What do you love most about what you do?

Perhaps selfish, but the feeling you get when handing over the keys to a new home in one of the most desirable cities in the country is simply something you cannot replicate. Working in real estate has also allowed me to get even more engrained in our community, specifically Point Loma. As a volunteer with the PLA on our Membership Committee, my industry has naturally led me to networking with lots of local businesses and families here in Point Loma, which I LOVE!

What’s a piece of advice you tell to your clients or customers that will save them time, money, or both?

Real estate, especially in San Diego, will always be in demand. While home prices are high, we will look back on today and marvel at how much cheaper real estate was in 2025 (eeks!)

Tell us about a moment when you knew you chose the right career.

It was one of my first deals early on in real estate. I was working with good friends to help them buy their first home in San Diego. They had an 18 month old and were pregnant with their second child and needed more space. Helping them find a house that they would make into a home for their two young kids was so rewarding to me. I’ve always had a passion for helping people and giving back however I can - “paying it forward.” I studied International Relations in college and went on to get my Master’s Degree from NYU, thinking I might work at the United Nations and make a big global impact. As I started my career in nonprofit fundraising and events, I quickly realized there are lots of ways to “make an impact,” and it doesn’t necessarily need to be on a global scale. Acts of kindness make an impact. Volunteering outside of your career can make an impact. Working with people one on one can make an impact. I realized that helping my clients navigate this scary and emotional process of buying or selling a home gives me that same profound sense of fulfillment, even if it’s not in the way I originally imagined it early on in my professional career.

Which part of your job will AI never be able to do?

Empathy. Oh gosh, will AI be empathetic?! There is so much emotion in real estate. Whether you’re thinking about selling a home you’ve spent 40+ years in, raised your kids in, saw your grandkids in, or whether you’re draining all of your savings and really taking a risk to buy that first condo. It’s emotional! And scary! I truly don’t think AI will be able to guide people in navigating that piece of real estate. At least I hope not.

What’s your favorite object or item in your workspace — and what’s the story behind it?

I have a card from my 5 year old daughter that sits in my office. She learned to read and write this past year in TK at Loma Portal Elementary. She wrote me a card that just says “Mom. You can do hard things. Love, Mila.” It sits on my desk and I see it every day.

My husband and I have three young kids, our two daughters (ages 5 and 3) and our son (1). Our daughters are now coming to an age where they understand mommy and daddy both own their own businesses, and we talk about that often. In fact, we always have our girls say affirmations at night, and one of them is “I am brave. I can do hard things.” It was so rewarding to see my daughter reiterate that back to me in a card telling ME that I can also do hard things. And maybe that’s a good reminder not just for our kids, but for ourselves.

What do you have in your workspace that sparks creativity?

I have a sign in my office that says “Do something new.” I honestly can’t even remember where I got it - perhaps a gift? If ever I feel blocked or like I can’t find motivation, I look at that sign. Maybe it’s as simple as doing something new. That gets my wheels turning!

What’s your favorite local spot for a client lunch?

I love Ketch on Shelter Island - great views of the harbor, you must sit outside!

What other local clubs or associations do you belong to besides the PLA?

In addition to volunteering on the Membership Committee of the PLA and being a proud Gold Business member, I’m also involved in the work of the Foundation at my daughter’s school at Loma Portal Elementary.

Where’s your go-to spot in Point Loma when you need to think, recharge, or celebrate?

Liberty Station, of course. I’m an avid runner - I ran the Rock n Roll marathon a few years ago, and also ran the half marathon when pregnant with my second daughter. It’s the best way I can clear my mind. I often just run loops around Liberty Station since it has the perfect paved pathways with plenty of people watching. If I run in the morning, I’ll stop by Moniker Coffee for a latte to recharge or set up my laptop to work.

What’s a local business that’s gone away that you’d love to bring back?

The Presley in Liberty Station! That was a great spot to bring the kids and sit outside with space for them to go nuts.

If your business had a theme song, what would it be?

"Don’t Stop Believin’" – Journey

Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you?

“In order to cross the finish line, you must first cross the starting line.”

I’m sure this resonates with most business owners. It’s scary to start something new. It’s scary to cross the starting line, let alone even think about the finish line, whatever that may be. Taking that first step, that first uncomfortable risk, is the only way to even have a chance at getting to where you want to be.

BONUS QUESTION: WRITE YOUR OWN Q&A — If there’s a question we didn’t ask, feel free to write it here.

What is it like running your own real estate business as a mom of three young kids?

“Wow, you’ve got your hands full!” “You must be tired!” “You have a lot on your plate!” “Do you ever sleep?” Without fail, these are almost always the comments I get when someone sees me alone with my three kids under the age of five. I read an article recently, where an older gentleman saw a woman with all her young kids and rather than commenting the usual, he said to her… “you must be having fun.”

This stuck with me. As a mom of three young kids who took a risk starting her own real estate business, most people look at me and wonder what on earth I was thinking. Or how “full” my hands must be. My hands certainly are full. But my heart is overwhelmed with joy from the life my husband and I have built - both as business owners living in Point Loma. I focus on what brings me joy and that’s my kids, my community, and my career. That’s what makes life fun!