My Story

As a little girl, I knew exactly what I wanted.

I told my parents that one day I would move to The Big Apple, attend The Fashion Institute Of Technology, and build a career in the fashion industry—“the dream”.

I even knew then that having children was not in my future.

My parents were in a state of shock—not sure about which aspect surprised them more:

my decision against having kids or my dream of moving to NYC at such a young age.

Over the next few years, I began strategizing how to turn my dreams into reality.

It took years of preparation, countless phone calls, applications to multiple colleges, and a multitude of other tasks.

Eventually, decades later, I breathed life into my fashion industry dream.

Since I didn't have a crystal ball, I wasn't aware of all the opportunities that NYC

would present to me and that I would say “yes” to!

The Manhattan Years

Cubicle Confinement 😢 Macy’s NYC 1980’s

The most prestigious stores in Manhattan—Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, and the famous flagship store-Macy's Herald Square— all hired and trained me to become a buyer—my dream job (s)! I put the idea and my dream out to the universe at age 9 and never doubted it would come true.

While the journey wasn't smooth sailing, I persevered, always finding alternative routes to achieve my goals. My staunch belief and can-do attitude remained constant even when I ended up having to live in a one-bedroom, fifth-floor walk-up in Hell's Kitchen with 4 roommates in order to make my dreams come true.

Unfortunately, after achieving all my childhood fantasies, I felt unexpectedly restless and unfulfilled. The corporate 9-to-5 grind, with its limited vacation time and dictatorial way of life, was not for me. Refusing to accept a life of cubicle confinement and waiting for retirement to enjoy life seemed absolutely insane to me.

I distinctly remember being the only one in the Macy's Corporate Buying office the day after Thanksgiving because someone “ had to man the phones”…

Everyone was downstairs in the store shopping–not calling corporate!!

I should have quit then, but I wasn't ready…

I knew I was destined for more.

Over the next several years in NYC, I built successful careers in fashion, marketing, architecture, design, weight loss & wellness coaching, teaching, the gourmet food industry, B2B sales, retail management, and personnel recruitment.

Finally, I had an “ah ha” moment!

I realized I could satisfy my need to be my own boss and the creator of my life. My gut told me that if I could thrive in NYC's cutthroat fashion industry, I could succeed in various other fields.

With no children to support and only myself to answer to, I pursued whatever interested me at the time.

I continued working during the day to cover my expenses and attended college at night to earn additional degrees

and certifications in unrelated industries. I wanted to keep exploring.

It all came together when I decided to use my multi-industry skill set and real estate lessons learned from my dad to build my own business as a realtor. I even got to use my grandmother's negotiation techniques!

Together we can map out a plan that works for both you and your lifestyle too.

I NEED A PLAN!

My Real Estate Roots

I caught the real estate bug from my dad.

As a child, I watched him run his real estate business in South Philly, my hometown. My dad gave me the inside scoop: a career in real estate was about much more than just selling.

I'd watch him juggle multiple tasks—negotiating with sellers, drafting contracts, talking to attorneys, crafting marketing materials, scheduling open houses, and finalizing listing descriptions—all at once. I remember thinking, "That's a lot of work!"

I couldn't imagine managing such a hectic schedule every day.

According to the National Association of Realtors,

"No one prepares you for the realities of the real estate business."

Realtor.com reports that only 13% of agents make it to their fifth year.

I certainly understand why!

Thanks to my decades of business experience, which in many ways is directly related to real estate, and the guidance from my "coach dad," I successfully launched, built, and expanded my real estate businesses in NYC and South Florida.

I look forward to putting this experience to work for you.

My Grandmother, Broccoli Rabe & Real Estate

Broccoli Rabe (garlic & olive oil of course)!

My Grandmom Mary 💗

Circa 1927

While my dad taught me the “Real Estate Ropes”, my grandma taught me to negotiate.

My 4-foot-11-inch-tall Italian grandmother introduced me to the art of negotiation in a unique way—through our shared love of food, particularly my favorite vegetable, broccoli rabe.

Every week, she'd take me to The Italian Market on 9th Street in South Philly. There, I watched her negotiate prices for plum tomatoes, broccoli rabe, and zucchini flowers. The bargaining felt like a game to me—complete with lively merchants, my grandmother, and me!

At the end of the day, everyone left satisfied. My grandmother would continue to shop, confident in the good deals she had gotten, and our “veggie guys” knew they made her happy and they made a lot of sales. This, my friends, embodies the "heart and soul" of negotiation—a deal where everyone feels treated fairly.

Little did I know, I'd learn this invaluable skill from the woman who made the best Sunday gravy!

Been There, Done That