As someone who has worked hard to break through in an industry dominated by men, I am pleased to say that my story has been honored in ShoutOut Miami! In this interview I answer some questions quintessential to my success and the journey that got me here. Having and maintaining a business is NEVER easy– trust me! But one thing it always is, is rewarding and gratifying. To be honored for being unapologetically me is something I’ll never fail to be proud of! It is my goal to reshape the real estate world into something that values creativity and embraces the importance of representation. I sincerely hope this article brings a bit of inspiration to your own journey. And most importantly: don’t let the world hold you back!
So without further ado– it’s time to hear my story! You can find it here:
In the spirit of sharing and with a goal of success for all, I’m thrilled to sprinkle in a few extra pieces of wisdom that didn’t make it into the ShoutOut Miami article! Key moments like where I’m from, the media that inspires me, my personal mantra… all these small details have led to this one GREAT thing. Through this, you’ll see my journey, my purpose, and the truth that all good things take time!
Do you have a budget? How do you think about your personal finances and how do you make lifestyle and spending decisions?
I don’t adhere strictly to a traditional budget per se. I always try to prioritize financial planning and mindful spending to ensure I’m making the most of my resources. Meaning I set clear financial goals, so I can make appropriate decisions that will positively affect the future of myself, my family, and my business. It is extremely important to me that I have the financial means to save for future investments, support my family, or give back to my community.
When it comes to lifestyle and spending decisions, I strive to strike a balance between enjoying the fruits of my labor and being prudent with my finances. I believe in investing in experiences and opportunities that enrich my life and those around me— whether it’s travel, education, or philanthropy. At the same time, I’m mindful of living within my means and making choices that align with both my values AND long-term goals.
Where are you from and how did your background and upbringing impact who you are today?
I come from the vibrant city of Chicago, a place that instilled in me a deep appreciation for community, diversity, and resilience. Growing up in such a dynamic urban environment led me to witness the importance and power of shared respect for ALL your neighbors. I feel that THIS is the key to a successful and collaborative community—I’ve made sure to never forget that understanding.
Additionally, growing up in a close-knit family taught me the value of hard work, determination, and empathy. My parents ingrained in me a strong sense of integrity and a passion for making a positive difference in the world. Their unwavering support and encouragement endlessly fueled my ambition and shaped my approach to both life and business.
What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?
At the heart of my success lies a deep-rooted commitment to delivering exceptional quality, unparalleled service, and unparalleled value. I feel it’s very important to prioritize listening to my customers, understanding their aspirations, and tailoring my offerings to exceed their expectations. Ultimately, it’s my relentless pursuit of excellence and my unwavering commitment to my core values that have propelled me to where I am today, and will continue to drive my success in the future. By empowering myself to unleash my full potential and embrace new ideas, I’ve cultivated an environment where innovation thrives, and success follows suit.
What value or principle matters most to you? Why?
Family is my everything. When it comes to values, I find they stem from my desire to be the best mother and friend possible. Friends are family too. Blood relations don’t define the levels of closeness and confidence we can feel in someone. Creating communities around strong connections allows space for love, support, and a sense of belonging to flourish.
Though on a personal level, being a mother has been the greatest privilege I’ve ever been granted. Being granted the ability to nurture and guide my children through the ebbs and flows of life has been an irreplaceable and unreplicable experience.
I am constantly learning from my community, and the lessons I gain from them are easily carried over into my work life. They shape me, acting as my foundation for a strong and successful path to success.
Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?
Navigating work-life balance hasn’t always been easy. The constant give and pull of scheduling, prioritizing, and assigning value makes for quite a dynamic thought process, and sometimes that can be draining.
When I first started out in this industry, I was hyper-focused on my professional growth, to the point where I often forgot about myself — while this isn’t uncommon, I wouldn’t at all recommend it.
Though life started to work itself out, my priorities started to make their ways out of the woodwork. I realized that spending time with my loved ones was invaluable and necessary, so it became more of a priority. I could take a step back and recognize that there is space for both professional goals and personal happiness. I really cherish the equilibrium I’ve established, and I truly couldn’t have it any other way!
What’s the end goal? Where do you want to be professionally by the end of your career?
My perfect future would be a career characterized by continued growth, impact, and fulfillment. I will be happy as long as I leave a legacy I feel proud of, one that is accessible to everyone, that works to empower women and uplift their dedication and passion to innovation and community (just as I hoped to do).
Ultimately, by the end of my career, I aspire to have made significant contributions to the real estate industry, shaping the landscape of modern living and inspiring others to pursue their passions fearlessly.
Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?
I’ve always been a creative and artistic person. From an early age I found so much joy in the process of creating— whether it be painting, sculpting, music, or design— it felt natural to me. Because it was always inside me, it felt right to bring my artistic disposition into my professional endeavors. I knew what I was capable of, and I wasn’t going to give that up.
There is power in collaboration. Yes, separate entities are valuable on their own, but strength comes in numbers (this could be measured in brains or aspects or ideas). Whether it’s designing innovative living spaces, crafting compelling narratives, or fostering vibrant communities, creativity is a driving force behind my work.
Tell us about a book you’ve read and why you like it / what impact it had on you.
I can’t stop thinking about “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel. When I was reading it, my mind kept opening doors of understanding about finance that I didn’t even know existed. I felt like every page was a revelation about my relationship with money, especially because of how psychologically rooted it is. My fascination and desire to understand the human experience has made this journey all the more important to me. I was interested to find that the core of Housel’s strategy for financial success were the pillars of patience, humility, and resilience— values that I hold to the UTMOST importance in my own personal/professional life. This, plus his constant personal anecdotes and insights, made this book fun and easy to understand. It felt as though I was put in constant discussion with Housel, giving me an invaluable insight on the nuances of wealth and personal fulfillment and the ways in which I can work them into my daily life.
I hope you’ve all enjoyed this special glimpse into my journey. Every day, I feel more empowered as a businesswoman, and I’m endlessly proud of the legacy I’m building. Surrounding yourself with good people, embracing creative strategies, and staying true to yourself are invaluable essentials in building a strong business. Remember, you are in charge of your own destiny, and we all have the power to succeed!
With love and gratitude,
Randy
