Where do you go after you’ve achieved a lifelong dream? For me it was to quit and start over.

For almost 13 years I owned my own shop where I designed and locally produced most of the clothing in it. This was a lifelong dream achieved. I’m so lucky! And I worked really, really hard. Between running the shop and designing and producing the clothing line, I realized that I didn’t have anything left over for my customers. I was often in an office or design studio working away. I sometimes didn’t talk to anyone for days. It was during this time that I realized I achieved my dream, but lost what I loved about my job. I’m an extrovert. I love connecting with clients and friends (often the former became the later), and their energy is what fueled mine.

In the beginning of 2019 I began an internal journey. I hired a therapist and a career coach and started exploring what my next move would be. After many months of goal setting, soul searching, and talking way too much about it with my husband (he’s seriously the most patient person), I decided to close the shop. In October 2019 I locked my shop up for the last time and handed the keys over. It was a bittersweet day, but definitely the right decision.

After I closed the shop my path became clear. I wanted to connect with people again! And helping someone with their home, a deeply personal place, is how I wanted to do it. I move from body to home and it’s right where I belong. I didn’t have to give up my creativity. Being a realtor has expanded my skills in interior design, photography, and writing.

I’m not following the tradition and promoting myself in the beginning of this essay, because my story is so much more than that. Thank you to everyone who helped me achieve my dream. THANK YOU!! Without you I would have never been able to do that, and I’m eternally grateful! I invite you to follow me on my new journey.

I have teamed up with an amazing company. If you know me you know I researched the heck out of where I was going to land and I found a place that upholds all the values I hold dear. None of that has changed. I believe in small, local, and women-owned. I work with Portland Alternative Realtors (Alt Pdx).

Alt Pdx is not about volume, it’s all about the process and helping our clients have the most rewarding buying and selling experience . I feel so lucky that I’ve found my place! If karma exists I believe it brought me here and to this career. I’m happy. Really happy. And I think that feeling is contagious!

Right now things are weird in the world. It’s a strange time to celebrate a new career and happiness. I’m out of synch, but I think that’s okay. A ray of sunshine on a gray day is always appreciated.

Weirdly as everything else slows down in the world (thanks COVID), the real estate market continues to to be brisk. The way we do things has changed, but everything we are listing is selling quickly, and with interest rates low, buyers want more selection. This would be a great time to list a house (if you could make that safely happen, it’s a hard time, I know). And if you need to buy, interest rates are low. Let me know if I can assist you with either. Call me, text me and we can connect virtually or otherwise. My cell 503-317-1302. Or email me here.

All my love and gratitude,

Carla

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