Growing up in Cajun Country, I never imagined how far life would take me. The lessons I learned early in life continue expanding my world in new and fulfilling ways.

If I think back, I can see towering moss-covered oaks and taste the spiciness of jambalaya. Those memories bring back my upbringing in Lafayette, Louisiana, where I was born. My parents, who were opera singers, hosted wonderful gatherings, which made my young life a rich gumbo of the arts, food and people.

I was fortunate to have a close relationship with my family, and meeting so many intriguing people must have fueled my love for connection. My hard-working parents also instilled a powerful work ethic in me. My mom was what you’d call a go-getter, who worked at different things along with volunteering. In my family, you gave every endeavor your all, and you did what you said you’d do. Those lessons have served me well in my life and career.

The only big bump in my youth happened in junior high. My parents separated, and I moved to Texas to live with my mom. It was a huge transition, but I believe in persevering, I figured out how to acclimate and stay positive. After four years, my folks got back together, and we moved back to Lafayette. However, that lesson in overcoming obstacles stayed with me.

In a remarkable coincidence, my husband and I grew up going to the same schools. We even lived five minutes from each other but didn’t meet until the summer going into college. We both attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and ended up dating all through college. When we graduated, we moved to Dallas together. By the time we got married, we’d been a couple for seven years. We’ve been together ever since.

I had majored in business administration and started working at the Dallas apparel market while still in college. I continued working in the fashion industry, then went to work for Warner Lambert, traveling and selling health and beauty aids for four years.

Then, my life changed. I gave birth to my first child, a girl, and became a stay-at-home mom. Four and a half years later, I had a baby boy. My husband and I moved into another home, and our real estate agent noticed the way I researched houses. She told me she thought I’d be a great REALTOR®. This planted a seed that wouldn’t bloom for a few more years.

However, I did start moving back into the business world. I worked for a cancer screening company that required cold calling. Then, I worked for a private equity company that handled land deals. In different ways, both of these careers helped lead me toward becoming a REALTOR®. In 2011, I earned my real estate license, a decision I made knowing it would provide some flexibility at that time and I felt this was a good fit for me. I’ve always been business-minded and organized, with a particular joy in building relationships, an ideal mindset for a real estate agent.