It was the mid-’90s and I was a college senior about to get married, suddenly feeling the real pressure of adulting. I associated owning a home with being a grown-up, but I was clueless about the process. I signed up for the professional licensing class just to get educated and avoid making a costly mistake. Halfway through, I had my epiphany: This wasn’t just a lesson; it was a calling! I realized this wasn’t just a job; it was the ideal intersection of my personal drive and the chance to guide people through life’s most intense transitions.

Sarasota, Florida, was the perfect launchpad for my career. Like Asheville, it’s a lifestyle destination. Helping people land their happy place, their dream life upgrade, was exciting and taught me volumes about what truly matters to clients. Then came five years in Provence, France, which gave me insights in resort management and high-end marketing to a global audience. Later, watching my parents struggle for years to sell their business hammered home the critical importance of hiring a savvy, committed broker. I learned the business on a holistic level, and that global perspective still guides me today.

We arrived in Biltmore Park in 2013 on a hunch that it would be the perfect fit for our family. Since then, my love list has continued to evolve. Initially, it was the freedom and safety to let our then pre-teen kids roam. Then the walkability to school and Biltmore Park Town Square became a massive perk. But now? I treasure the deep, wonderful friendships that have grown from simply doing life with my neighbors. It truly feels like an extended family.

Most communities force you to choose: a beautiful environment or a vibrant community, convenience, amenities or walkability. Biltmore Park is the rare unicorn that delivers all six. It’s arguably the only neighborhood in Western North Carolina that checks every single box, making it the logical, best life choice for a large cross-section of people.

Early in my career, it was all hustle. Always saying yes and traveling wide to make a sale. That phase taught me resilience and efficiency. Now, almost 30 years in, my focus is different. My goal is to curate an experience that goes far beyond a transaction. The core of my business is helping neighbors move from the life they have to the life they’re dreaming of. It is a sacred trust, and I feel deep gratitude for the privilege.

 

I have a long-view approach. Every time a neighbor calls or texts, I am genuinely honored. I never, ever take that for granted. I am guided by a sense of transparency, fairness and accountability. I’ve had the unique opportunity to represent both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction many times, which I handle with utmost care. Over the years, many of my sellers have moved within Biltmore Park, so we continue being neighbors long after the keys change hands. Those ongoing relationships are what injects meaning and purpose into my work and, by extension, my life.

It’s true, real estate can be one of life’s top stressors! My favorite part, however, is being the calm problem-solver who makes the process simple and successful. I implement a solid, step-by-step plan that puts my clients’ well-being and the human side of the transaction front and center, turning that frantic sprint into a confident, predictable stroll.

Consistency. When people hire me to be their broker, I remain their single point of contact from start to finish. You see many top brokers in Asheville with massive teams where clients are often handed from one assistant to the next, and the experience suffers. With the help of my husband and business partner, Damon, I personally handle every single aspect of the transaction — the late-night urgent text, the unexpected plumbing leak, the mover that fails to show. You hire me, you get me. That continuity and accountability are rare, and they’re what set me apart.

Giving back is woven into the fabric of my life here. My involvement with our local Rotary Club of Asheville South for the past 12 years has been truly rewarding. I’ve had the honor of serving as membership chair and club president. I took on the task of showcasing Rotary as a fun, effective and truly meaningful way to get involved locally. Beyond that, I was also honored to serve as president of the board at Congregation Beth HaTephila. I’m also a proud sponsor and supporter of our local schools, including Estes Elementary and Koontz Intermediate, as well as the Beaverdam Art Tour and the wonderful Pints for Pink fundraiser started by neighbor Elena Tenzel.

Life isn’t all about contracts and inspections, thankfully! When I step away from showings and closings, finding life harmony is key. I regularly dive into a few favorite pursuits: from my almost daily yoga practice and leading a weekly mindfulness group to the fun challenge of playing mah-jongg whenever the chance arises. I also love getting lost in a tricky crossword puzzle or shaping a tasty loaf of sourdough for dinner with friends. Whether I’m planning our next family trip or decoding a recipe, I try to be intentional: fully focusing on the process and simply being present in the moment. It’s the best way I know to keep my energy up and stay ready for the next adventure!