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Meet Trailblazer Stephanie Vail

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Vail.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Stephanie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Sometimes I feel as if I’ve lived 100 lives, and in some ways I have. In 2010, I moved to Denver where I fell in love with the city. I moved here for a year of service and worked as an AmeriCorps member, which was an incredible introduction to the city. I learned about the city and the people here through a variety of social service programs and felt like I got a glimpse into the soul of the city through passionate people devoted to making a difference.

Service has always been important to me, even long before I served in AmeriCorps. Through that time, I also learned the value of education and opportunity and began a ten years career working in various educational roles that lead me to some of the greatest adventures, both near and far. Working as a contractor, my life was always open to adventure and new challenges- I lived in 8 different countries and worked with some of the most incredible people I could ever imagine, and yet- I could feel that Denver was calling me back.

When I decided to shift careers, I was deep in the work of defining my values: not just what they are, but how I lived them. The foundational work I did with Rock Your Bliss was vital during this time- as it allowed me to loosen what I thought ‘purpose’ meant in my life and allowed me to redefine it as I searched for what was next.

Real estate was the most unexpected surprise and turn in my life, but for it I am so grateful, and in some ways I feel like it chose me. It was important to me to find a role and a position that allowed me to show up exactly as I am. Knowing I am motivated, strategic and love to connect with others- it felt like a great fit, and so far I have been so incredibly happy with this leap of faith.

Has it been a smooth road?
Haha, does anyone ever respond that it has been a smooth road? Where would the fun be there?! =) Sometimes I think I am on eight different rollercoasters at once, just trying to hold on and ride the ups and downs- and I mean that in the best way possible. I thrive when I am busy and with this job there are endless opportunities for what you can do- one of the biggest lessons has been to recognize my boundaries and when it’s ok to step back for a minute.

A lot of people say they feel like they are born entrepreneurs, but I think I am a learned entrepreneur. Gathering information and inspiration from a variety of places along the way has helped me form my unique perspective and relatability, which helps in forming connections in this industry. But, as any entrepreneur will tell you- there comes a time when you fear what will happen next, where your next client is, how long between paychecks you may have to go, etc. But these are part of the ride and thrill of the job, so although it has been a ride- I wouldn’t change it and am not getting off anytime soon.

What lessons have you learned along the way?

Oh, I feel like I have learned so much. One of the best lessons I have learned so far is that I can do everything possible: educate, support, provide data and everything anyone could want- but I cannot control the outcome, and as soon as I release that control, I know I will always operate with my client’s best interest at heart.

Also- show up everyday. Show up in your life, to work and be intentional with the actions you take. Often we want to wait and “see what will happen” but when you decide to show up, you’re putting yourself in position for success.

Always invest in education- the more you can learn, the better off you are able to take care of yourself and others!

One that I am stepping into more now is be brave- challenge yourself in new ways and do not allow yourself to get too comfortable. I’m doing all I can now, and finally doing this interview is a great way for me to live that!

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Through my career as a realtor, my primary mission is to help anyone who wants to buy a home find that it is possible. There is also an incredibly low number of women who own homes on their own- I think the national number is 17% and I am on a mission to change that!

Working in residential real estate allows me to build incredible connections through my community here in Denver. I work hard on behalf of my clients from the beginning, long through the end to ensure that their experience is as smooth as possible. Depending on the client and their need/timeline, every decision that we make is tailored to their needs. Sometimes that means we hop in the car and go out for a bit of a market education, which means touring a variety of the neighborhoods and getting a feel for the unique vibe that each area offers. I will always operate and respond based on their needs and their timelines, and I prioritize being up to date and knowing the latest data and statistics so that we can be strategic, whether that is determining the best time to list their house for sale, in writing offers and making their goals come to life.

My role as a realtor serves as an educator and advocate on each of my client’s behalf. For me, that means that I am able to share the information in a way that is easier to digest and empower my clients to make the best decision for themselves- and advocate for them to ensure that when they make a decision on whether to buy or sell, I work tirelessly on behalf of them for their goals to come alive. I have a plant in a large coffee mug on my desk that reads, “Create your own calm” and I think that is vital within this industry.

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
Hmm, this is a good question. I think I learned a lot about responsibility and hard work from a pretty young age- my parents helped me see the value of working and I balanced two summer jobs and worked through the school year while playing sports and managing classes- which I think helps you learn how to prioritize and get to work when you need to put your head down.

My involvement volunteering around town also helped me gain empathy, compassion and learn how to form relationships and connections with a variety of people- something that I absolutely appreciate in adulthood.  I would also say I am also very optimistic, something I definitely get from my mama.

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Image Credit:
Melissa Markle; Jennifer Little (HEYDAY store) onthemovewithvail.com

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