ACME Real Estate agent Stefany Gonzalez is featured in Bold Journey.
Stefany, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
“The difference between those who succeed and those who struggle lies in how quickly they rise after rejection or failure.” Resilience, for me, is the essence of success. I wasn’t always resilient. Far from it, in fact!
In my younger years, I often found myself dwelling on setbacks when things didn’t go as planned. Over time, though, I came to understand that wallowing accomplishes nothing. Resilience isn’t only about getting through hard times—it’s about using those experiences to fuel your path. Real progress begins when you get back up and move forward. Being resilient is a quality I have honed with age and wisdom.
My parents were my first examples of resilience. As a foreigner, my father worked hard for success, never giving up when doors were shut along his path. He had no option but to succeed for me and my sister.
Having a family creates resiliency. After the birth of my son, my perspective shifted entirely. I realized the world no longer revolved solely around me; instead, I was now part of something bigger. Becoming a parent is humbling and awe-inspiring—it opens your eyes to new priorities and a deeper purpose. Suddenly, I wasn’t just working for my dreams; I needed to succeed for him, too.
When I discovered my passion for real estate, resiliency became second nature. Doing work I genuinely love transformed every setback into a stepping stone for growth. Challenges stopped feeling like defeats and became opportunities to learn, adapt, and improve. Each lesson fueled my determination to build a meaningful career. Resilience, for me, is about embracing the hard times, learning from them, and using them to create something truly fulfilling.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a matchmaker, connecting people with their perfect homes. My work as a real estate agent is as exhilarating as it is rewarding. I become a trusted advisor and friend, getting to know my buyer clients personally to truly understand their wants and needs. Once I have that insight, I dive into the inventory, uncovering options they might never have considered. The most gratifying moments come when a client says, “I’d have never thought to look at this house, but now I can’t imagine living anywhere else!”
For my sellers, my role shifts to storyteller and strategist. I market each property with a unique, compelling lifestyle in mind, creating an atmosphere that draws buyers in. It’s all about curating an experience that resonates on an emotional level.
Working at ACME Real Estate has been truly inspiring. Surrounded by a team of creative, design-driven professionals, I’m constantly motivated to bring my best to every client. Under the visionary leadership of Courtney Poulos, who excels at staying ahead of marketing and design trends, we ensure that our clients receive representation that is unmatched. This commitment to excellence and innovation sets ACME apart in the ever-evolving world of real estate.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three skills that have been instrumental in shaping my journey are an eye for design, a keen ability to truly listen, and an unwavering attention to detail.
My passion for design allowed me to see the untapped potential in properties, helping clients envision spaces in ways they might not have imagined. I often walked into a home with a buyer who was initially unsure, and after sharing ideas for reimagining a room or maximizing its layout, their entire perspective would shift. Design insight is a critical aspect of real estate and I consider it a superpower!
Listening is equally vital. My ability to truly listen has allowed me to uncover my clients’ true desires, even when they didn’t articulate them fully. I once had a client who insisted on a modern home, but as we toured different properties, I picked up on her emotional connection to vintage details. By carefully listening and observing, I found a historic property that blended charm with contemporary touches—and it ended up being her dream home.
Attention to detail tied it all together. From ensuring a home was perfectly staged to crafting a marketing strategy that highlighted its most compelling features, no element was too small to matter. I once worked on a listing where a slight shift in furniture placement completely transformed the space’s flow. It was these fine adjustments that made all the difference, elevating the experience for buyers and sellers alike.
Passion, empathy, and execution—these qualities remain invaluable in real estate and I continue to use them daily to provide an unparalleled experience for my clients. Cultivate them, and you’ll be on the path to a thriving career. Dedicate time to learning, and you will reap the rewards of that knowledge.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
We’re often told that being well-rounded is the ultimate goal—a balanced, fulfilling way to live. But after years of comparing myself to others and pushing to be “good” at things that don’t come naturally, I’ve learned that focusing on what you truly love and excel at is far more rewarding.
As a true Libra, I naturally want to succeed at everything, tempted to try everything once. I’m also a perfectionist, which makes stumbling through unfamiliar skills frustrating. So, I’ve learned that instead of spreading myself thin, I’ve embraced what I genuinely enjoy and do well. There’s endless room to grow within your passion, and honing your strengths brings deeper satisfaction than chasing every trend. So, here’s my advice: dive deep into what lights you up!
Today, professionals in nearly every field—real estate being no exception—are racing to break into social media. We take classes, invest countless hours chasing trends, and work tirelessly to beat the algorithm. For many, it’s a lucrative way to connect with clients and stand out. But while I’ve come to appreciate the power of social media, I’ve also realized it’s not the only path to success.
For me, there’s nothing more fulfilling than meeting clients face-to-face and guiding them through real homes in real neighborhoods. While embracing technology is crucial in today’s world—and at ACME, we use it strategically to benefit our clients—there’s no substitute for the energy of in-person connections. I thrive in those moments, showcasing properties firsthand and building genuine relationships that stand the test of time. That’s where I truly excel: out in the real world, making meaningful connections and selling beautiful homes!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://acme-re.com/agent/stefany-gonzalez/
- Instagram: @thearchitecturalagent
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefany.e.gonzalez
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefany-gonzalez-realtor/
- Other: Sign up for my newsletter!
Image Credits
Tina June Malek
Sam Wadieh
ACME Real Estate | Los Angeles Boutique Real Estate Brokerage