We were lucky to catch up with Alexia Assouline recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Alexia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
Don’t overthink it. Overthinking creates fear that holds you back from working toward your goal. That’s why young kids learning a sport often have a better chance of going pro than older ones—because as we grow, we tend to overanalyze our decisions. Don’t let that stop you. The only way to experience success is to try.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Alexia Assouline and I was born in Paris. I then did a quick stop in Casablanca, Morocco before heading to Los Angeles. I’ve always had a passion for design and homes in general. I ended up studying Hotel Management. Something about hotels caught my attention – a whole world operating in harmony under 1 roof. During my schooling I worked in fashion as a wholesale specialist for North America and went on to start my cleaning company to help me pay for college. It’s now been 10 YEARS! (I would’ve never thought) but it ended up just fitting. I picked a rare niche that focused on “Post Construction Cleaning” and just went for it. I was able to get my foot in the door and learn a lot about homes and construction. I then got my real estate license and here I am. Selling the homes, doing the renovations & CLEANING THEM. A whole world in harmony under 1 roof – in a different frame.
When the fires broke out in Malibu 2019/2020 my cleaning company was called in and we ended up being there for a year 6 days a week. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. We were doing homes with no water and no electricity. It was hard on the body and on the mind but it was an experience that taught me a lot about myself. A few months ago my company was suffering a lot, our clients were cutting budgets all around. The nightclubs we serviced were shutting down, the restaurants we cleaned weekly started cutting our days, our clients were canceling left and right. My cleaners all have kids and families to support and it’s definitely a struggle sometimes to make sure they are staying busy.
When the fires broke out last month we were called in again and most of my crews that had done Malibu with me were able to step up to the plate and start helping wherever we could, We ended up doing a numerous amount of homes that were not insured and a few free of charge thanks to this GOFUNDME I started with my friend to help out.
Today I go to Pasadena every morning from 7:30 am to around 11am to help my crews and then head home to shower and prepare for my second job, Selling homes :) Its hard work – its not easy to wake up at 6am everyday and my brain feels like its going to explode after 1 pm – but this is what it takes to get to the next level. I am learning every day to enjoy the climb, the small moments & the beauty of how much opportunity is out there if you just open your eyes.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My background in construction and having a cleaning company has really helped me. I just feel more knowledgable and a confident when running through a deal or even pre-deal. Knowing exactly what needs to be done to get it ready for move in on a deeper level than just esthetics.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Honestly – be nice. Be authentic don’t only tell me people what they want to hear. At first it’s hard to not sugar coat it, but later on people always come around. I think the general public is tired of being “sold” and they are looking or trustworthy which to me is honesty.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://assoulineestates.com
- Instagram: @assoulineestates
Image Credits
Isaure Loysel – main headshot