I was recently interviewed by VoyageLA to discuss my journey in real estate, my values and my outlook on life. Check out our conversation below:

Good morning Mercedes, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?

In my career as a Real Estate Agent, I have the incredible privilege of helping people navigate major life changes, and sometimes, these experiences are profoundly rewarding. I recently had the opportunity to help an older client sell her home, a place she had cherished for an incredible 66 years, and was incredibly proud of our results and truly touched to be a part of such a big decision in her life.

This was not just any sale; it was a monumental step for her and an emotional journey we embarked on together. What made it even more special was that we set a record in the neighborhood with the sale. Watching her joy and relief as she realized the significant impact this would have on her life was indescribable. She was over the moon, and knowing I played a part in such a pivotal moment was incredibly fulfilling.

Helping her transition into this new chapter brought immense satisfaction, and it is these moments that remind me why I love what I do. It’s about more than just buying and selling homes; it’s about helping people achieve their dreams and improve their lives, one home at a time.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?

I was born at South Bay Hospital in Redondo Beach and grew up in West Torrance, spending the majority of my life immersed in the vibrant South Bay community. Having lived in nearly all of its cities, I possess a deep understanding of the distinct neighborhoods, character, and charm that make this area special.

Eighteen years ago, I became a real estate agent when my second child was born with disabilities, prompting me to seek a career with a flexible schedule. My passion for real estate was inspired by witnessing how transformative property ownership can be for a family. Raised in a lower-middle-class household, I watched my parents scrimp, save, and—even through challenges—secure their first single-family home in Torrance for our family of seven.

Through smart investments, they turned that initial purchase into a series of properties, ultimately retiring with a comfortable lifestyle. This experience instilled in me the belief that “real estate changes your financial future.” I’ve witnessed this transformation firsthand, and it motivates me to help others achieve similar successes through real estate.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?

In reflecting on who saw me clearly before I could see myself, I am immensely grateful for the teachers who played a pivotal role in my life. Growing up in a challenging home environment where I was often told I would never amount to anything, it was difficult to see my own potential. Surrounded by people who believed the world was an insurmountable obstacle, I struggled to envision a brighter future.

However, school became a sanctuary for me. My teachers consistently recognized my abilities, praising me for being smart and hardworking. They encouraged me to excel and advance in my classes, which gave me a sense of accomplishment and pride I hadn’t experienced before. Their belief in me showed me a path I didn’t know existed, teaching me that with dedication and effort, countless opportunities were available to me.

Their encouragement inspired me to become the first person in my family to attend college—funded solely by me! This determination and the foundation they helped build ultimately led me to a successful career in real estate, allowing me to provide a different life for my children than I had. My teachers saw the possibilities within me and taught me how to see them too, and I will be forever grateful to them!

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?

Reflecting on a time when I almost gave up, my thoughts immediately go back to my younger years living in my parents’ house. It was a period marked by a lack of control over my own life, filled with unhappiness and very limited freedom or joy. There were moments when it felt like I might not survive those challenging times, and it was difficult to see a way forward.

However, moving away from home was a turning point. I sought therapy for a few years, which was instrumental in helping me re-learn how to view the world and my place within it. Through hard work and determination, I was able to take control of my life and build a future that I could be proud of.

This journey has made me deeply compassionate towards young people who may be facing similar struggles. I always strive to help where I can, offering guidance and support. It’s important to share that difficult times, though challenging, are not insurmountable. By consistently working toward your goals, even when the path seems uncertain, you will eventually emerge on the other side, stronger and more resilient. My experience has taught me the value of perseverance and the rewards that come with it.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?

If you were to ask my closest friends what truly matters to me, they would likely highlight three core values: honesty, dependability, and kindness. They would tell you that I am someone who values transparency and isn’t afraid to speak the truth, even when it’s difficult. My friends know that when I express something, it comes from a place of sincerity, and that they can always expect authenticity in our interactions.

Dependability is another cornerstone of my relationships. When I say I will do something, I mean it. My friends know they can count on me to show up and offer support whenever needed. I take pride in being reliable and providing a sense of security and trust in my friendships.

Moreover, they would say that even when I am sharing a tough truth, I do so with kindness. I care deeply about how others feel when they interact with me. Kindness, in my view, has the power to make the world a better place. I strive to bring this quality to every interaction, whether it’s with someone I know well or a stranger I may never meet again.

These values guide my actions and shape the person I aim to be, both in my personal and professional life.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?

If you asked me if I could give my best effort even if no one praised me, the answer is a big YES. This is how I live every day, and I always tell others to do the same. I often talk to my kids about doing things not for a pat on the back, but for their own happiness.

It might sound like something you’ve heard before, but there’s something really special about doing great things and not needing anyone else to notice. The feeling you get from knowing you did a good job is way better than waiting for someone else to say it. Every day, I do lots of little things to help my kids, my husband, my clients, my neighbors, and even people I don’t know. It makes me feel happier, whether anyone sees it or not.

Living like this makes my life better and allows me to make choices that make me feel good; no one else’s praise required!