What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I used to work at a beauty salon, as well as MAC Cosmetics.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up on the North Side of Chicago in Rogers Park.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
I’ve always loved the beauty industry, and I would always say I would own my own salon one day. Who would’ve known I would change careers and love being a Realtor?

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I love working out. I started working out two years ago and realized it’s the best stress relief out there.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Selena Quintanilla. As a young girl, I was a HUGE fan of hers, always singing her music around the house. Now that I am older, I realize the huge impact she made on us Latin women because of her courage to face the music world as a strong Latina. As the famous line from the movie “Selena” states, “We gotta prove to the Mexicans how Mexican we are, and we gotta prove to the Americans how American we are.”

What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?
Chicago’s best-kept secret is all of our history. From its architecture, food and mobster history. It’s known for its museums and cultural gems, making it an epicenter for tourism.

What do you love most about the industry?
I love helping people reach their milestone of becoming homeowners. I work with a lot of first-time homebuyers, and being able to obtain their trust and see them achieve this dream of homeownership is so rewarding to me.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Real estate is full of emotions, and no matter what we are going through, we as agents have to make sure we keep everything at ease. Our clients are already nervous or scared, being that this is the biggest investment they will make, and we as agents have to make sure we are there to assure them everything will be OK. I always guide my clients closely from start to finish and never leave them to wonder. We have to be that mediator they need.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
My best advice is to never be a secret agent. Get out there, make conversations, build relationships, let everyone know you are a Realtor, and you can help them with all their real estate needs!

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment is definitely getting my real estate license. Everyone knows it’s not easy but I didn’t give up, and here I am ready to help. And I hope to inspire others to not give up on their dreams/goals.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I am currently reading “Ninja Selling,” which has been helping me with my business

What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?
Chicago-style hot dog!

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
Willis Tower — also known as the Sears Tower. If you grew up when it was called the Sears Tower, you will always call it that. It’s always so eye-catching and blows you away when looking at it or directly up if you happen to be by it.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
Hands down has to be not being able to open a lock box while your clients are waiting .

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
I was actually born in Mexico.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Have not traveled much but definitely have some places on my bucket list

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Do not give up! Keep striving.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
Homesnap! It’s so easy to use with clients.