good at giving up.

After more than two decades in retail, I could see the writing on the wall—the “retail apocalypse” was coming, and online shopping would probably take over. I wanted to switch industries altogether.

 I had loved my retail career from the moment I started at an Upton’s department store, then moved to Armani. I worked my way up from managing a store to supervising multiple regional locations for Armani, focusing on visual merchandising and display. I loved the creativity and the people, but after 22 years, I knew I needed a new path—one that challenged me and offered more stability in the highly technological society of the mid-2010s.

That’s when my mentor suggested real estate. We had met at AA meetings over a decade earlier, back when I had hit an emotional and spiritual bottom. I felt sad and completely disconnected from my family, with whom I had once been very close. I went to church and felt a message from God telling me to get sober. I started attending AA meetings, worked through the 12 steps, and began my journey of sobriety.

That’s where I met my mentor, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. When I told him I wanted to change careers, he strongly encouraged me to become a REALTOR®. “There’s never been anyone more suited for this than you,” he said.

Coming from someone who knew me so well, it meant a lot. So, I got my real estate license in 2015, but the first ten months were brutal. I joined a team, but without leads, I had no business. It took years—five, to be exact—for people to start sending referrals my way.

 Soon after I got my real estate license, my marriage ended. I had thought we were happy, but my partner wanted out. It was a devastating blow, especially while I was trying to get my business off the ground and realizing the person I thought had my back no longer did.

There were days I wanted to hide under the covers and give up. Thankfully, my recovery community, friends, and family rallied around me. I kept going, one day at a time, and eventually things got better.

A few years later, I married Tom—whom I’d met through mutual friends at a party—and built a life together in Fort Lauderdale. Then, in 2021, I started my own real estate team. My goals evolved: I wanted to become a top producer and build something lasting. I’m proud to have earned honors  such as the President’s Circle and membership in the Master Brokers Forum, but what matters most is the trust my clients place in me.

Outside of work, I decompress by spending time with friends, going to dinner or the movies, and hitting the gym five days a week. Fitness became a major part of my life after I lost 30 pounds—a journey that took real determination. Tom is on his own fitness journey, and together we share our home with four rescue dogs, who are truly our children. I love the simple things: a quiet night in, a walk with the dogs, or simply enjoying the Florida sun.

Looking back, every challenge shaped who I am. I know what it’s like to feel lost, to start over, and to fight for a better life. That’s why I approach my work with empathy, patience, and a deep commitment to supporting my clients. My story isn’t just about real estate—it’s about resilience, connection, and helping others find a place to call home.

What makes me different from other realtors is my patience, organization, and attention to detail. I’m highly organized—I have systems and spreadsheets for everything, which means my clients experience a smooth, efficient process. I care deeply about the aesthetics and quality of my work: every listing gets professional photography, videos, and beautiful brochures. I’m also very visual and hands-on, ensuring every detail is perfect.

 But beyond the logistics, I genuinely care about my clients. I’m an empath, so I’m highly attuned to their emotions and needs. I listen carefully and make sure my clients feel heard and understood—something many say they didn’t get from other agents. I go above and beyond, always striving to do more than the average agent, whether it’s maximizing exposure through video or being available and supportive throughout the process.

Ultimately, my clients get someone who is calm, patient, and truly invested in their happiness. I want them to feel cared for, respected, and confident that their needs are my top priority.