What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I was on the opening team of the restaurant La Mar, by the renowned Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio in San Francisco. It was a magnificent experience, I was 28 years old.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Lima, Peru.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
I wanted to be involved with real estate as it was all I dreamed about … beautiful homes!

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Grab my bike and go for a ride at the beach.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Of course I have a long list, but I guess I’ll go with the first one that came to my mind … I would like to meet Dr. Edit Eger, the author of the book “The Choice.” I truly admire that woman, [the book] is an inspiration and would love to meet her and talk.

Where is South Florida’s best-kept secret?
Surfside!

What do you love most about the industry?
The dynamic lifestyle, the fact that I am my own boss and that can work my own schedule, balancing my personal family time and my professional time.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
I would say the most difficult aspect of my job is when you spend a lot of time, money and efforts in a big transaction (usually commercial) and it doesn’t go through. It’s very frustrating and is difficult to deal with.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Networking! Go out there and speak with everyone!

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I watched series like “The Oslo Girl” and “The Agency.” I listen to all kinds of music but for during the day while working, I am happy with playlists of Brazilian jazz and bossa nova. For reading, I read spiritual books.

What’s your favorite meal in South Florida?
Spicy edamame, hamachi jalapeno and vegetable rice rice in Makoto, Bal Harbour.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in South Florida?
Arte Surfside, is like having New York’s finest on the sand. I like more exclusive boutique buildings.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
The only client I had to fire, as he was incredibly rude and disrespectful. It was the only time in 11 years that I had to say thank you but no thank you. I later learned he didn’t pay the commission to the previous broker, and the top broker that he hired after me also ended up quitting the listing for the same reason.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am also a chef, I have a business degree and a minor in applied multimedia and that I went to culinary school. I worked in the restaurant industry to master my skills, but knew that was temporary

What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?
Europe in the summer. I love the Mediterranean Sea and the time difference with Miami allows me to work from the distance.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Start working in a top-producing team.

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
You got me here … I follow people on my industry, but I honestly try to only use social media to post and have a presence, I try to stay away from scrolling as it takes valuable time from my day.