We recently connected with Bridget Papino and have shared our conversation below.

Bridget, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

As the founder of We Are Jersey and a real estate agent, I believe that the timing of my creative career has been just right. It’s often said that things happen when they are supposed to, and I truly believe that. Both my creative journey with We Are Jersey and my career in real estate have their unique paths and have unfolded organically.

Starting my creative career, celebrating the culture and talent of New Jersey through We Are Jersey, has allowed me to make a positive impact on the community and connect with incredible people. Simultaneously, my work in real estate has provided me with opportunities to help individuals find their dream homes and navigate the real estate market effectively.

By balancing these two aspects of my professional life, I’ve been able to enjoy the best of both worlds. I’ve had the opportunity to gain valuable experiences in various fields, and these experiences have shaped my career in a way that feels perfectly aligned with my goals and passions. So, rather than wishing I had started sooner or later, I’m grateful for the timing that has allowed me to grow and evolve in both my creative and real estate careers.

Bridget, 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?

About Myself: I’m Bridget Papino, and I wear two professional hats. I’m the passionate founder of We Are Jersey, a platform dedicated to celebrating the unique culture, talent, and history of the Garden State. I’m also a dedicated real estate agent, assisting clients in finding their dream homes and navigating the complexities of the real estate market.

Getting into the Creative and Real Estate Industries:
My journey into these two diverse fields has been a fascinating one. It began with my deep-rooted love for New Jersey and a desire to showcase the extraordinary talent and culture that often goes unnoticed in our state. Thus, I founded We Are Jersey as a way to bring local talent into the spotlight. My creative journey is all about promoting New Jersey’s best and celebrating its unique identity.

On the other hand, my venture into the real estate world was driven by my passion for helping individuals find their ideal homes. Real estate is about turning dreams into reality, and I find immense fulfillment in guiding clients through the intricate process of buying or selling properties.

Products/Services/Creative Works:

We Are Jersey: We Are Jersey provides a platform for promoting local artists, musicians, businesses, and cultural landmarks. We showcase the Garden State’s unique identity through articles, features, and events. Our services include event coordination, promotion, content creation, and community engagement initiatives.

Real Estate: As a real estate agent, I assist clients in buying, selling, and investing in real estate. I provide comprehensive market analysis, property search, negotiation, and transaction management services to ensure a seamless experience.

Problems We Solve:

We Are Jersey: We address the challenge of local talent going unnoticed by bringing their work to a broader audience. We promote local businesses and artists, fostering community engagement and support.

Real Estate: In the real estate field, we help clients navigate the complexities of the housing market, making the process of buying or selling a property as smooth and stress-free as possible.

What Sets Us Apart:
What truly sets me apart is the dual perspective I bring to both fields. I have a profound understanding of New Jersey’s culture, neighborhoods, and communities. This unique blend of experience allows me to provide a holistic approach to my clients and promote the state I love so dearly.

What I’m Most Proud Of:
I’m most proud of the positive impact We Are Jersey has had on our local community by giving talented individuals a platform to showcase their work. In real estate, I take pride in helping clients find their dream homes, a place where they’ll create cherished memories.

Main Things to Know:
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a deep passion for New Jersey, its people, and their aspirations. Whether through We Are Jersey or my real estate services, my goal is to create meaningful connections, celebrate local talent, and make the dream of home ownership a reality. I’m here to serve and support, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and share the beauty of the Garden State. Thank you for your interest in my journey and my commitment to our community!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative and artist through We Are Jersey is the opportunity to give voice and visibility to the rich tapestry of talent and culture within New Jersey. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment in promoting local artists, musicians, businesses, and cultural landmarks. It’s about celebrating the hidden gems, the undiscovered talents, and the stories that make the Garden State unique.

The ability to connect people, share their stories, and provide a platform for them to shine, and feel heard, is truly gratifying. We Are Jersey is a vessel for fostering community engagement, support, and a sense of pride in our local heritage. Witnessing the impact our work has on the lives of the individuals and businesses we feature is what drives me every day.

As a real estate agent, my creative perspective also plays a role in helping clients find their dream homes. It’s about turning aspirations into reality and creating spaces where families will make lasting memories. The joy on a client’s face when they find the perfect home is immeasurable.

In both realms, my creative journey is marked by the reward of making a positive impact, connecting with people, and enhancing the beauty and culture of New Jersey. It’s a continuous source of inspiration and fulfillment, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Non-creatives do often not understand what comes with the journey of being a creative. It is one thing to hear about it, but to witness it, be apart of it, and see the growth at the end shows us how beautiful it can really be.

The Creative Drive: Creatives are often driven by an innate need for self-expression and a unique perspective on the world. This drive is a core part of their identity, and it fuels their artistic endeavors. While non-creatives may view creative work as a hobby or a choice, for creatives, it’s a compulsion, as essential as breathing. This deep-rooted need to create can be challenging to understand for those who don’t share the same passion for self-expression through art.

Navigating Uncertainty: Creative journeys are marked by a significant degree of uncertainty and risk. The creative process often involves venturing into the unknown, taking chances, and embracing ambiguity. This willingness to explore uncharted territory can be unsettling for those who prefer structured and predictable paths. The acceptance of ambiguity and the ability to adapt to unexpected outcomes are integral to the creative experience.

The Emotional Roller Coaster: Creative work is an emotional journey with its highs and lows. The exhilaration of a breakthrough idea is balanced by moments of self-doubt and frustration when facing artistic challenges. The creative process can be mentally and emotionally taxing, and creatives often grapple with a complex array of emotions. These emotional fluctuations are part of what drives the creative process, and understanding this aspect of the journey is key to appreciating the world of creatives.

As a creative, I’m not perfect and I go through these all the time however just as they say there is always sunshine after the rain. You learn, adapt, and learn some more. If it is truly what you love, it will always be worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wearejerseyent.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jerseyqueen201
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-papino/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/jerseyqueen201
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreJersey

Image Credits
Photography by LacQuan Scott and Justin Harris