We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elizabeth Herremans a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Elizabeth, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
I grew up immersed in the world of competitive dance—it wasn’t just a hobby; it was my entire life. My first jobs all revolved around dance: teaching classes before I was even old enough for working papers, modeling for dance costume catalogs to showcase the latest trends, and assisting a dance school photographer.
As I got older, my passion drove me to audition for as many opportunities as I could. Once I was old enough to commute to NYC on my own, I’d take master classes and attend auditions regularly. I even spent my junior and senior years in a performing arts high school program before earning a scholarship to a performing arts college to chase my dreams.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned during that time was how to handle rejection. In the performing arts, rejection is inevitable—it’s simply part of the journey. Whether it came from being judged on stage and receiving performance feedback or walking into an audition and not getting the part because of something as immutable as my appearance, I grew from every experience.
I vividly remember auditioning for West Side Story on Broadway. While I knew what a “Jet” girl typically looked like—fair skin, light hair, and light eyes—they didn’t disclose that this was the role they were casting for until well into the audition. Though some might find that disheartening, I saw it as simply part of the process. It wasn’t personal; it was just “type casting,” a common reality in the performing arts.
What kept me grounded was a belief I still hold today: “God’s rejection is life’s protection.” Every missed opportunity led me to something better, and I trusted that everything happened for a reason. That mindset—taking rejection in stride and finding the lesson within it—has carried into my professional career. It’s helped me embrace feedback, focus on what I can control, and trust the path I’m on.
Elizabeth, 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’m Elizabeth, the founder of Birds Nesting, a luxury real estate brand with a focus on helping professional athletes and their families relocate seamlessly. My path into real estate was a natural extension of my background in the performing arts and my personal experience relocating with my husband who played in the NFL for 11 years. I understand the unique challenges athletes face during transitions—whether it’s finding the perfect home, navigating new communities, or managing the logistics of a move. I’m passionate about providing a tailored and comprehensive relocation experience that goes beyond just finding a property.
Through my work with SERHANT, I offer clients access to a network of luxury properties across the country, specializing in helping athletes transition into new markets. What sets me apart is my ability to not only offer luxury properties but to curate the entire relocation experience. From insights into the local community to assisting with renovation, interior design, or even logistics, I ensure that my clients are supported every step of the way.
In addition to real estate, I am a licensed cosmetologist with a focus on barbering, makeup, and women’s hairstyling. This background has shaped my attention to detail and my ability to create personalized, luxurious experiences, whether it’s finding a home or helping clients with beauty services.
What I’m most proud of in my career is the trust I’ve built with my clients. Over the years, I’ve developed strong relationships with athletes, coaches, and organizations, becoming a reliable resource for them. Whether it’s securing the right property, negotiating a deal, or assisting with a smooth move, my goal is always to ensure my clients feel supported.
What I want potential clients to know is that Birds Nesting is more than just a real estate service—it’s a partnership. I’m here to make your experience as seamless, personalized, and successful as possible. My unique combination of experiences in relocation, real estate, and cosmetology allows me to offer the very best to my clients, with a focus on what matters most to them.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One lesson I had to unlearn was related to some OCD-like habits tied to my type-A personality. I have always been the type to finish tasks before starting something new, but real estate has taught me that sometimes, juggling multiple things at once can actually lead to more action and results. I used to feel that each task needed to be completed before moving on to the next, but I’ve learned that in real estate, having several “irons in the fire” at once doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. It’s about learning to prioritize better and ensuring that each client gets the care and attention they deserve, all while managing multiple moving parts efficiently.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
I keep in touch with clients through a combination of personalized communication and strategic updates, ensuring they feel valued and supported long after a deal is closed. Whether it’s through hand-written notes, regular check-ins, or sharing relevant market updates, I make sure my clients know that they are always top of mind. I also use social media to stay connected, sharing insights about the real estate market, personal milestones, and tips for new homeowners.
Fostering brand loyalty is about building a real relationship with each client. I take the time to understand their unique needs and preferences, and I’m always available to answer questions or offer guidance—whether they are actively looking for a property or just need advice down the line. I also work to create memorable experiences, from helping clients settle into their new homes to offering curated recommendations for local services. My goal is to be a trusted resource for my clients, not just during their transactions, but throughout their journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.birdsnestingphl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsnestingphl/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-herremans-b828722a2/
- Twitter: https://x.com/birdsnestingphl
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BirdsNestingPHL