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When I sat down to write “Selling Sunshine,” I knew I wanted to share more than just my journey from teenage mom in Indiana to luxury real estate agent in LA. I wanted to tell the real story – the hard moments, the victories, and everything in between that shaped who I am today. Because success isn’t just about the highlight reel you see on Selling Sunset; it’s about the countless moments of doubt, fear, and perseverance that got me here.
My Journey Began in Indiana
Growing up in a small Catholic school with only ten students per class, I was always the “spirited” one, as my nun teacher so diplomatically put it. I was that girl who would chase after the priest on the playground for accidentally hitting my sister during kickball! Life in Lapel, Indiana was simple but beautiful – playing in our fort in the field behind our house, catching tadpoles at the lake, and dreaming of what life might hold.
But at fifteen, everything changed. That positive pregnancy test in a gas station bathroom, with my best friend Shelly waiting outside in her Chevy Cavalier, was the moment my childhood ended and my real journey began. I still remember gripping that test, paralyzed with fear, while Shelly promised me everything would be okay. We both knew it wouldn’t be that simple.
Lessons from Early Motherhood:
1. Strength comes from unexpected places
When everyone expected me to drop out of school, my parents pushed me to continue my education. My mom taught me the fundamentals of motherhood while ensuring I remained focused on my future. She was firm but fair, making it clear that while they would support me, Austin was my responsibility.
2. Your support system is everything
From my family taking shifts to help with Austin while I studied, to my sister Sarah who had walked this path just months before me, I learned that accepting help isn’t weakness – it’s wisdom. The village that surrounded me made all the difference.
3. Education isn't negotiable
I refused to become a statistic. Through homeschooling and determination, I not only finished high school but went on to graduate from Ball State University in radiography. Those late nights studying while Austin slept taught me that with enough determination, you can find a way.
4. There's no shame in starting over
Whether it was moving to LA with nothing but dreams, or starting my real estate career from scratch, I learned that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is begin again.
5. Every obstacle is an opportunity
Each setback – from car accidents to toxic relationships – taught me something valuable about resilience, self-worth, and the importance of trusting my gut.
The Path to Real Estate
My journey to real estate wasn’t a straight line. After graduating with my radiography degree, I worked nights in emergency rooms while trying to figure out my next move. The schedule was grueling, the work unfulfilling, and I knew there had to be more. When I moved to Los Angeles, I took every job I could find – bartending, personal assisting, even loan processing – while studying for my real estate license.
The turning point came when I started working part-time at The Oppenheim Group. Jason saw something in me that I wasn’t even sure I saw in myself yet. He became not just a boss but a mentor, friend, and eventually, one of my closest confidants. Those early days of holding open houses every Sunday, researching new listings every Tuesday, and learning everything I could about the LA market laid the foundation for where I am today.
Key Moments That Changed Everything:
Taking the leap to leave Indiana for LA, even when everyone thought I was crazy
Meeting Jason and starting at The Oppenheim Group
Landing my first major listing in Beverly Hills
Joining the cast of Selling Sunset and learning to be authentic on camera
Finding love with Romain and building a life together in LA
Books That Helped Me Along the Way:
“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero – For those moments when imposter syndrome creeps in
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson – Learning to focus on what truly matters
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear – Creating systems that support success with ADHD
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki – Understanding the mindset of wealth building
“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle – Finding peace in the chaos of reality TV and real estate
Life Lessons I Share in "Selling Sunshine":
Power of Perseverance
One thing I’ve learned through every challenge – from being a teenage mom to navigating the competitive LA real estate market – is that perseverance is everything. In my book, I share how I developed the mindset that failure isn’t final, it’s just feedback. Every “no” in real estate brought me closer to a “yes,” and every setback taught me something valuable.
Why Authenticity Matters
Reality TV has a way of magnifying everything about your personality. In “Selling Sunshine,” I discuss how maintaining authenticity – whether I’m on camera or off – has been crucial to my success. Being the same person in the conference room as I am in the confessional has earned me trust in both real estate and television.
Turning Setbacks into Comebacks
The chapter about my early days in LA reveals how I turned some of my biggest challenges into opportunities. From working as a bartender (where I met Romain!) to juggling multiple jobs while studying for my real estate license, every experience added another layer to who I am today.
Building Confidence Through Competence
One of my favorite sections in the book discusses how I built confidence through knowledge. When you truly know your market, understand your clients’ needs, and master your craft, confidence follows naturally. This has been especially important as a woman in luxury real estate.
The Importance of Mentorship
Throughout “Selling Sunshine,” I talk about the mentors who shaped my journey – from my mother’s tough love approach to Jason’s guidance in real estate. Now, I try to pay it forward by mentoring other women who want to break into luxury real estate.
Writing This Book
Putting my story on paper was both therapeutic and terrifying. It meant revisiting some painful moments, but it also helped me appreciate how far I’ve come. From that scared teenage girl in Indiana to where I am now – it’s been quite a journey.
What Readers Will Learn:
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How to maintain authenticity while pursuing success
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Practical tips for balancing motherhood and career
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Strategies for breaking into luxury real estate
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Ways to build confidence in male-dominated industries
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The importance of creating strong support systems
Looking Forward
While “Selling Sunshine” tells the story of where I’ve been, I’m excited about where I’m going. With Romain by my side, an amazing career in real estate, and opportunities to inspire others through sharing my story, I feel like I’m just getting started.
Remember: Your past doesn’t define your future – it prepares you for it. Whether you’re a young mom, career changer, or anyone chasing a dream that seems impossible, I hope my story shows you that with determination, support, and a lot of hard work, anything is possible.
Want to know more? Check out “Selling Sunshine” to read the full story of my journey from teenage motherhood to reality TV star and successful real estate agent.
