Stepping Out
Almost seven years ago, I became a licensed real estate agent — a move that surprised many of my friends and, to be honest, even me. Before that, I had spent over a decade working as an architectural photographer. But with advances in digital camera technology and the rise of real estate photography, it became harder to make a sustainable living in that field. Since I was already helping my husband, who had been a realtor for decades, it felt like a natural next step to get my license and officially join the team.
The truth is, I had always been in creative roles and never thought of myself as a “salesperson.” Knowing how competitive the Los Angeles real estate market is, I realized right away that I needed to carve out my own niche. That’s why I immediately earned the Green Realtor® designation from the National Association of Realtors — my long-standing environmentalism made it a fitting choice, even if my knowledge and experience at the time were pretty basic. But as it turned out, the Green Realtor® designation didn’t hold much weight in the market. There was a lack of awareness, both within the real estate industry and among the people we serve. I quickly realized that the training for the designation only scratched the surface of what “green real estate” could be. I still get asked, “What the heck is green real estate?” more often than I’d like.
It didn’t take long for me to understand that green real estate is far more intricate than I initially thought. It’s not just about sustainability — it touches on lifestyle, social and economic impact, ecology, and so much more. I wasn’t anywhere near being an “expert,” which is why I started my podcast, “HomeGreenHomes”. I wanted to learn from a diverse group of people — professionals in a wide range of fields related to sustainability, homeowners, and even high school students — about what “green homes” truly mean. It’s been a fantastic rabbit hole! Over the years, I’ve met so many passionate people who are dedicated to transforming the built environment. Their tireless efforts, despite countless challenges, continue to inspire and humble me.
Recently, I hit a bit of a wall. I felt burned out and discouraged, like I’d lost momentum. But after taking some time off and reflecting on the conversations and activities that truly energize me, I realized this work — sustainability in the housing sector and beyond — is still where I want to be. Out of that dark period, a new and expanded vision began to emerge, calling me to step forward with renewed purpose.
Just this week, I completed training with the Climate Reality Project Leadership Corps. As you may know, The Climate Reality Project, founded by former Vice President Al Gore, is a nonprofit focused on driving global action on the climate crisis. The training provided a wealth of information, hard truths, resources, and inspiration. I’m excited to tap into these new resources and networks as I forge new paths in green real estate — and beyond.
I have two little step-granddaughters. I don’t get to spend much time with them since they moved out of state a couple of years ago. But I want them to know when they’re a little older they are the big reasons I’m doing this work. And my mindfulness practice along with my continued soul searching help me ground myself while simultaneously learning to love myself more.