We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mellisa Valdivia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mellisa below.

Hi Mellisa, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk I’ve taken in my life relates directly to my current career path.
For the majority of my professional life—up until about two years ago—I dedicated myself entirely to building the success of other people’s businesses. I followed the rules, avoided risk, and worked tirelessly with the belief that hard work alone would eventually lead to success and fulfillment. However, as I climbed higher on the corporate ladder, I realized the opposite was happening: I was becoming increasingly unhappy.

In my ninth year with a major food service distributor, it became clear to me that I wasn’t on the right path—not for my own definition of success, and certainly not for happiness. Around that time, I was also going through a difficult marital separation and found myself at a personal low point. Fortunately, I had a close friend who was representing me in the purchase of my first home. She supported me tremendously during that time, and through the home-buying process, I discovered how much I enjoyed learning about real estate.

She encouraged me to pursue my real estate license, and although I was excited by the idea, I was also terrified to leave the stability of my corporate career. Still, I followed through—completed the courses, passed the exams, obtained my license, and ultimately left my secure job in sales and marketing to start building something of my own.

The past few years have been anything but easy. Growing and sustaining a real estate business requires immense effort, resilience, and self-motivation. I no longer have the financial security that came with a corporate paycheck. If I want something now, I have to earn it entirely on my own—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This has been the most rewarding risk I’ve ever taken. I’m challenged daily, but I also feel fulfilled and in control of my own destiny. My life is infinitely better running my own business, and despite the inevitable ups and downs, I have no regrets. This journey has reaffirmed that sometimes, the biggest risks lead to the most meaningful rewards.

Mellisa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always been dedicated to perfection, and for a long time, I saw that trait as a flaw. However, since transitioning into real estate, I’ve come to recognize it as one of my greatest strengths. Combined with my natural empathy, this quality has helped me build meaningful, lasting relationships with clients who value compassion and guidance.

Rather than focusing solely on the next transaction, I’ve worked hard to build a reputation rooted in integrity, care, and a genuine desire to help people through one of life’s most stressful experiences—finding a home. My goal is always to make the process as smooth and exciting as my own homebuying journey once was.

Over time, I’ve learned to redirect my pursuit of perfection into delivering exceptional service, while also embracing the importance of self-compassion. Today, I strive for perfection in kindness, empathy, and leadership. If I can show up for others with honesty and heart each day, I consider that a perfect day.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My life today is the result of a series of pivots in both career and personal growth. I am a divorced woman in my 40s who, over the past five years, has changed the course of my life by taking more risks and relying on my inner strength and determination.

For context: I was married for eight years, caring for my husband and son while managing a full-time career in sales and marketing with a major food service distributor. I thought my future was predictable—I believed I knew exactly how my life would unfold. But in 2021, everything shifted. My marriage ended, and I was forced to transition into an entirely new state of being.

Not long after, I made the bold decision to purchase my first home on my own. Going through that process—and accomplishing it independently—was transformative. I fell in love with real estate, and soon after moving into my new home, I began the journey of obtaining my Illinois Realtor License, all while working full time in a demanding role as Director of Sales and Marketing. The climb was steep, with long hours of study and sleepless nights, but in 2024 I achieved my goal and earned my license.

My next pivot was even bigger: leaving behind a 15+ year career in sales and marketing to redirect my drive and work ethic into building my own business. None of this had seemed possible before, but by facing challenges head-on, I proved to myself that I could create success through persistence and risk-taking.

Along the way, I have been fortunate to receive support from family, friends, and mentors, but ultimately, my journey has been shaped by the effort I’m willing to put in and the challenges I’m willing to embrace. Today, I’m moving full steam ahead—building my real estate business from the ground up, while also collaborating with a talented visual artist to develop a brand together, as art is my first love.

I feel deeply content with my ongoing growth and transitions. I approach every challenge with the mindset of finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems, and I am genuinely excited for what lies ahead.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

As I continue to build my businesses, I recognize that reputation is one of the most valuable assets I have. My guiding mantra has always been: do what comes naturally to you. I never try to be something I am not. By staying true to this approach, I ensure that my reputation remains positive and unwavering.

I treat everyone I encounter with respect and kindness, regardless of how I may be feeling on any given day. I do not project my challenges onto others; instead, I listen closely—not only to what people say but also to what they don’t—and I respond with intention. A friend recently told me, “You’re very good at giving space and intuitively reading what others need.” That was one of the best compliments I’ve ever received, because this ability allows me to connect deeply with others in ways not everyone can.

In real estate, this quality has been invaluable. It helps me guide clients naturally, moving through relationships by intuitively understanding their needs and responding with care. I know that the relationships I build are meaningful, not merely transactional. While money is necessary for survival, my approach is driven by a genuine desire to provide service the way I would want to receive it—not by the pursuit of a quick payday.

Because I respect and value my own time, I extend the same respect to others, and this principle carries into both my business and personal life, which often overlap. My reputation has led me to partnerships and relationships that align with my goals and happiness—an outcome that, to me, is priceless.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mvaldivia.starckre.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mellisavaldiviarealtor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mellisavaldiviarealtor
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mellisa-valdivia-a270a135/
• Other: https://www.zillow.com/profile/MellisaValdiviaRealtor

Image Credits

Mellisa Valdivia