Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Soria.
Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised here in San Antonio, TX. I grew up with an abusive and alcoholic father, who would always control my mother’s every movement. Everyday smelling alcohol and cigarettes on his breath was a reminder I was helpless and I couldn’t help defend my mother from my aggressive father. I found an outlet in painting to escape the reality of life. As I grew older, I made a vow to myself to help as many people as I possibly could to be their strength and their voice.
Once my mother had the courage to leave my father, she had to face taking care of 4 young children with no education. I saw how hard and exhausted my mother came home from her 5am to 6pm job every day. My mother’s 4 dollars an hour wage just barely got us by. We lived in a one-bedroom apartment infested with roaches. There would be times the only thing we had to eat was tomatoes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We never complained about having so little because we all respected my mother for working with blood, sweat, and tears for her children. She took the risk of having nothing to protect us from abuse.
Growing up as a shy kid and being raised in the heart of the West Side of San Antonio. I always kept my head down in middle school to avoid getting into trouble. I would always see bullies pick on defenseless teenagers to boost their egos. After some time, it triggered the helplessness in me and started defending those who could not defend themselves. I played sports such as volleyball, basketball, and tennis to help my inner tomboy be occupied and happy. I graduated top 10 percent at Jefferson High School and headed to my journey on becoming who I am destined to be.
I obtained my associate’s degree in Psychology and Child Development where I became a learning center teacher for 5 years. Later on, I became a photographer’s assistant and ran his makeup company. One extremely busy day, all the makeup artists became backed up and needed my assistance on applying foundation and lipstick. At the end of the day, I was paid $40 for assisting and became extremely happy because I realized doing something you love is not working! I became blessed with a daughter along the way and realized I needed to follow my dreams to become the best person I can for her.
As a single mother, I decided to leave everything behind and move forward to pursue a career as a professional makeup artist. To become a self-taught makeup artist, I dedicated all my time to reading, duplicating, and researching makeup techniques. I began makeup sessions for free and at times charged $20 just to get by and gain experience. After 15 years of being a professional free-lance makeup artist, I have been absolutely blessed to have done makeup for the Final 4 Basketball commentators, cover of magazines with celebrities, Top 10 Billboard singer’s makeup for a performance, runway, countless of published models photos, makeup for a runner up beauty pageant queen, makeup for 1st place bodybuilder inner, published articles of myself, and even make up for a Christian movie!
After 15 years of doing makeup, I was introduced to real estate by my broker AJ Reygadas at 1st Choice Realty. To get myself through Real Estate school, I sold lamps, fixtures, and was an Uber driver to make ends meet. Being in school full time and having a daughter full time with no financial support made it very difficult for my life. The lowest point of my life was when I didn’t have the funds to feed my daughter. I put my pride aside and borrowed $40 from my best friend to feed her. I broke down in tears feeling defeated and feeling like I failed my daughter. As I cried on my knees, I started praying to God; I asked him to help me be a fighter for myself and for her, for strength, knowledge, and determination to never let my child be hungry ever again, and the light in my heart grew into a burning desire of motivation to finally graduate Real Estate School. As a new agent, I worked from 6am to 2am every single day until I was financially stable. The hustle was ALWAYS on going and didn’t slow down for anyone. With the help of my faith in God and my daughters love…it ignited this courage within myself and allowed me to strive for greatness.
Becoming a realtor allowed me to help families move into homes with only $500. The market has changed now and I still strive to help families move into homes with programs to help cover a mortgage down payment. I live and breathe to help families find their perfect homes. When I hand over the keys, I know I was part of that process and helped them without anyone else taking advantage of them. Not only do I help clients, but they have become my friends.
Being financially stable, I was able to build a 3/2 duplex for my mother so my mother and siblings can be secure for their future. I became involved in flipping and building homes. I flipped homes and sold them under $200,000 to help families move into modern affordable homes. I have done several and I am hoping to do more in the near future.
When I am out socializing, people come up to me asking if I am Jessica Soria. Some know me as the makeup artist, some know me as the realtor. One amazing girl said I am an inspiration to all Hispanic women in San Antonio. I couldn’t believe I heard those words! I started to tear up and explained to her. It took a lot of dedication and hustle to get to where I am today. I looked her in the eyes and said, “If I can do it, so can anyone else!“ I came from absolute nothing and never let my childhood determine my future. I got my knees off the floor and God gave me the fighting power I needed for my daughter. I have the fighting power to help families find homes, I have the fighting power to take care of my family, and I have the fighting power to take care of myself.
Every struggle in life creates a life lesson; everything happens for a reason which molds us into the person we are today. Some of us can handle struggles better than others, but always remember, God will never put something in front of you that you can’t handle. I pushed through the blood, sweat, and tears even as a child, and the fighting light within me has made me the person I am today. Never stop fighting, never stop growing, and never let anyone steal your light within yourself. Never give up and trust in God unconditionally!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In order to be successful, you have to go through obstacles that will challenge you to become humble and fight for what you want. My biggest obstacles in life is that not everything will work the first time. You have to see what works for you and you keep pushing forward!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a realtor and I specialize in helping families sell or purchase homes. As a realtor, I am known for really caring about each individual family. I am most proud, when I was able to accomplish moving families into homes for only $500. The market has changed quite a bit, but what sets me apart is that I will try to help every family save as much money as possible through the process of purchasing a home. I treat ALL my clients as my own family members. I am truthful when it comes to picking a home for each of them. If I can’t see my own child living at a showing…I tell them the house is not good enough and we walk right out. It saddens me to hear stories when other agents take advantage of clients. The families that I helped sell or purchase a home see I truly take their best interests to heart.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people don’t know I am a tomboy at heart! I am really good at playing darts and pool! I love astrology and star gazing!
Contact Info:
- Email: Jessicasoria210realtor@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jessicasoria210realtor
- TikTok: @jessicasoria210realtor
Image Credits
Tim Cadena Photography
