Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherrie Figueroa.
Sherrie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from Miami Beach, FL and first-generation born of Cuban immigrants. I visited Boulder 15 years ago and at the risk of sounding cliché, it was love at first sight…one month later I was driving across country from Florida to start a new life. I put myself through massage school by waiting tables and nannying during the day and studying at night. I come from an industrious family and was raised by a single my mom who in my eyes was the original independent woman and is responsible for the “momtrepreneur” spirit I carry today. After years of a successful massage therapy practice, meeting my now husband and having our first child, I realized I had reached a plateau in earning potential and decided to reach out of my comfort zone to create a better life for ourselves. At the same time, real estate in Boulder was experiencing rapid growth, and a friend in the business, Catherine Chipman (owner of Boulder Financial Realty) encouraged me to get a license and join her brokerage. In typical “Sherrie” fashion, I took an online class and within one month had passed the exams as was plunging head-first into an exciting new career. Catherine was an amazing mentor who took me under her wing and taught me her unique approach to real estate investing and the secret to being an exceptional agent: focusing on the win-win. The skills I mastered as a bodyworker oddly translated to holding space for my real estate clients, helping them manage the stress of a major transition, and diplomatically navigating negotiations while remaining grounded and present.
As I became established, I noticed my strengths were working with first time home buyers, particularly people who were relocating from out of state, and providing resources for them as they rooted into a new community. Drawing on the relationships I had developed living in Boulder for 15 years and being a part of many different sub-cultures (dance, yoga, healing modalities, parenting, business and networking groups, natural foods, etc.) I became a sort of liaison for people moving here. I realized the same reason that I fell in love with Boulder was the same reason others were migrating here: the incredible quality of life, the natural beauty, and rich textures that make Boulder truly special. I found myself wanting to tell the stories of the interesting people I knew personally, or that I have heard were creating a meaningful impact on the community. The Boulderista podcast became my creative way of highlighting Boulder’s movers and shakers, as well as the local traditions we are known for. Though it started as a marketing tool in my business and a fun way for my husband and I to work together to create content for people interested in Boulder, it began to take on a life of its own. It has now become a platform for the community itself to shine a spotlight on the many ways Boulder is a vortex of fresh ideas, paradigm shifts, and the evolution of consciousness. I feel fortunate to be a voice for them.
Has it been a smooth road?
My life has been interesting in that I have always followed a non-traditional path. I was raised in a dark period of history for Miami Beach in the 80’s. Stories of my childhood tend to sound like an episode of Miami Vice. My father was caught up in a certain lifestyle and absent during my elementary school years, and my mother was working long hours to support me and my little brother. Her drive and tenacity led me to believe early that women can be run over by this world OR choose to run this world. Luckily, and despite my surroundings, I was mostly an over-achieving and well-rounded nerd, and was able to come out of that chapter of my life seasoned, but not scarred.
My husband is a DJ and a producer and we decided when we starting having children (we have two now) that he would be a stay at home dad and play a more supportive role to me as the primary income earner. We both come from Latino cultures with strong patriarchal belief systems, so this was not easy for us to navigate. We got through it by committing to our family as a team, and honoring each other’s strengths and weaknesses, taking them into account when it was time to delegate tasks and make decisions. Having a partner that can support our vision and hold the space as we ventured into uncharted territory has an unbelievable gift. He is my anchor and my springboard. We are blessed that we get to work together to produce the podcast. Eric created the theme music and does all the editing. He is responsible for the excellent production quality and sound of every episode.
Starting a new career was the scariest thing I ever did. I was so afraid of what I did not know. Having an established female mentor who had also been a career mom was crucial for me to learn and grow in a supportive environment. It was again, a very non-traditional approach to learning, but I found the experience to be extremely valuable and rewarding, and encourage every young woman to seek out the advice of an elder, to build and nurture that relationship as you would your own business.
When I decided to start a podcast, I was terrified of putting myself out there. I am somewhat of a perfectionist and editing was a nightmare because I wanted every single word to sound just right. Working with your spouse has its own challenges, as we never seem to treat them with the same courtesy and respect as you would a co-worker (I am pointing the finger at myself here). Getting out of your comfort zone and getting out of your own way, trusting the process, and blindly believing in yourself is the best advice I can give to a woman making her own way. When you make it, turn around and pay it forward. Lift another up above the horizon of their lives for a peak at the wonder that is infinite potential.
Please tell us about The Boulderista Podcast.
I am super proud to have become a brand ambassador for the community of Boulder. I am lucky have had some incredible people in the studio: a professional triathlete, a Forbes top female entrepreneur, a biotech pioneer, a musician using his music to affect social change, a wilderness survivalist, just to name a few. I am honored to hold the space for them share their story and discover why they live in one of the happiest cities in America. The common denominator is always the same…its a vibe, a frequency, and we all have a part in creating it. I invite anyone out there curious about what make Boulder so special to listen in and find out.
Living in Boulder, the emphasis in on living the greatest version of your life, and your home is the highest representation of that lifestyle. From my perspective, a home search is about rooting into community and connecting to a neighborhood. I believe that should be attainable for everybody, whether you are searching for a starter home or an investment property. For clients, I am their authentic advocate, operating from integrity and in alignment of core values, such as mutual respect and stewardship for our community. I provide my client’s real data and sound advice to help them to make smart real estate investments. I empower them with resources to navigate all the important steps to closing, as well as keep them away from common mistakes such as overvaluing a property or waiving important inspections based on competition. I use both qualitative and intuitive tools to match people with properties, and then support them through the incredible emotional and psychological process of buying a home, making the goal of home-ownership a reality.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
I am blessed to have a tribe of women who consistently show up in the world in humbling and courageous ways, and that inspires me to do the same. Being an empath, I realize the importance of taking those moments to listen to that quiet voice within and to honor it, let it feel heard. We all should listen more to each other and to ourselves.
My mom and my Employing Broker Catherine have been huge role models for me in what it means to be a “Trailblazer”. I would also like to recognize my sister for being such an inspiration in the realm of creativity and stewardship. As an artist and an educator, she has encouraged me to nurture my dreams and to honor the creative process. She gave me the insight that ideas and thoughts live in the realm of potential… writing them down, speaking them out loud and taking action turns them into reality. It is that simple.
Strong women in history have empowered me along my journey: Frida Khalo, Michelle Obama, and Nora Ephron are role models that give me strength in moments of self-doubt. Through them I have learned the importance of find your voice, being vulnerable, and consistently showing up for yourself every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheBoulderista.com
- Phone: 303-523-8048
- Email: Sherrie@TheBoulderista.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theboulderista/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theboulderista/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/boulderista
Image Credit:
Eric Figueroa
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