Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Islas Torres.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My love for helping others began at an early age. I always knew I was going to become a business owner, and also knew my purpose had to do with helping others. What I didn’t know was that I can somehow do both. I grew up seeing my mother work multiple jobs, sometimes I wouldn’t see her at all because she would get home so late from work. If I’m being honest I think I would only see her, when she would drive us to school. My mother is a single mother of four, so she had multiple roles to play. She especially played her best role, when she instilled in us from an early age that pursuing a higher education and being successful would help us achieve a different lifestyle. While also always in search of better neighborhoods to raise her children.
I grew up in a rough neighborhood, where there weren’t many school programs we could attend in order to even have a chance to get ahead. However, I was fortunate enough to have a mom who repeatedly motivated us to be better, so at the age of eighteen I moved away to college where I learned to provide for myself. My passion for helping others had not stopped. It somehow kept coming back, which pursued me to receive my Bachelors Degree in Health Sciences. With hopes to become a nurse to help those in need.
I had multiple job skills on my resume, so finding a job was not something I ever thought I was going to struggle with. It was frustrating when I couldn’t find a job after graduation. You grow up being told to get a higher education because so many doors will open for you, but that’s not always true. My passion allowed me to take a leap of faith because in January 2020, right before the pandemic started I left my life in California and moved to San Antonio,Texas. With no job waiting for me and just the support of my family I networked my way into a Healthcare Administrator position at a well known hospital here in town. I was so excited for my new role, I felt like I was going to do so much and help so many people, but life works in mysterious ways. While working in the hospital I was constantly being told by upper management, “there is only so much you can do”. I knew I had so much more to offer. Later I learned that no one will understand my purpose more than myself. The thought of being a business owner had still not left my mind despite the years passing, I knew I deserved better.
I decided to quit my healthcare career in 2021 and started working in the service industry, where I also began taking real estate courses. I took the exam, passed on the first try and started marketing myself right away. Learning to work in the industry has taught me that no matter what I do, I can still help others in different ways. It’s changed my perspective and has continued to do so, as I continue to grow my business. Given my adaptation to change, I am confident how my business will help minorities like myself become first time home buyers.
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not, my struggles began at an early age. I had to quickly learn to adapt to changes. My mother was always in search of better neighborhoods to raise her children. We lived in different cities and attended various schools. All the moving around severely impacted my ability to settle down, meet people, and create relationships. I never realized the importance of forming relationships until my recent career change. The real estate business has pushed my boundaries and allowed me to meet people, which is something very unfamiliar to me. Another turning moment in my life had to have been with the passing of my father and brother, just before I took my real estate licensing exam. Both of their passings taught me that life is too short, and although many will think that is a cliche thing to say. For those of us who are not living in the present, that was a wake up call. There have been many struggles in my life, but knowing I can lose those around me in the blink of an eye has been humbling yet a feeling of gratitude everyday. Our struggles are something we have no control of, but the perspective we choose to carry is ultimately what will set into place the life you will have.
Please tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know? What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for? What sets you apart from others? What are you most proud brand wise? What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
By now I hope it’s clear that advocating for others has always been my passion. I’ve taken that skill and applied it into my real estate business. While also applying my bilingual skills to make sure my clients have a smooth transition into becoming home buyers. I specialize in helping minorities become first time homebuyers. Being raised by a mother whose dream was to own a home. My dream is to grow a business to help underrepresented groups learn about the home buying process. As a minority myself, I know how difficult it is to ask for help because of what others are going to think, we grow up with this mentality. My brand is a safe space to ask for help. As a real estate agent, I have helped families find homes. Not just buying homes but leasing apartments as a stepping stone, and working towards becoming homeowners. My business is about being represented when you think no one can help. It all starts with “believing you can” and having the right support. Then to have the proper documents, to receive the keys to your home.My job is to help families of all backgrounds and status along the way, even if the timing is not right. I will find a way to help them to where they need to be, to find the home they love.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Any help is welcome, whether you are a translator, financial advisor, real estate agent, immigration and real estate attorney, or just like to see others succeed contact me directly. Small businesses wanting to give back to the community are also welcome. My goal is to work together with minorities to become better.
Pricing:
- Free assistance with pre-qualification application
- Free assistance with information on how you can get a better chance at getting approved for a home.
- Free assistance helping anyone find an apartment home
Contact Info:
- Email: gabbyrealestateagent@gmail.com
- Instagram: @_homesbygabby
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069254436744
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