08/03/2026
Today marks 10 years for me in real estate, and honestly, it has me feeling a little emotional.
I’ve worked since I was a kid, first helping my mom in her beauty salon, then at McDonald’s in high school. After a long career in corrections, teaching and other various jobs, I finally found my true passion in real estate.
I used to pray and ask God to help me recognize what I was good at. Growing up, I never felt especially good at anything. I worked several jobs but never truly loved any of them. Then I stepped into real estate.
I chose Cindy Birge as my broker, and at the time, it was just the two of us. I had no idea what I was doing, and Cindy talked so fast that I wondered how I would ever learn to sell a home because I could barely keep up. LOL! I remember crying at my desk and asking, “What have I gotten myself into?” But Cindy took me under her wing, and little by little, it clicked.
Within a couple of months, I quit my part-time job with my dad and gave up the security of a steady paycheck. It was a huge leap of faith, but I jumped anyway.
Real estate takes motivation, patience, trustworthiness, a love for people and, apparently, the ability to talk. I finally found what I was good at—talking! 😂 I also owe my work ethic to my dad, who taught me that anything worth having takes hard work.
My work bestie, Casey Owens, is 28 years younger than me, but we are so much alike. She keeps me young at heart and reminds me never to be afraid of being goofy. I think that’s part of why people relate to me—I’m approachable and simply myself.
I’ve also learned how important it is to volunteer and give back. Real estate has given me opportunities to serve people far beyond buying and selling homes.
Many people don’t know I’ve been hiding behind an AI photo because I refused to take new headshots until I lost weight. This year, I finally lost 40 pounds and reached a goal I had chased for years. Since it’s also my 40th class reunion year, I may have had a little extra motivation. LOL!
To celebrate my 10th year in real estate, I finally treated myself and went to see Keisha after promising her for about three years that I would. When I tell you I’m going to do something, I mean it—even if it takes me a while. 😂 Let me tell you, it was worth the wait. I still can’t believe the woman in these new photos is really me. Keisha is truly the best!
So today, I’m putting the AI photo beside the real me as a way of saying goodbye to the past and hello to the future. The AI photo served its purpose, but I’m proud to finally step out from behind it. This isn’t only about losing weight or taking new pictures. It’s about reaching a goal, keeping a promise to myself and finally feeling confident enough to show up as me.
I don’t like to brag, but I’m pretty dang proud of myself. Since 2016, I’ve helped approximately 830 buyers and sellers through 696 successful transactions totaling more than $79.1 million. That represents a whole lot of families, individuals, dreams, difficult decisions, fresh starts and new chapters. I’m so thankful for every person who has believed in me, trusted me and allowed me to be part of their journey.
During these 10 years, I also became a wife and a Mimi—two of the most important roles in my life. My husband, Eric, has been my biggest fan and so understanding about what it means to be married to a realtor. I truly don’t think he knew what he was signing up for. LOL! He has supported me through the long days, late calls, weekends, holidays and this weight-loss journey, and I’m so thankful for him.
God has been so good to me, and I know He isn’t finished with me yet. Thank you to everyone who has supported, referred, encouraged and trusted me.
Ten years in real estate, 40 pounds down, new photos, and more blessings than I can count—I sure have a lot to celebrate.
Happy 10-year anniversary to me! ❤️
