Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Abreu.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From a very young age, I’ve always been very aware of my myself and curious of the environment around me. One of my fondest memories goes back to the day I officially moved to Florida as a four-year-old, and how excited and anxious I was to begin this new adventure. My mom had gotten married and within a day, my life went from just me and her in a tiny one-bedroom studio in busy Puerto Rico to living in what felt like a massive upgrade (I had my own room!), in a quiet apartment complex, with a whole new side to my family that I had never met, expected to speak a language I had never heard before. The night before my first day of pre-k, my stepdad gave me a quick little overview of important phrases and words to know. Right away, he tested me to make sure I had understood. He asked, “What’s your name?”, and I confidently answered “four years old!”. Then, “How old are you?” and I replied, “Ashley Michelle Abreu!” with the same confidence. It took a while to get the hang of the English language, but thanks to so many amazing teachers, books, and Disney movies, by second grade I was already reading at a fifth-grade level.
I love to tell that story because it reminds me of how far I’ve come, how capable I am, and how grateful I feel for all those who have influenced me to become the person I am today. The past few years have put me on a long journey of reflection and deep self-awareness, and I’ve come to accept that being a human is hard!! Life is a constant learning experience, and just like a book, each new chapter comes with new lessons, emotions, difficulties, and triumphs. Without sadness, we would never know happiness. Without sickness, we would never know how to truly appreciate health. This is something I have to remind myself every day. It’s so easy to get caught up in self-doubt and negativity, but we have to remind ourselves what we are capable of. Remember that one time you thought your world was crashing down? Look how far you’ve come since then, and be proud! I feel that everything that happens in life, good and bad, is the universe working to put you on your best path, but only if you allow it. Once you open yourself to nothing but positivity and love, your world starts to change.
The only things I can truly control is how I treat myself and others, and every day I make a conscious decision to do so with kindness and respect. Doesn’t it make perfect sense? Do good onto the world, and life will return the favor. I believe in the power of manifestation, but only when combined with discipline, consistency, and hard work.
My latest journey has brought me into the Real Estate world, and I am so excited of the potential, experiences, and growth headed my way. I’ve always wanted to be involved in a career that helps the community around me, and what better way than to help bring people into their dream home where they can feel proud, comfortable, and safe? One of my favorite quotes is, “The highest of distinctions is service to others”. My goal will always be to be a positive influence onto those around me by making a genuine impact, and I can’t wait to do so in this new chapter of my life.
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?
My biggest struggle has been learning how to deal with anxieties and how to be okay with rejection. Learning to have confidence in myself and my abilities, and not let any bumps in the road deter me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve been in the hospitality and customer service industry since I was 17 years old and never looked back. I started in retail, but quickly moved on to the restaurant industry, and have been there since. When I started serving, I admit I was in a place in life where I had difficulty standing up for myself, but with time and experience, I can say that I’ve definitely grown to have thick skin, while also becoming more aware of others and how to relate to them. Looking back, it feels like the perfect background set up for my new career as a realtor, which is heavily focused on relating to clients, being assertive, organized, and tough, especially in this market!
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I strongly believe that Covid has changed the world as we know it for generations to come, if not forever. It forced all humanity to come to a halt. For some people, it was longer than others, but nonetheless, normal everyday life was paused for everyone in some type of way. As an individual, it taught me to look inward, to remember to relax and give myself grace in times of stress, and to enjoy the gift of Mother Nature. I think back to when I was a child, and I remember seeing much more kids and adults outside. As I got older, I noticed it became more rare, until Covid. Covid brought so many people back outside including myself and it made such an impact on my mental health. Fresh air and sunlight is such an understated remedy for so many ailments, and I’m glad to have rediscovered the part of myself that enjoys it.
Pricing:
- Buyer/Seller Consultations are free
- my app is free, and one can sign up at aabreu.kw.com
Contact Info:
- Email: aabreu@kw.com
- Website: www.aabreu.kw.com
- Instagram: @ashabreu_realtor
