What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Being a paid audit intern at Caballero Fierman Llerena & Garcia LLP in Coral Gables. To some people, accounting might not sound exciting, but I genuinely loved it. I worked with an incredible team where the partners were always present, teaching, pushing you and genuinely wanting you to grow every day. It was a very structured environment that taught me discipline, attention to detail and how much strong mentorship can shape your career.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Miami as the child of Cuban immigrants, and that shaped so much of who I am today. Growing up in a Cuban-American household taught me the value of hard work, resilience, ambition and always finding a way to make things happen. Miami itself is fast-paced, bold and full of culture and personality, so being raised here taught me how to adapt quickly, connect with different people and dream big from a very young age.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
I never had just one answer. I was always drawn to business, finance, performance and creativity. I loved the idea of building something for myself while also being in a space where I could connect with people and constantly grow. I’ve always known I didn’t want a “typical” path, I wanted something I could build, evolve into and most importantly be MYSELF and not follow anyone else.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Dance is my biggest reset. I also work out, listen to music or take a drive near the water to clear my head. Sometimes I’ll just step away from everything, grab a cafecito or good food and give myself a moment to slow down. Miami can be intense, so I’ve learned how important it is to reset intentionally! Mental health is huge, especially in the fast-paced world we are in and this industry.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Definitely Barbara Corcoran. I admire how she built her success in real estate with personality, confidence and resilience. She’s unapologetically herself, very direct and built an empire by understanding people and relationships, which is exactly what this industry is about.
Where is South Florida’s best-kept secret?
The quieter, more hidden parts of Coconut Grove, especially around sunset. It has this calm, almost old-Miami charm that feels completely different from the rest of the city. It’s one of the few places where you can slow down, take in the view and still feel connected to everything that makes Miami special.
What do you love most about the industry?
I love that real estate is built on relationships and trust. No two deals are ever the same, and you’re constantly meeting people from different industries and walks of life. It’s not just about property, it’s about helping people make major life and financial decisions, which is something I take seriously.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Balancing emotion with strategy. Real estate can get very personal for clients, so you have to stay calm, objective and solution-focused even when things get stressful or unpredictable. Learning how to manage both the emotional and business sides is a constant challenge.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Consistency and relationships. You can’t just show up once in a while and expect results. Being visible, following up and actually connecting with people is what builds trust over time. The best leads always come from real relationships, not just outreach.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
Honestly, I love the The Real Housewives series because sometimes you just need something entertaining to disconnect from the craziness of everyday life and real estate. It’s my guilty pleasure when I want to shut my brain off for a little. (LOL) On the business and mindset side, I listen to Rob Dial, Gary Vaynerchuk and a lot of motivational or entrepreneurial content. Music-wise, I always go back to my Latin roots, like reggaeton, Spanish music, salsa and anything that reminds me of home and Miami energy.
What’s your favorite meal in South Florida?
A good steak dinner with truffle fries always hits, but Cuban food will always be home for me. And no matter what, a cafecito after a meal in Miami is non-negotiable.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in South Florida?
Definitely the Biltmore Hotel. Growing up around Coral Gables, I’ve always appreciated its history and elegance. The Mediterranean architecture, the detailing and the overall presence of the property make it feel timeless. It represents the kind of classic South Florida beauty that never goes out of style.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
I once had a client who I thoroughly vetted financially and genuinely believed was ready to purchase. We toured multiple properties, had countless conversations and spent a lot of time discussing investment opportunities. Eventually, I realized he was far more interested in the attention, conversations and experience than actually buying real estate. He absolutely had the funds, but in the end decided to allocate them elsewhere. It taught me early on that in real estate, part of the job is learning how to read people just as much as properties.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I earned my Master’s in international real estate while working full-time and dancing professionally. It was a very intense season of my life, but it taught me discipline, time management and resilience at a completely different level.
What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?
Italy. I love the architecture, food, culture and lifestyle. It’s one of those places that inspires you creatively while also letting you slow down and enjoy the moment.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Stay consistent, build relationships and never fear hearing no.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
I like following people who keep me sharp in real estate, mindset, business and sales. I follow Grant Cardone for sales and scaling, Tom Ferry for strategy and coaching and Patrick Bet-David because I really enjoy his perspective on business, leadership and long-term growth. For mindset and discipline, I follow Rob Dial, and I also follow Tatiana Londono because I love how she blends confidence, branding and real estate in a very authentic way.
