From Broadway Dreams to Real Estate Success: My Journey from Actress to Luxury Agent in NYC

When I first moved to New York City, my dream was simple: to be an actress. Like so many others, I was drawn to the city's vibrant energy, its electrifying arts scene, and the promise of someday seeing my name on a Broadway marquee. What I didn’t expect, though, was that my path would take an unexpected turn—and lead me to a new career that still allows me to work with people, nurture relationships, and build something meaningful. That career? Real estate.

The Dream That Brought Me to NYC
Growing up, I always had a love for the stage. I remember the thrill of rehearsing lines in my bedroom, pretending to be characters in my favorite plays and musicals. So, after years of training and dreaming, I finally took the leap and moved to New York City, the epicenter of theatre, to pursue my passion for acting. I worked hard, auditioned constantly, and learned the ropes of the industry. It was a challenging time, full of rejections and triumphs, long hours, and endless hustle—but it was also exhilarating. Every day, I felt like I was one step closer to achieving my dreams.

But in a city as competitive as New York, it’s hard to rely solely on acting gigs to pay the bills. I quickly realized I needed a way to support myself financially while continuing to pursue my passion. So, like many others in this vibrant city, I decided to explore real estate.

The First Step: Real Estate Rentals
Starting in real estate wasn’t glamorous at first. I began by working in rental apartments—a sector that demanded long hours, countless phone calls, and an ability to juggle multiple tasks at once. At first, it was just a means to an end, a way to make money while I was auditioning. But as I dove deeper into the world of real estate, I found myself fascinated by the process. The thrill of matching people with their perfect apartments, negotiating leases, and helping them find a place to call home felt surprisingly fulfilling.

Over time, I started to develop a deeper appreciation for the industry. I loved the people I met, from clients to colleagues, and the satisfaction of being part of such a major life decision for others. Slowly, real estate became more than just a side hustle—it became a passion.

Building My Own Team
As I grew in the business, I realized that I wasn’t just good at finding the right homes for people—I was also skilled at helping others succeed. I loved mentoring new agents and sharing what I’d learned about the city, the market, and the importance of building genuine relationships with clients. Eventually, I decided to take a bold step: I started my own team at a boutique agency.

Building my own team was a leap of faith. It required me to switch from being an individual contributor to becoming a leader, a coach, and a mentor. It meant learning about business management, recruitment, and how to inspire others to achieve their best. But it was also incredibly rewarding. Watching my team grow, seeing their successes, and helping them overcome challenges was one of the most fulfilling parts of my real estate career.

Transitioning to Compass and Luxury Real Estate
After a few years of growing my team at the boutique agency, I realized that in order to continue scaling and to provide my clients with the best resources, I needed to be part of a larger, more innovative company. That’s when I made the move to Compass, a tech-forward real estate platform that has revolutionized the industry.

The transition was a game-changer for my business. With Compass’ cutting-edge tools and its expansive network, I was able to grow my client base and expand my focus from rentals to luxury sales. I started working with high-net-worth individuals, helping them buy and sell multimillion-dollar homes across Manhattan and Brooklyn. It was a thrilling experience, one that required me to step outside of my comfort zone and learn new skills. The stakes were higher, the deals were bigger, and the clients were often more discerning. But it was in these moments that I truly felt my experience as an actress—learning to read people, build rapport, and communicate with clarity—gave me an edge in the world of luxury real estate.

The Last Four Years at Compass
For the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients find their dream homes and make some of the most important financial decisions of their lives. My business has flourished, and I’ve built a loyal client base that trusts me not only for my expertise but for my ability to make the real estate process as seamless and stress-free as possible.

What I’ve come to realize is that, in many ways, real estate and acting aren’t so different. Both require an understanding of human nature, the ability to read a room, and the skill to connect with people on a personal level. Just as I once auditioned for roles, I now “audition” for clients every day, showcasing my expertise and dedication. And just as I once rehearsed lines in front of a mirror, I now strategize and rehearse every negotiation, ensuring that my clients’ needs are met and exceeded.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come. From a wide-eyed aspiring actress in NYC to a successful real estate agent at Compass, my journey has been one of unexpected turns, challenges, and triumphs. But through it all, I’ve remained committed to one core principle: putting people first. Whether on stage or in a luxury listing, the ability to connect with others, understand their needs, and make them feel heard has been the foundation of my success.

A New Chapter
As I reflect on the journey I’ve taken, I’m reminded that life is full of unexpected opportunities, and sometimes, those detours lead us to places we never could have imagined. My career has evolved in ways I couldn’t have predicted, but I’m grateful for every step along the way.

For me, real estate isn’t just a job—it’s a passion. I get to work with people every day, helping them navigate one of life’s biggest decisions with care, expertise, and understanding. And just like acting, real estate allows me to use my creativity, my communication skills, and my desire to help others thrive.

To anyone who’s feeling uncertain about their career path, I say this: you never know where life will take you. Trust the journey, embrace the changes, and keep moving forward. You might just find yourself in the most unexpected—and rewarding—place of all.