What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Being a regional sales director for an asset management company where I was the liaison between the investment teams and my clients. It was a job that gave me the opportunity to sharpen my investment knowledge, meet super smart people and travel to enjoyable destinations like Bermuda, San Diego, San Francisco and Toronto and to host & attend top global conferences in Boca Raton, Boston, New York and Italy.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Bogota and had the opportunity to live in L.A. for a year when I was 9 years old. That’s where I learned English and where I got to experience living in the U.S. as a little girl.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
I’ve always valued beauty, creativity and independence, and when taking a class in technical drawing I was pulled to the idea of being an architect. I also knew that my natural talent was in communication & sales, which is why at the end I chose to become a businesswoman instead. Now through what I do in real estate I showcase my natural creative skills and experience the unique independence that being an entrepreneur allows you to have.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I truly believe that stress is a symptom of having your priorities out of order, of taking on more things than you can and of not knowing how to manage your emotions when things are not going the way you expected. So naturally I look for activities that bring me back to feeling connected with myself, whether that is going for a walk, to the beach, to a yoga class or simply having a good conversation with a friend or journaling. It’s all about clearing your mind and finding your inner peace.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Roger Federer…as a tennis fan I’ve always admired his charming and down to earth personality, the success he has created for himself and his ability to focus and manage his emotions seamlessly when under pressure. In my opinion, this is what sets him apart from other great players and what makes him a great model for what a true champion on and off the court looks like.
Where is South Florida’s best-kept secret?
One of my favorite spots to take friends who visit Miami are Cantina Beach and Dune Bar at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Key Biscayne, where they have the best berry mojitos in town. I love the casual atmosphere and its prime oceanfront location.
What do you love most about the industry?
Being able to get to see firsthand how the city is constantly transforming, and visiting all the high-end new construction projects that make Miami incredibly attractive for investors and international clients.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
In real estate, there are so many variables that can impact the end result of any given transaction and a lot of them are not under your control. The most difficult aspect in my opinion is to sustain a winning mindset and show up 100% no matter what, knowing that the end result doesn’t define who you are. How you show up does.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
For me, it’s all about finding leads organically through what you love doing and the relationships you have. Everyone has a distinct personality and incredible opportunities to capitalize on by taking this simple yet efficient approach.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I love audio books. I recently re-listened to “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo so that I could get inspired to tackle a decluttering project at home. I believe that our environment, specifically our home, is the foundation of all that we do, therefore has a significant impact on how we feel and what we create both in our lives and businesses.
What’s your favorite meal in South Florida?
Mandolin Aegean Bistro is one of my favorite places to go to. Whether I am in the mood for a light meal (Greek sampler + the Greek village) or a heavier meal (mediterranean seabass), I love the coastal flavors and cozy atmosphere that Mandolin has to offer.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in South Florida?
Elysee Miami. Its three-tiered telescoping shape right on Biscayne Bay is truly impressive. Elysee definitely makes a statement.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
Finding out that all elevators were out when I had two showings back-to-back on the 36th floor and only had a 30 minute window to do both.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I love to travel solo. I believe that traveling on your own brings unforgettable and rich experiences to your life — experiences where your senses are more open and alert, where you are able to take in more of what the moment is presenting to you and where you don’t miss anything about the environment around you. In my opinion, traveling solo allows you to connect more with yourself and with the places you are visiting.
What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?
Italy, no question! What’s not to love? Good wine, food, people, language and scenery… for me, it’s all about how I feel when I am in the places that I visit. Italians are incredibly welcoming and during the times I have been there, they’ve always made me feel at home.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Believe in yourself and in what you are capable of.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
Our CEO Bess Freedman and other BHS colleagues both in NYC and Miami.
What are your social media handles?
Instagram: @soflway and @alive.and.onpurpose