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When people see me on Selling Sunset or read about my success in luxury real estate, they often assume it was a straight path to the top. The reality? My journey started as a teenage mom in Indiana, working multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Today, I want to share my real story – not the polished TV version, but the messy, beautiful journey that got me here.
The Early Days
At sixteen, I found myself pregnant and determined not to become a statistic. While my friends were focused on typical teenage life, I was balancing homework with prenatal appointments. I made the decision to finish high school through homeschooling during my junior year and senior year, going into school only to take tests. It wasn’t easy, but my parents, especially my mom, taught me the value of education and taking responsibility for my choices.
Many people don’t know this, but my first career was in radiology. I chose the field because it offered good pay and was in high demand – practical considerations when you’re a young single mom. I enrolled in a special program at Ball State University, taking an overload of classes every semester while also working multiple jobs. Between clinical rotations, classes, and working at Texas Roadhouse to pay the bills, I was regularly pulling 4 AM to midnight days.
The Reality of Starting Over
Life had other plans for me, though. After working in radiology, I realized I needed a change. Each career shift taught me something valuable. My time as a receptionist at a plastic surgeon’s office taught me about high-end client service. Bartending at Katana in West Hollywood showed me how to think on my feet and handle different personalities. Even my early days assisting at The Oppenheim Group, doing everything from sending mailers to basic office tasks, laid the groundwork for my real estate career.
The thing about starting over in a new industry is that you have to check your ego at the door. I went from being a skilled radiographer to knowing absolutely nothing about real estate. But I watched, learned, and absorbed everything I could. Jason became an incredible mentor, teaching me not just about real estate, but about building a sustainable career in a competitive industry.
Building Something Real
The transition to real estate wasn’t immediate success. I remember my first major listing – an eight-million-dollar home in Bel Air. Even though the deal didn’t go through, it taught me invaluable lessons about persistence and maintaining professional relationships. I kept showing up, held open houses every Sunday, and studied the market obsessively. I wanted to know every listing, every sale, every price point by heart.
Finding My Voice
One of the biggest challenges wasn’t learning the business – it was finding confidence in my own voice. Coming from Indiana with a background so different from many LA luxury real estate agents, I sometimes felt like an outsider. But I’ve learned that authenticity is actually your greatest asset. My midwestern values of hard work, honesty, and treating people well have become the foundation of my business approach.
The Reality of "Having It All"
People often ask how I balanced it all – being a mom, building a career, and now managing a public profile. The truth is, balance is a journey, not a destination. There were times I had to leave Austin with my aunt and mom while I got settled in LA. Times when I worked three jobs simultaneously to make ends meet. Times when I questioned everything. But each challenge made me stronger and more determined.
Looking Forward
Today, as Vice President at The Oppenheim Group and developing my brand, I’m passionate about helping others, especially women, forge their own paths. Success isn’t about following a conventional route – it’s about being resilient enough to keep going when things get tough, humble enough to keep learning, and brave enough to start over when necessary.
To anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed, remember this: your unconventional path might just be your greatest strength. Every job, every setback, every small victory is preparing you for something bigger. Keep going.
For those building their own path, here are resources that helped me:
– Professional development courses
Cheering you on!
Mary 
